EXPLORATORY RESEARCH

INTRODUCTION:  This is when a study is undertaken with the objective either to explore an area where little is known or to investigate the possibilities of undertaking a particular research study. When a study is carried out to determine its feasibility it is also called a feasibility or pilot study.  It is usually carried out when a researcher wants to explore areas about which s/he has little or no knowledge. A small-scale study is undertaken to decide if it is worth carrying out a detailed investigation.

On the basis of the assessment made during the exploratory study, a full study may eventuate. Exploratory studies are also conducted to develop, refine and/or test measurement tools and procedures.  Although, theoretically, a research study can be classified  as exploratory like described above, in practice, most studies are a combination of three aspects; they contain elements of descriptive, correlational and explanatory research.

 

RELATED;

1.  HOW TO WRITE A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

2.  COMPONENTS OF A MEDICAL RESEARCH PROPOSAL

3.  THE RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMET

4.  RESEARCH METHODOLOGY