Science Research Methods - Essay Example

Descriptive research is a scientific research technique where a subject’s behavior is observed and described without manipulating it in any way (Shuttleworth, 2008). An example of this would be an anthropologist who would study a unique cultured tribe without disturbing their normal behavior in any way or a market researcher studying the uninterrupted consumer behavior at a particular store anonymously.  The descriptive method is accepted for researching explicit subjects and often acts as an originator to more quantitative studies. There are however some valid issues relating to the statistical validity (as no variables are influenced the results are questionable and can be interpreted differently). With awareness of these limitations, this type of research is an instrumental scientific tool that is desirable for performing no research at all.

Historical Research
It is “a procedure supplementary to observation in which the researcher seeks to test the authenticity of the reports or observations made by others”. (James, 1997). In other words, historical research examines past events or blends of events to arrive at an explanation of what has occurred in the past. This method involves secondary information sources and therefore relies heavily on their validity and credibility. An example can be to search for a theory that best explains a sudden economic crisis.  A literature review on a particular research is also categorized as historical. Therefore is a widely used and accepted method that is essential to all sorts of research studies.

Correlational Research
A correlational study is designed to decide whether two variables are correlated or not. In other words, it studies whether a decrease or an increase in one variable corresponds to an increase or decrease in the other variable. (Kalla, 2011). An illustration is whether the level of foreign direct investment (FDI) and gross domestic product (GDP) of a country are correlated. Typically there can be three types of results; positive (both variables increase or decrease simultaneously), negative (when one variable increases the other decreases and vice versa), or no correlation (the variables are independent). An important fact in this type of research is that correlation doesn’t imply causation i.e. (from our example) FDI growth doesn’t necessarily cause GDP growth if they are positively correlated, other factors may be involved. Thus it cannot be used to prove or determine causation for a research.

Experimental Research method
This method is an attempt by the researcher to sustain control over all elements that may affect the result of an experiment. Thereby, the researcher endeavors to determine or predict what may follow. (James, 1997).  Therefore it is considered as the best method and the only fully compelling method of establishing causation. (Moore & McCabe, 1993). Examples would be researching the success rate of a particular drug in curing an illness; and the effects of sunlight on the growth of plants. Experimental research however by nature can be very artificial, complicated, and expensive, but it is the most accepted mode of study by all disciplines as statistically verifiable.

Summary
A research method gives course and organizes the research and the method of choice will affect the findings and the conclusion of your research.  The choice of the method typically depends on the aim of the research, feasibility of collecting the data, validity, and reliability of the sources and information (data), the ethical aspect of the research, past literature on the subject, and finally the cost. (Experiment Resources, 2008)  

Figure 1 gives you the concise objective of the research methods discussed in this paper and will be helpful in the selection of the best suited for the research aimed.

Research Method/Design

Objective/ Aim

Descriptive

Observe and describe

Historical

Explain

Correlational

Predict

Experimental

Determine causes/predict

Figure 1 Research methods differentiated