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Types of Research
Research Solutions Ltd specialises in primary research but is also able to provide secondary information in some circumstances. The main methods of collecting data are:
Desk Research
This is the process of collecting together secondary data. A desk research project assumes at the outset that information already exists in a readily available form. Sources of data could include government or NGO published statistics, import/export figures, sales records and accounting records.
Qualitative Research
This type of research is exploratory and interpretative rather than descriptive and works with relative small numbers of people. It does not use structured questionnaires and findings cannot be analysed statistically. It deals with less tangible and measurable topics and allows for close examination of motives, perceptions, beliefs and attitudes. Data is collected through:
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Focus Group Discussions
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Mini-Groups
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In-Depth Interviews
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Observation
Quantitative Research
As the term suggests, quantitative studies deal with large numbers of people, using a structured questionnaire with results analysed using mathematical and statistical techniques. As the name suggests, quantitative research allows us to measure in numerical forms certain aspects of human behaviour or conditions. The results can then be projected to the population as a whole. Data can be collected in a number of ways including:
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Face to Face Interviews
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Self Completion Interviews
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Telephone Interviews
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Business to Business Interviews
