Conclusive Research
Conclusive research design, as the name implies, is applied to generate findings that are practically useful in reaching conclusions or decision-making. In this type of studies research objectives and data requirements need to be clearly defined. Findings of conclusive studies usually have specific uses. Conclusive research design provides a way to verify and quantify findings of exploratory studies.
Conclusive research design usually involves the application of quantitative methods of data collection and data analysis. Moreover, conclusive studies tend to be deductive in nature and research objectives in these types of studies are achieved via testing hypotheses.
The table below illustrates the main differences between conclusive and exploratory research design:
| Factor | Conclusive | Exploratory |
| Objectives | To test hypothesis and relationships | To get insights and understanding |
|
Characteristics |
Information needs a clearly defined Research process is formal and structured
Large representative sample Data analysis is quantitative |
Information needs are loosely defined
Research process is unstructured and flexible Small, non-representative sample Primary data analysis is qualitative |
| Findings | Conclusive | Only tentative |
| Outcome | Findings used as input to decision making | Generally followed by further exploratory conclusive research |
Main differences between conclusive and exploratory research design
It has to be noted that “conclusive research is more likely to use statistical tests, advanced analytical techniques, and larger sample sizes, compared with exploratory studies. Conclusive research is more likely to use quantitative, rather than qualitative techniques”[1]. Conclusive research is helpful in providing a reliable or representative picture of the population through the application of valid research instrument.
The following are the main benefits of conclusive studies:
- Provides Definitive Answers. Offers clear and conclusive evidence to support or refute hypotheses.
- Establishes Causal Relationships. Identifies the factors that influence or cause specific outcomes.
- Generalizable Findings. Facilitates the application of research findings to real-world settings and broader contexts.
- Advances Scientific Knowledge. Contributes significantly to the existing body of knowledge in a particular field.
- Informs Decision-Making. Provides evidence-based support for policy decisions and interventions.
Conclusive research design can be divided into two categories: descriptive research and causal research.
Descriptive research is used to describe some functions or characteristics of phenomenon and can be further divided into the following groups:
- Case study;
- Case series study;
- Cross-sectional study;
- Longitudinal study;
- Retrospective study.
Causal research, on the other hand, is used to research cause and affect relationships. Two popular research methods for causal studies are experimental and quasi-experimental studies.
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John Dudovskiy
[1] Nargundkar, R. (2008) “Marketing Research: Text and Cases”, Tata McGraw-Hill Educational, p.39