Research Reviews

My eyes are now open to so many different ways of approaching research methods.

Firstly, I looked to Wikipedia and its definition of Research Methods

"The goal of the research process is to produce new knowledge, which takes three
main forms (although, as previously discussed, the boundaries between them may
be fuzzy):
Exploratory research, which structures and identifies new
problems
Constructive research, which develops solutions to a problem
Empirical research, which tests the feasibility of a solution using
empirical evidence


The research room at the New York Public Library,
an example of secondary research in progress.
Research can also fall into
two distinct types:
Primary research
Secondary research
Research is
often conducted using the hourglass model Structure of Research[1]. The
hourglass model starts with a broad spectrum for research, focusing in on the
required information through the methodology of the project (like the neck of
the hourglass), then expands the research in the form of discussion and results. "- Wikipedia

These are other stuff I synthesized from the web.

Action Research

Action research is a reflective process of progressive problem solving led by
individuals working with others in teams or as part of a "community of practice" to improve the way they
address issues and solve problems. - Wikipedia

“a comparative research on the conditions and effects of various forms of social action and research leading to social action” that uses “a spiral of steps, each of which is composed of a circle of planning, action, and fact-finding about the result of the action”. - Kurt Lewin, MIT Professor

Poetic Research - The ability of the mind to create associative thinking, resulting in creative and unique results. A great video that talks more about this is here.

Vilayanur Ramachandran on your mind Video on TED.com


Interviews & Focus Groups - a very basic qualitative form of research concentrating on the target market's psychological, physiological and emotional profile. Usually best to do it on a one to one basis as trendsetters tend to influence the group within the focus group sessions.

Content Analysis - Used to discover concepts and ideas within writing. What we read is deconstructed into its core idea to understand the message of the author.