Question

Research designs may be broadly classified as _________ or _________

• A. exploratory; causal
• B. conclusive; causal
• C. exploratory; conclusive
• D. conclusive; descriptive

Hint:

At the top level, research design is either exploratory (flexible) or conclusive (structured: descriptive/causal).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Research design classification.
- Exploratory research: Open-ended, flexible, aims to gain insights (e.g., qualitative studies).
- Conclusive research: Structured, quantitative, aims to test hypotheses and make decisions.
Step 2: Eliminate wrong options.
- (a) Wrong: “Causal” is a sub-type of conclusive research, not a broad category.
- (b) Wrong: Same reason — “causal” is specific, not broad.
- (d) Wrong: “Descriptive” is also a sub-type of conclusive research. \[ \boxed{(c)} \]