Explanatory vs. Exploratory

Attribute	Explanatory	Exploratory
Goal	To explain relationships between variables	To discover new patterns or relationships
Method	Testing hypotheses	Exploratory data analysis
Outcome	Confirmation or rejection of hypotheses	Identification of new research questions
Use of existing data	Often uses existing data sets	May involve collecting new data

Definition

Explanatory research aims to explain the relationship between variables, while exploratory research seeks to explore new ideas and generate hypotheses. Explanatory research is often used to test causal relationships, while exploratory research is more focused on understanding a phenomenon in depth.

Purpose

The purpose of explanatory research is to provide a clear explanation of why certain events occur, while exploratory research aims to uncover new insights and ideas. Explanatory research is often used in social sciences to test theories, while exploratory research is common in fields like marketing to identify new trends.

Methodology

Explanatory research typically involves the use of quantitative methods, such as surveys and experiments, to test hypotheses and establish causal relationships. Exploratory research, on the other hand, often uses qualitative methods, such as interviews and focus groups, to gather in-depth insights and generate new ideas.

Scope

Explanatory research is more focused and specific, aiming to answer a particular research question or test a specific hypothesis. Exploratory research, on the other hand, is broader in scope and aims to explore a topic from different angles and perspectives.

Timeframe

Explanatory research is often conducted after exploratory research has been completed, as it builds on the insights and ideas generated during the exploratory phase. Exploratory research is usually the first step in the research process and can take longer to complete than explanatory research.

Application

Explanatory research is commonly used in academic research to test theories and hypotheses, while exploratory research is often used in business settings to identify new opportunities and trends. Both types of research are valuable in their own right and can complement each other in a research project.