Research can be classified from a variety of ways and viewpoints. According to the analysis approach, researches are divided into two kinds:
1. Quantitative Research
Research with quantitative emphasizes the analysis of numerical data (numbers) that are processed with statistical methods. Basically quantitative approach is done to inferential study (in order to test the hypothesis) and rests the conclusion result in an error probability of null hypothesis rejection.
2. Qualitative Research
Research with qualitative approach emphasizes more the analysis in the process of deductive and inductive inference, and in the analysis of the dynamics of the relationship among the observed phenomenon, using scientific logic.
When it is seen from the depth of analysis, types of research are divided into:
1. Descriptive Research
Descriptive research analyzes only to some descriptions, it analyzes and presents facts systemically so that it can be easier to be understood and concluded.
2. Inferential Research
Inferential research analyzes the relationship among the variables with hypothesis testing. Thus the conclusion of the study is far beyond any quantitative data presentation.
Seen from the characteristics of the problem based on the functional categories, research can be classified into several types as described by Isaac and Michael (1976):
1. Descriptive Research
Descriptive research aims to describe the systematic and accurate facts and characteristics of the population or a particular field. This study tries to describe an event, for example, survey research.
2. Developmental Research
This research aims to study the pattern and sequence of development and / or change, in line with the ongoing change in time. The implementation can be done longitudinal and cross-sectional.
3. Case Study and Field Research
The purpose of this research is intensively studying the background, current status, and environmental interactions that occur in a social unit.
4. Correlational Research
Correlational research aims to investigate the extent of the variation in one variable related to variations in one or more other variables, based on the correlation coefficient. With correlational study, researchers can obtain information about the extent of the relationship, not on the presence or absence of effect on one variable to another variable.
5. Causal-Comparative Research
Basically, causal-comparative research is "ex post facto", meaning that data is collected after all the events noted happen. Then the researchers choose one or more effects (dependent variable) and test the data by retracing time, looking for the cause, seeing relationships, and understanding the meaning.
6. Pure Experimental Research
This research is purely done to examine the possibility of a causal relationship among the variables by means of exposing the experimental group on some kinds of treatment conditions and comparing the result with one or more control groups that are not the subject of treatment.
7. Quasi Experimental Research
This study copies pure experimental research conditions as closely as possible but not all relevant variables can be controlled and manipulated. Researchers should be fully aware of the limitations of this study and how much the internal and external validity.
