Exploratory Procedures: An Overview
Exploratory procedures are used to explore and investigate the unknown or to gain a better understanding of a phenomenon. In the field of research, exploratory procedures are used to collect data that can be used to form hypotheses, theories, or models. This article will provide an overview of exploratory procedures and discuss their use in research.
Exploratory procedures are approaches used to investigate and explore the unknown. They are used to gather information that can then be used to generate theories, hypotheses, and models. Examples of exploratory procedures include observation, interviews, surveys, and focus groups.
Observation is a procedure used to gather information by observing and noting behaviors in a natural setting. Interviews involve asking questions to gain an understanding of a person’s feelings, motivations, and opinions. Surveys are used to collect information from a large group of people. Focus groups are used to gain insight from a small group of people.
Exploratory procedures are often used in qualitative research to gain a deeper understanding of a phenomenon. Qualitative research relies on exploratory procedures to generate data that can be used to form hypotheses and theories. The data collected through exploratory procedures can also be used to inform quantitative research, which relies on numerical data to test hypotheses and theories.
Exploratory procedures are important in research because they allow researchers to gain an understanding of a phenomenon before undertaking further research. Exploratory procedures can also provide insight into topics that are not well understood.
In conclusion, exploratory procedures are used to explore and investigate the unknown or to gain a better understanding of a phenomenon. Examples of exploratory procedures include observation, interviews, surveys, and focus groups. Exploratory procedures are used in qualitative research to generate data that can be used to form hypotheses and theories. Exploratory procedures are important in research as they allow researchers to gain an understanding of a phenomenon before undertaking further research.
References
Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Glesne, C., & Peshkin, A. (1992). Becoming qualitative researchers: An introduction. White Plains, NY: Longman.
Tashakkori, A., & Teddlie, C. (Eds.). (2018). Sage handbook of mixed methods in social & behavioral research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.