METHODOLOGY OF SCIENTIFIC WORK: TYPES AND CLASSIFICATIONS OF RESEARCH

Abstract

The methodology of scientific work refers to the set of procedures and techniques that guide the production of knowledge in a systematic, organized, and well-founded way. In this context, understanding the different types and classifications of scientific research is essential for the development of consistent and methodologically adequate academic studies. This article aims to discuss the main classifications of scientific research, highlighting their theoretical foundations and applications in the academic field. Research can be classified according to different criteria. Regarding its nature, it can be basic, when it seeks to expand theoretical knowledge, or applied, when it focuses on solving practical problems in reality (Gil, 2008). In relation to objectives, exploratory, descriptive, and explanatory research stand out, differing in the level of depth of the phenomenon investigated and the purposes of the study (Gil, 2008; Severino, 2017). Regarding technical procedures, research can take different forms, such as bibliographic, documentary, field, case study, or experimental, depending on the strategies used for data collection and analysis (Marconi; Lakatos, 2017). Furthermore, regarding the approach to the problem, research can be qualitative, quantitative, or mixed, according to the methods and techniques employed in the investigation (Creswell, 2014). Therefore, understanding the different classifications of scientific research contributes to the selection of methods appropriate to the object of study, ensuring greater methodological rigor, validity of results, and contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge.