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Free download from www.hsrcpress.ac.zaEXPLORATORY STUDIESAs clearly indicated in the term, the goal which is pursued in exploratorystudies is the exploration of a relatively unknown research area. The aims ofsuch studies may vary quite considerably. They may be:- to gain new insights into the phenomenon;- to undertake a preliminary investigation before a more structured study ofthe phenomenon;- to explicate the central concepts and constructs;- to determine priorities for future research;- to develop new hypotheses about an existing phenomenon.In their book on research methodology, Selltiz et al. emphasize three methodsby means of which exploratory research may be conducted:(i) a review of the related social science and other pertinent literature,(ii) a survey of people who have had practical experience of the problem to bestudied,(iii) an analysis of “insight-stimulating” examples.Because exploratory studies usually lead to insight and comprehension ratherthan the collection of accurate and replicable data, these studies frequentlyinvolve the use of in-depth interviews, the analysis of case studies, and the useof informants. Hypotheses tend to be developed as a result of such research,rather than the research being guided by hypotheses. The most importantresearch design considerations which apply here are, the need:(i) to follow an open and flexible research strategy, and(ii) to use methods such as literature reviews, interviews, case studies, andinformants, which may lead to insight and comprehension.The best guarantee for the completion of an exploratory study is to be found inthe researcher’s willingness to examine new ideas and suggestions and to beopen to new stimuli. The major pitfall to avoid is allowing preconceived ideasor hypotheses to exercise a determining influence on the direction or nature ofthe research.DESCRIPTIVE STUDIESThe spectrum of descriptive studies includes a large variety of types ofresearch. On the one hand, it is possible to emphasize the in-depth descriptionof a specific individual, situation, group, organization, tribe, sub-culture,interaction, or social object. On the other hand, one may emphasize thefrequency with which a specific characteristic or variable occurs in a sample. Adistinction may also be drawn between descriptive studies with a contextualinterest (see the next section on research strategy) and descriptive studies witha more general interest. This distinction is also closely related to the distinctionwhich may be drawn between qualitative and quantitative research.43