Criteria for Identifying the Type of Research: Gaps and Contributions from a Holistic Understanding of Science

Abstract

The classification of research types is a fundamental methodological component. However, the classification systems available in the methodological literature present conceptual and logical limitations that affect the quality of the research process. This article analyzes seven classifications of research types published between 1995 and 2012, according to four criteria: clarity of the classification criterion, scope of the classification, coherence of the categories, and conceptual precision. The analysis shows that most systems do not make the classification criterion explicit, none covers the full range of degrees of knowledge, all involve some form of mixing between the type of research and other methodological components, and include overlapping and non-exhaustive categories. The article presents the classification system based on the holistic understanding of science, which uses the degree of complexity of knowledge—derived from the general objective—as the single and explicit classification criterion. This system defines ten types of research: exploratory, descriptive, analytical, comparative, explanatory, predictive, projective, interactive, confirmatory, and evaluative. These types meet the conditions of exhaustiveness, exclusivity, and conceptual clarity required of a rigorous classification system. The logical and methodological implications of this principle for the coherence of research are discussed.