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Topic 1.2 of Introduction to Research

Types of Research

Fundamental vs applied, qualitative vs quantitative, and experimental vs observational research -- three independent scales every study sits on.

~25 min total·4 quadrants of structured content

By the end of this topic, you will

Distinguish fundamental research from applied research
Distinguish qualitative research from quantitative research
Explain why an observational study cannot support a causal claim the way an experimental one can
Place a given research question correctly on the fundamental/applied and qualitative/quantitative grid

Quadrant 1 · e-Tutorial

Video lectures and walkthroughs

Quick Bite

Quadrant 2 · e-Content

Articles and case studies

research-methodology

Types of Research

Fundamental or applied? Qualitative or quantitative? Experimental or merely observational? Most studies sit on all three scales at once -- and confusing observational data with an experiment is one of the most common mistakes in security research.

8 min read

Quadrant 3 · Web Resources

Downloadable material and curated external links

Web resources coming soon.

Quadrant 4 · Self-Assessment

Test your knowledge — earn a certificate on first pass

Assessment coming soon.