Types of Research

The following are examples of different types of research. People may define or label these types in
slightly different ways. They are not mutually exclusive and may overlap or be used in combination
with each other.

Basic Research
Basic scientists seek answers to fundamental questions in the biology or pathogenesis of a
phenomenon, process or disease. Basic science research provides the broad base of knowledge that
underlies and is necessary for developing solutions to recognized medical problems. It is often
conducted in controlled, laboratory settings. It may be undertaken for the sole purpose of advancing
knowledge or to make discoveries in specified areas that will have applied value.

Clinical Research
Clinical research is often defined as research conducted with human subjects and which utilizes both a
randomized selection process and a control group. However, it actually includes any research that
involves interaction with human subjects in any way and is designed to change human behavior or
outcomes. It can be conducted in a variety of settings, not just in a controlled laboratory. There are
many different types of clinical research.

Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are designed to determine whether new or current interventions are both safe and
effective for changing outcomes in humans. They use existing knowledge gained from basic research
or practical experience for the purpose of creating new or improved products, processes, or practices.
There are different types of clinical trials, although they all generally utilize randomized selection and
a control group (RCT). Clinical trials are conducted in four phases, which are:
 In Phase I trials, researchers test a new drug or treatment in a small group of people (20-80) for
the first time to evaluate its safety, determine a safe dosage range, and identify side effects.
 In Phase II trials, the study drug or treatment is given to a larger group of people (100-300) to
see if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety.
 In Phase III trials, the study drug or treatment is given to large groups of people (1,000-3,000)
to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it to commonly used treatments, and
collect information that will allow the drug or treatment to be used safely.
 In Phase IV trials, post-marketing studies delineate additional information including the drug's
risks, benefits, and optimal use.
More in-depth information on clinical trials can be found at the following websites:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/clinicaltrials.html#nlmnihresources
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct

Epidemiological Research
Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states, disease, and
events in populations and the application of this study to the control of health problems. It answers
questions about who gets diseases, why, and determinants of risk. It focuses on groups of people rather
than individuals, and studies those who are healthy as well as those who are sick in order to determine
crucial differences between the two groups.

C. Luz, PhD, MSU-CHM, luz@msu.edu

 Health Services Research
Health services research is the multidisciplinary field of scientific investigation that studies how social
factors, financing systems, organizational structures and processes, health technologies, and personal
behaviors affect access to health care, the quality and cost of health care, and ultimately our health and
well-being. The main goals of health services research are to identify the most effective ways to
organize, manage, finance, and deliver high quality care; reduce medical errors; and improve patient
safety. Its research domains are individuals, families, organizations, institutions, communities, and
populations.

Policy Analysis
Policy analysis refers to research on a fundamental social problem and its related public policies.
Analysts are interested in the process by which policies are adopted as well as their effects and usually
provide policymakers with briefings and pragmatic, action-oriented recommendations.

Evaluation Research
Evaluation research involves the systematic collection of information to provide understanding of
program processes or outcomes, and to support decision-making about the program. Formative or
process evaluations focus on the quality of program implementation, whereas summative or outcome
evaluations focus on the end-products of program implementation. Evaluation research uses
experimental and quasi-experimental designs to gather evidence about the value of a program. In
measuring program value, both quantitative and qualitative information collection strategies are
commonly employed.
Educational Evaluation
Educational evaluation is a specialized sub-discipline of evaluation research, and refers to the
implementation of strategies designed to collect systematic information about individuals (e.g.,
learners, educators), or groups (e.g., courses, academic programs). The purpose of educational
evaluation is to support decision making by faculty and administrators by gathering reliable and valid
information. Educational evaluation employs both qualitative and quantitative methods, and has
traditionally focused on knowledge, skills and attitudes. More recently, educational evaluations have
focused on questions related to institutional missions, long-term outcomes as well as teaching and
learning related to complex competencies.

Survey Research
Conducting a survey is actually a method of data collection used in multiple types of research. People
are generally asked questions, either through standardized questionnaires, in-depth interviews, or focus
groups. Surveys are generally administered to a scientifically selected sample, although sometimes
they are taken from an entire population, such as in the decennial U.S. census. They are used to
ascertain beliefs, attitudes, opinions, behaviors, needs, abilities, social status, and other aspects of
peoples' lives. Data are used to describe individuals, estimate population parameters, and discern
relationships between what people think, how they act, and the circumstances in which they live.

Analysis of Secondary Data

Secondary data analyses use data that have already been collected; that the researcher was not
responsible for collecting or it was collected for a different problem than the one currently under
analysis. Secondary data may be available which are entirely appropriate and wholly adequate to draw
conclusions and answer a research question. Sometimes primary data collection is not necessary.
Secondary data analyses can be cheaper, less time-consuming, and more accurate than collecting
primary data.

C. Luz, PhD, MSU-CHM, luz@msu.edu