What are the main types of business research designs?

The main types of business research designs are exploratory, descriptive, and causal. Exploratory research is used to investigate a problem or situation that is not well-defined, allowing researchers to gain insights and develop hypotheses. Descriptive research, on the other hand, aims to provide a detailed account of business phenomena, describing characteristics or functions within a specific context without manipulating variables. Causal research is utilized to identify cause-and-effect relationships, helping to determine whether one variable directly influences another.

This classification is fundamental in business research as it helps researchers choose the appropriate design based on their objectives. Exploratory research focuses on understanding the "why" behind phenomena, descriptive research answers "what" or "how many," while causal research explores "if" one variable has a direct impact on another. Understanding these distinctions allows researchers to create more effective studies that can yield actionable insights for organizations. Other options may mention different combinations of research types, but they do not encapsulate the essential relational structure of how research designs interact to inform decisions in business contexts.