Which type of research focuses primarily on exploring new ideas or insights?

Exploratory research is designed to investigate new ideas or insights when researchers have little prior knowledge about a topic. This type of research is particularly valuable in the early stages of exploring a research problem, as it focuses on gaining a deeper understanding of the subject matter rather than testing a specific hypothesis or measuring variables in a quantifiable manner. It often involves qualitative methods such as interviews, focus groups, or open-ended surveys, allowing researchers to gather rich, detailed information that can lead to the formulation of more specific research questions or hypotheses.

In contrast, descriptive research is primarily aimed at providing a snapshot of a situation or phenomenon, often quantifying aspects of the subject matter without delving deeply into understanding underlying motivations or reasons. Causal research, on the other hand, seeks to identify cause-and-effect relationships between variables, which requires a more structured approach than exploratory research. Quantitative research focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis, often to test hypotheses rather than explore new ideas. Therefore, exploratory research stands out as the correct choice for a primary focus on generating new insights.