What is the primary goal of exploratory research?

The primary goal of exploratory research is to investigate a problem with little initial information. This type of research is conducted when the researcher is unsure about the exact nature of the issue or when there is limited existing literature. Exploratory research allows for the gathering of insights and understanding of the context surrounding the problem. This process may involve qualitative methods such as interviews or focus groups, as well as quantitative methods like pilot studies, to generate new ideas and hypotheses.

The emphasis on gathering information and exploring different dimensions of a problem helps in forming a foundation for further research. Through exploratory research, researchers can identify variables, establish priorities, and develop research designs for subsequent studies that might be more conclusive or descriptive in nature. This step is crucial in the research process because it can guide future research directions.

In contrast, other options like making predictions or summarizing existing data involve more definitive and structured approaches, which go beyond the exploratory phase. Establishing causal links is also a more advanced objective that typically arises after exploratory research has generated sufficient knowledge about the variables involved.