What is the aim of exploratory research?

The aim of exploratory research is primarily to gain a deeper understanding of relatively unknown or unclear phenomena. It is characterized by its open-ended nature, where researchers seek to explore ideas, generate hypotheses, or discover insights without the constraints of predefined expectations or specific predictions. This approach is particularly useful when the topic is not well understood, allowing researchers to identify patterns, themes, or new areas of inquiry that might warrant further investigation.

By engaging in exploratory research, researchers can formulate questions and develop possible explanations based on their findings, setting the stage for future studies that can test specific predictions or quantify relationships between variables later on. This flexibility and openness to discovering new insights are what make exploratory research distinct and valuable in the early stages of inquiry into a topic.