User:Sydneywishnow/sandbox

Exploratory research is "the preliminary research to clarify the exact nature of the problem to be solved." It is used to ensure additional research is taken into consideration during an experiment as well as determining research priorities, collecting data and honing in on certain subjects which may be difficult to take note of without exploratory research.

Exploratory research can add quality and insightful information to a study, and is vital to a study. Exploratory research allows for the researcher to be creative in order to gain the most amount of insight on a subject. Next, an outside audience will be used for this research, so it is a good opportunity for the researcher to know what works or what is not a productive method to use. Third, it allows for a better understanding on what a research team's objectives should be throughout the duration of a project. Having this information in mind will be beneficial to anyone conducting research from outside sources.

Regardless of what field research needs to be done in, exploratory research can be used in a multitude of fields. However, as a result of this it is important to acknowledge how the different fields will impact any research that will be conducted. Comparing and contrasting different techniques, such as secondary research, discussions, or qualitative research through focus groups, surveys or case studies will be useful to observe.

Focus groups may be the most commonly used practiced that is associated with exploratory research, as it provides an educational component for researchers. Take for example, a focus group among elementary schoolers who are offered a healthy school lunch, one with fruits, vegetables and grains; and another school lunch which is filled with unhealthy alternatives and additives. By asking them a few simple questions researchers have the ability to see through these variables why someone is interested in a certain choice, and how that may affect them. Students who ate healthier lunches were more likely to be productive for the rest of the school day, while students eating the sugary and artificial lunch had more trouble focusing.