Exploratory research is undertaken when the researcher has limited prior information about a problem situation. Its purpose is to gain familiarity, clarify concepts and identify promising directions for more structured studies. Rather than testing precise hypotheses, it helps generate them through flexible methods like informal interviews, case studies or pilot surveys. Therefore, exploration and idea generation lie at the heart of this design.
Option A:
Option A refers to hypothesis testing with large samples, which corresponds more to conclusive or explanatory research than exploratory work. Exploratory studies are usually small scale and flexible.
Option B:
Option B correctly describes exploratory research as focused on relatively unknown problem areas and aimed at producing insights, questions and tentative hypotheses. It emphasizes that the goal is conceptual and preparatory, not definitive testing or precise measurement.
Option C:
Option C talks about measuring the exact magnitude of a well defined phenomenon, which is more characteristic of descriptive or conclusive research rather than exploratory work.
Option D:
Option D stresses causal relationships and high control, which are features of experimental or explanatory designs rather than exploratory ones.
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