Final answer:
Exploratory research is typically an early step in the research process, aimed at broadly exploring a topic before detailed hypotheses are formed. It serves to identify potential patterns, leading to more focused, hypothesis-driven research. Interpretive research, which is more descriptive, is part of exploratory research.
Step-by-step explanation:
Exploratory research is often conducted early in the research process rather than late. This type of research is foundational and typically occurs before formulating a specific hypothesis or experimental approach. Its primary purpose is to explore the subject at a broader level to identify patterns, ideas, or hypotheses.
Interpretive research is a subset of exploratory research that tends to be more descriptive or narrative.
Existing information can be of great value for researchers, as it saves time and money and adds depth to the study by allowing new interpretations of secondary data. For instance, watching media from the 1960s to understand societal expectations or studying the influence of television in its early days. Such methods can also be applied to understanding the impact of modern technologies like mobile phones, the Internet, or social media.
Gathering more in-depth information may be necessary when researchers encounter specific or complex topics that require a deeper understanding.
Meanwhile, some researchers may commit statistical fraud by halting data collection too early to avoid data that contradicts their hypothesis, demonstrating the importance of comprehensive and ethical research practices.