Projective research is a modality of science determined by the purpose of elaborating proposals that can be brought to fruition. It is one of the modalities of research, of singular importance. Given the need that always exists to propose solutions to problems. As well as for the claim of creators, promoters and innovators to have scientific and academic forms that allow them to commit to initiatives that protect their creativity and purpose of originality.
There have always been proposals. However, the way to match the intention to formalize them, with research, with greater methodological precision, is relatively close. Projective research is seen as a contribution of planning and a merit of every creative, every innovator and every visionary who develops ways to account for their dreams and purposes.
What is projective research?
Academically speaking, projective research is a way of doing science highly appreciated in undergraduate and graduate studies. In addition, it corresponds to an effort of greater complexity when at the time of sincere proposals an intellectual effort is made in every institution, context and organization aimed at honoring this purpose. It seeks to consider all the aspects that make up a problem or situation, in order to give a global and effective response with a view to the future.
It is made up of a set of exploratory forms of scientific inquiry that is aimed at obtaining new knowledge and its subsequent application. In the same way, it is used to solve problems or questions of a practical nature. It is also known as a feasible project, because it tries to give answers to hypothetical future events. This is done through models or plans that serve to anticipate trends or, on the contrary, solve unknowns of the past through recent data.
Where can projective research be applied?
This type of research is used in architectural design, software, group problem solving projects (organizational and social), educational and environmental, among others.
Projective research is advised in all circumstances in which proposals derived from studies are required. In the same apart from a real and effective diagnosis of the situation, it must comply with aspects necessary for the shielding of the initiatives such as:
- The study of causal conditions.
- Deepening the theories that sufficiently explain the situation.
- Prediction regarding future conditions that may be compromised in the study and understanding of situations.
- Finally, the conformation of the proposal, in all its breadth, must be established.
How it differs from other options
This implies, then, differentiating projective research from other options, also important, but never carried out with the scientific and methodological rigor as projective research has, such as:
(a) Feasible projects.
(b) Draft actions.
c) Urgent projects or initiatives of ingenuity and creation.
To the extent that projective research is enhanced and its development is perfected, especially in aspects, contexts and opportunities in which research must be done in the midst of haste, to that extent the proposals that arise will respond better to the challenges and demands of each context. It is important to bear in mind that projective research is characterized by the elaboration of the proposal, but not its execution.
Projective research is a type of study that consists of looking for solutions to different problems. It comprehensively analyzes all its aspects and proposes new actions that improve a situation in a practical and functional way. That is why it is called projective: its result has to do with the formation of initiatives, the elaboration of designs. In the same way, it has to do with the precision of formalities that, in attention to the situations that inspire them, are exposed as concrete options.
What generates this type of research?
This type of research proposes models that generate solutions to specific needs of a social, organizational, environmental or some special area of knowledge, with a view to the future of each context and through its situational analysis. The scientific method is applied from analysis to projection.
The difference between projective research and special projects is that projective research initially investigates contexts and variables before designing a proposal. Special projects do not include a preliminary study for their preparation.
They are often confused with projective techniques, but these are those used by psychologists to know the attitudes, intentions, impulses or motives of patients who have difficulty expressing their feelings and emotions consciously or unconsciously.
If the proposal is elaborated, it is executed, then, it enters into the fields of another modality of research. In this regard, interactive research, confirmatory research or evaluative research should be considered, as determined by the objective of the research.
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How to conduct projective research?
