What is the primary purpose of an exploratory study?

The primary purpose of an exploratory study is to discover more information about a topic. This type of research is particularly valuable when there is limited prior knowledge about a subject or when the research area is new and not well-defined. Exploratory studies are often conducted to generate insights, identify patterns, and inform future research questions or methodologies. Instead of attempting to test a specific hypothesis or measure quantifiable variables as in confirmatory studies, exploratory research focuses on gathering qualitative insights and understanding the nuances of a topic. This foundational knowledge can then guide more structured studies in the future.