The correct answer is: D. None of the above
Historical research, conclusion-oriented research, and decision-oriented research are all types of research that require a researcher to follow a specific set of procedures and methods. In contrast, exploratory research is a type of research that allows the researcher to freely pick up a problem, redesign the enquiry as he proceeds and is prepared to conceptualize as he wishes.
Exploratory research is often used in the early stages of a research project, when the researcher is still trying to understand the problem and develop a research plan. It can also be used to generate new ideas or to explore different ways of thinking about a problem.
Exploratory research can be conducted in a variety of ways, including interviews, focus groups, surveys, and observation. The specific methods used will depend on the nature of the problem and the resources available to the researcher.
The results of exploratory research are often used to develop a more focused research question or to develop a research plan. They can also be used to generate new ideas or to explore different ways of thinking about a problem.