Traditional vs contemporary research methods

Today, I met with a design researcher and we had a good chat. She mentioned that my approach is traditional, methodical while she tries to be contemporary. I asked the difference, she said, deep dive in cultural and social changes, trends changes and evolution. She said, research may take 1 month to years, for some products like electronics, a research for 6 months will be outdated because of rapid changes in trend.

Are there any other differences?