Educational Research. 3 Types Based on Typology

If we classify educational researches based on the goals of the particular investigation and the use to be made of it, then we will have basic research, applied research and developmental research.

Basic Research

This is a type of research, otherwise called pure research which is concerned with obtaining empirical data that can be used to formulate, expand or evaluate theory. Its main aim is to extend the frontiers of knowledge with no regards to the practical application. It investigates relationships between methods, personal characteristics, environmental variables and learning efficiency in order to develop, illustrate, test and expand theories of learning. It is not oriented in design or purpose towards the solution of practical problems. But the findings of such studies may be applied to practical problems that have social values.

Applied Research

This is the application of theories and principles from basic research to solve educational problems. It is a research performed in relation to actual problems which occur in the field and under the conditions in which they are found in practice. It is aimed at solving immediate practical problems. The findings help educators to make rational practical decisions about specific problems. Applied research can be divided into three sub-categories:

Action Research

This is undertaken by educational practitioners in order to solve their practical local problems. It is aimed at developing new skills, finding new answers or approaches to solve problems of current concern. It is practical and directly relevant to an actual life situation. It is empirical and relies on actual observation and realistic information, or data rather than subjective opinions or past experiences.

Evaluation Research

This is used to assess educational programmes in order to improve their efficiency by making necessary revisions or modifications. For instance, a systemic evaluation of the practice of some programmes in the school system may necessitate modifications in the requirements and policies of the education ministry. Again, the change over from one system of education to another may have been based on systemic evaluation. Example, the change from 6-5-4 to 6-3-3-4 and from 6-3-3-4 to 9-3-4 system may have been based on the evaluation research by practitioners.

Educational Research and Development

This type of research is concerned with developing and testing curricula, methods and materials to ensure maximum efficiency of educational products and practices. The trial testing in schools of the curriculum materials by the Curriculum Development Centre (CDC) is an example.

Developmental Research

This is a decision-oriented research, which involves the application of the scientific methods steps to solve a scientific problem. The research needs to come up with an innovation, such as developing a new theory.