2. Contents
Classification of Research by Purpose
- Basic v/s Applied research
- Research and development
- Evaluative research
Classification of Research by Method
- Historical research
- Descriptive research
- Experimental research
3. Classification of Research by Purpose
Basic v/s Applied Research
Basic research is conducted solely for the purpose of theory
development and refinement. For example, much basic
research has been conducted with animals to determine
principles of reinforcement and their effect on learning.
Like the experiment of skinner on cats gave the principle of
conditioning and reinforcement.
Applied research is conducted for the purpose of applying
or testing theory and evaluating its usefulness in
educational problems. For example, applied research tests
the principle of reinforcement to determine their
effectiveness in improving learning (e.g. programmed
instruction) and behavior (e.g. behavior modification).
4. Classification of Research by Purpose
Research and development research
Brings new information to light.
Focuses on the interaction between research and the production and
evaluation of a new product.
This type of research can be ‘formative’ (by collecting evaluative
information about the product while it is being developed with the aim
of using such information to modify and improve the development
process).
For example, an investigation of teachers’ reactions to the various
drafts and redrafts of a new mathematics teaching kit, with the
information gathered at each stage being used to improve each stage of
the drafting process.
It can be ‘summative’ (by evaluating the worth of the final product,
especially in comparison to some other competing product).
For example, a comparison of the mathematics achievement of students
exposed to a new mathematics teaching kit in comparison with students
exposed to the established mathematics curriculum.
5. Classification of Research by Purpose
Evaluation Research
The purpose of evaluation research is to facilitate decision
making regarding the relative worth of two or more
alternative actions
6. Classification of Research by Method
Historical research generates descriptions, and sometimes
attempted explanations, of conditions, situations, and events
that have occurred in the past.
For example, a study that documents the evolution of teacher
training programs since the turn of the century, with the aim of
explaining the historical origins of the content and processes
of current programs.
7. Classification of Research by Method
Descriptive research provides information about
conditions, situations, and events that occur in the
present. It is also called statistical research. The main
goal of this type of research is to describe the data and
characteristics about what is being studied. The idea
behind this type of research is to study frequencies,
averages, and other statistical calculations. Although this
research is highly accurate, it does not gather the causes
behind a situation.
8. Classification of Research by Method
Experimental research is used in settings where variables
defining one or more ‘causes’ can be manipulated in a
systematic fashion in order to discern ‘effects’ on other
variables.
For example, an investigation of the effectiveness of two new
textbooks using random assignment of teachers and students to
three groups – two groups for each of the new textbooks, and
one group as a ‘control’ group to use the existing textbook.
