Two Approaches Uses in Educational Research

Research is the systematic approach in investigating new or existing knowledge. When applied in education, research could help assess or evaluate the different elements of education that includes but not limited to: structure of the education system, academic curriculum, modes of teaching, and teacher training methods. The educational researcher must evaluate the changes and impact of these elements and suggest an acceptable course of action. To evaluate the different elements of education, there are two main approaches that an education researcher could use: the basic and the applied research approaches.

The first approach is the basic approach, which is also known as the academic research approach. In the approach, the educational researcher will have to focus on the development of educational theory. Academic researchers are usually affiliated with an academic institution and are doing the research as part of the graduate work.

The second approach is the applied research, also known as contract research approach. As the name implies, research is done to search for information that will influence practice of education. An educational researcher using this approach tries to seek solutions to existing educational problems. They are usually commissioned by a sponsor, which needs are being addressed in the research.

There are also other major differences between the basic and applied research approaches. One difference is that the results of a research using the basic approach become the property of the research community. The results of a research using the applied approach become the property of the sponsor or contractor.

Another difference is that the basic approach rarely includes recommendations while the applied approach involves making recommendations. Also, research reports using the basic approach are intended for other researchers of the same field, while research reports using applied approach are intended to be read and understood by typical persons.