Prepare a one page discussion reply for each post below. Include one source to each one.
Moore:
Educational research is important as it allows us to inform, study, explore, test, and summarize findings in the world around us. It helps to improve teaching and learning, and pushes humanity to move forward in its ways of thinking. Both Applied and Basic research are used to gain knowledge of our surroundings and to improve how people live and participate in society.
Basic research is theoretical and concentrates on finding new theories or modifying those that already exist. Its focus is on a particular field of study and provides researchers with a more detailed understanding of the recovery of knowledge (Check & Schutt, 2012). It is curiosity based and grants researchers the opportunity to gather information on existing concepts as they strive to improve classrooms and school settings. Basic research uses both qualitative and quantitative data to explore, describe, and explain information and does not have strict deadlines (Check & Schutt, 2012). It can be impractical and does not necessarily solve problems, but it improves theories and allows better understanding of concepts and the prediction of the future (Gray, 2018).
Applied research focuses on specific problems and strives to provide practical solutions through the analysis of empirical data (Gray, 2018). It aims to solve problems by uncovering new information and applying its findings. This research is not flexible as it must adhere to strict deadlines and utilizes other organization’s funds (Gray, 2018). It is geared towards a diverse audience and can be used to improve multiple purposes. It is used in a wide range of studies and its findings are engaging and clear. It further explores basic research by providing more information than journals and can not be generalized (Gray, 2018). Application research is action-oriented and aims to solve real life problems through new technology and innovation.
Both applied and basic research are necessary for humanity to move forward. Each offers a unique approach to investigating and gaining knowledge that help make the world better. Inductive and deductive reasoning is applied and data, although different types, is collected in the same manner to determine how things work (Gray, 2018). Applied research focuses on solving problems in social, political and economic fields, and Basic research looks to discover in-depth knowledge without the problem solving element (Check & Schutt, 2012). Educational research is necessary to continue growth and offer students and staff the best experiences possible. It enhances and enriches the learning environment while ensuring all stakeholders are included in the benefits found through investigations and applications of research.
Terry:
Basic versus Applied Research
Basic and applied research are both very important aspects of research. Both answer questions that are pressing in the world of education. The purpose behind each type of research is where the differences lie. Basic is more theoretical where as applied is more practical. Basic is more surface level where applied is more exploratory. Researchers often use basic research when they want to gain a deeper understanding of a topic. They are curious about a topic and they do the research in order to expand their knowledge and share their knowledge with others. Basic research often tends to be the foundational information that help other researchers in their pursuit of applied research. Applied research is meant to help find answers for real world problems in education. Applied research allows the researcher to explore more of the how’s and why’s of a situation. Why is this happening? How can the educator change the behavior?
Advantages and Disadvantages of Basic Research
The main purpose of basic research is to gain a deeper understanding of a subject or issue. As Check and Schutt (2012) state, that basic research help “suggest the areas that should be focused on” and make researchers “sensitive to possible directions” of research areas (p. 34). One of the advantages to basic research is that it can give applied researchers literature and findings to inspire or drive their research. Another advantage is that it is not as tie consuming as applied research. The main disadvantage is the fact that it does not offer specific, founded analysis to help educators. It is often not applicable to real world issues in the classroom.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Applied Research
The main purpose of applied research is to find practical solutions for issues in the classroom. The researcher’s goal is to find interventions and implementations that will benefit the students and teachers. The fact that applied research is more applicable to the students and teachers is one advantage. The practical, real world solutions that the researchers use avoid the fluff and get straight to the logistics of the interventions that will benefit the participants. Applied research offers solutions based on their study, not someone else’s. The main advantage is the fact that the findings are more applicable to the lives of students than basic research. One main disadvantage is the time constraints that often go along with applied research. In order to get valid results, it can take time to observe, implement changes, observe again, and then collect and measure data.
