TYPES OF RESEARCH

TYPES OF RESEARCH

The basic types of research are as follows:


Theoretical and empirical Research

Empirical research is any activity that uses direct or indirect observation as its test of reality. The empirical researcher attempts to describe accurately the interaction between his instrument and the entity being observed. The researcher is expected to calibrate his instrument by applying it to known standard objects and documenting the results before applying it to unknown objects.
Theoretical research is research that happens only in theory as opposed to in practice, i.e. you pretend that it's happening to examine or justify the consequences. Theoretical research generally uses the findings from existing works to develop new ideas through analyzing existing theory and explanations.
Distinguish between Theoretical and empirical Research

We can also distinguish between theoretical and empirical research. Theoretical research generally uses the findings from existing works to develop new ideas through analyzing existing theory and explanations. These new ideas are not tested through collecting evidence in the form of primary data. Empirical research, on the other hand, supports the development of new ideas through the collection of data (empirical means based upon observation or measurement rather than theoretical reasoning). Thus, a researcher who develops a theory of sport fan violence through existing work will be undertaking theoretical research. The researcher who takes this one step further and collects data to test their explanation will be undertaking empirical research. Although theoretical research has its merits, we would suggest that you should- if at all possible- support your findings empirically through the collection of primary data.

Basic and Applied Research

Applied research: Refers to scientific study and research that seeks to solve practical problems. It is used to find solutions to everyday problems cure illness and develop innovative technologies. Psychologists working in human factors or industrial/organizational fields often do this type of research.
Basic research: Refers to study and research on pure science that is meant to increase our scientific knowledge base. This type of research is often purely theoretical with the intent of increasing our understanding of certain phenomena or behavior, but does not seek to solve or treat these problems.
Difference between Basic and Applied Research
Both basic and applied research is important to the advancement of human knowledge, but they work in slightly different ways, and they have different end goals in sight. Basic or pure research is conducted solely for the purpose of gathering information and building on existing knowledge, as opposed to applied research, which is geared towards the resolution of a particular question.
Often, applied research builds on existing basic research. Basic research could be considered the foundation of knowledge which provides people with the basic information they need to pursue particular areas of research.
The lines between basic and applied research can blur. For example, a researcher playing around with batteries and methods of storing energy might accidentally stumble upon a revolutionary battery which could be utilized as a commercial product.
In basic research, general theories, ideas, and questions are explored and tested, from where the universe comes from to how animals communicate. Doing basic research ensures that applied researchers don't need to reinvent the wheel every time they start on a new project, because the groundwork has been done.
Evaluative and Action Research
Action research is a method for intentional learning from experience, originally formulated by social psychologist Kurt Lewin. Action research is a practical approach to professional inquiry in any social situation.
According to Reason and Bradbury 2001, Action research (AR) is an orientation to inquiry rather than a particular method. In its simplest form it attempts to combine understanding or development of theory, with action and change through a participative process, whilst remaining grounded in experience.
Carr and Kemmis (1986) describe action research as being about:
• the improvement of practice;
• the improvement of the understanding of practice;
• the improvement of the situation in which the practice takes place.
Types of action research
Grundy (1982) distinguishes three broad types of action research:
Technical action research
Practical action research
Emancipatory action research

Evaluative
Evaluative research seeks to assess or judge in some way, providing useful information about something other than might be gleaned in mere observation or investigation of relationships.

Nature of Evaluative Research
-It is usually used for decision-making
-The research questions are derived from a program, usually a service offered to a client group.
-The research provides a basis for making a judgment about the program.
-The research occurs in the environment of the program application, not in a laboratory and not in the respondent’s study