This document discusses classifying educational research based on purpose and method. There are two main ways to classify research - by purpose and by method. In terms of purpose, there are five categories: basic research develops theory, applied research examines theory in practice, evaluation research assesses programs, research and development creates educational products, and action research solves practical problems. The document provides examples of different types of educational research classified by purpose.
3. Classifying Research
? Two helpful ways to view research
? Purpose
? The degree of direct applicability of research to educational
practices and settings
? Method
? The overall strategies followed to collect and analyze data
Obj. 3.1, 3.2 & 3.5
4. The Purposes of Research
? Five categories
? Basic
? Applied
? Evaluation
? Research and development (R & D)
? Action
5. The Purposes of Research
? Basic research
? Collection and analysis of data to develop or enhance
theory
? Examples related to learning theory
? Piaget
? Constructivism
? Mastery learning
? Gardner¡¯s multiple intelligences
6. The Purposes of Research
? Applied research
? Collection and analysis of data to examine the usefulness
of theory in solving practical educational problems
? Examples
? Developing a seventh grade social studies curriculum around a
problem-solving approach to learning
? Examining the effectiveness of a computer-based algebra program
developed around a mastery learning approach
? Accommodating varied learning styles when teaching lessons in
modern literature
7. The Purposes of Research
? The interaction of basic and applied research
? Basic research provides the theory that produces the concepts
for solving educational problems
? Applied research provides the data to help support, guide, and
revise the development theory
8. The Purposes of Research
? Evaluation research
? The collection and analysis of data to make decisions related to
the merit or worth of a specific program
? Merit relates to a program accomplishing what it was supposed to
accomplish
? Worth relates to the value attached to a program by those using it
9. The Purposes of Research
? Evaluation research
? Types of evaluation
? Formative evaluation is designed to inform and improve a
program while it is being developed or implemented
? Summative evaluation is designed to make decisions regarding the
overall quality of the program being evaluated
10. The Purposes of Research
? Research and development
? The development of effective products for use in schools
? Examples
? The development of the software to create a computerized algebra
program that incorporates an individualized mastery learning
approach to teaching basic algebraic concepts
? The development of a Smart Board to enhance a teacher¡¯s use of
technology in the classroom
11. The Purposes of Research
? Action research
? The collection and analysis of data to provide a solution
to the practical, valued problems of educators within
their own school or organization
? Examples
? How can IER move to a performance based model for
undergraduate teacher Training programs?
? How can disciplinary policies be enforced consistently in our
school?