Research is a combination of both experience and reasoning and must be regarded as the most successful approach to the discovery of truth. Educational research can be defined as a ‘purposeful and systematic’ enquiry ‘to solve a problem, illuminate a situation or add to our knowledge.
- Educational research attempts to solve problems.
- Research involves gathering new data from primary or first-hand sources. It can also be done by using existing data for a new purpose.
- Research is based upon observable experience/empirical evidence.
- Research demands accurate observation and description.
- Research generally employs carefully designed procedures and rigorous analysis.
- Research emphasizes the development of generalizations, principles and theories which will help in understanding, prediction and/or control.
- Research requires expertise—familiarity with the field. The competence in methodology; technical skill in collecting and analyzing the data.
- Research attempts to find an objective, unbiased solution to the problem and takes great pains to validate the procedures employed.
- Research is a deliberate and unhurried activity which is directional. But often refines the problem or questions as the research progresses.
- Research is carefully recorded and reported to other persons interested in the problem
| Sr. no | Basic (Academic) Research | Applied (Contract) Research |
| 1 | Is sponsored by an agency committed to the general advancement of knowledge. | Is sponsored by an agency with a vested interest in the results. |
| 2 | Results are the property of society and the research community. | Results become the property of the sponsor. |
| 3 | Research reports are targeted to other specialized researchers in the same field. | Research reports are intended to be read and understood by lay persons |
| 4 | Decision-rules relate to theoretically-based tests of statistical significance. | Decision-rules relate to predetermined conventions and agreements between the sponsor and the researcher. |
| 5 | Academic research is typically focused on a single set of testable hypotheses. | Contract research frequently analyzes the consequences of alternative policy options. |
| 6 | Academic research tends to extend an identifiable scholarly discipline. | By its nature, contract research tends to be interdisciplinary. |
| 7 | The research produces findings and conclusions, butrarely recommendations except those related to further research needs | The research includes applied recommendations for action. |
| 8 | The conduct of research is based on ‘good faith’ between funder and researcher. | The work is contractual between sponsor and researcher. |
| 9 | Budget allocations are generally based on global proposals and accounting is left to the researchers. | Budget accountability is directly related to the sponsor and relates to agreed terms of reference, time frames and methodologies. |
| 10 | Studies rely on the established reputations of the researchers and are totally under their control. | Studies follow explicit terms of reference developed by the sponsor to serve the sponsor’s needs. |
