Meaning and Definition of Research, Types of Research and Differences between Fundamental or Basic Research and Applied or Action Research
What is Research ?
The word Research is formed with the combination of two words : 'Re' and 'Search'. So Research is the process of searching again based on existing theories which helps to improve existing theories and develop and establish new theories.
Research is all about investigation of something. It is a systematic process of finding an answers or a solution to the problem. It is the creative, systematic, controlled, empirical and critical process of investigation of hypothetical result. It is conducted in an organized way.
In the research process, data are collected, recorded and analysed & interpreted in a systematic manner. Basically Research is conducted for two reasons. First one is, to find a solution to the problem and second is to get the depth knowledge of anything or generate new knowledge.
For example :
1. Principal of the college is doing research to study how the students getting passed and failed in board exam are influenced by Gender. This study helps the principle to understand the behaviours of boys and girls.
2. A manager is conducting research to study why the performance of the organization is getting down. This research helps manager to know the behaviour of employees, how they are got motivated, and how to improve performance.
Types of Research
As discussed above, research is conducted for two reasons.First one is, to find a solution to the problem and second is to get the depth knowledge of anything or generate new knowledge. On the basis of these two reasons, there are two broad types of Research: Applied Research and Fundamental Research. Applied research is conducted to solve the real life problem while Fundamental research is conducted to get the depth knowledge about anything or generate new theories.
Applied Research
Applied Research is also called Action Research. Applied or action research is conducted to solve any kind of specific problems. These problems are real life problems which may be faced by individual, group, society, or organization. Applied or action Research is the process of applying scientific knowledge to solve real world problems. Conclusion or result derived from applied research can be implemented immediately. For example: vaccine, medicine etc.
Fundamental Research
Fundamental Research is also called Basic Research or Pure Research. Fundamental or basic research is conducted to get the depth knowledge of any issue or to develop new theories. The main objectives of the fundamental or basic research are to understand deeply about any issue, to generate more knowledge ,to develop theories on the basis of conclusion. Professors, students etc. do basic or fundamental research so that more knowledge is generated in particular areas of interest.Conclusion or result derived from basic research may not be implemented immediately. Example of Basic or Fundamental research : Research on ' How water is formed ? ' , ' Why does it rain? ' etc.
Differences between Fundamental or Basic Research and Applied or Action Research
| Basis for differences | Applied or Action Research | Basic or Fundamental Research |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | The main objective of Applied Research is to solve the real world problems faced by societies or organizations. | The main objective of basic research is to get the depth knowledge about any issue and to develop new theories. |
| Focus | Researcher focuses on the problem currently faced by societies and organizations. | Researcher focuses on researching that issues in which he/she has interest. |
| Time limit | Fixed time period is given to the researcher. | There is unlimited time for researcher. |
| Generalization | Result may not be implemented to another similar nature of organization. | Result can be implemented to another similar nature of organization. |
| Practical | Conclusion can be implemented immediately in practice. | Conclusion can not be implemented immediately in practice |
| Analysis | It is based on individual and situational analysis. | It is based on technical analysis. |
| Example | Finding vaccine,medicine etc. | Research on 'how does it rain ?', 'how water is formed ?' etc |
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