5 Types of Research

Characteristics of Evaluation

Researchers are required to make value judgments about evaluation objects, including recommendations for continuation of positive programs or disbandment of failing systems. Evaluation objects could include educational programs, a particular individual in a powerful position, or specific products being considered for implementation.

Characteristics of Action Research

Action researchers believe that by having a "researcher attitude," one can identify new problems, attempt fresh strategies and actions, and better deal with complex and changing environments. Many practitioners find action research useful because it helps them to integrate theory and research with practice, which will be discussed in greater detail in a later module.

Types of Orientational research

Class Stratification-income-wealth inequality. Gender Inequality, Racial & Ethnic inequality, Sexual Orientation inequality, International inquality-rich & poor nations, disability rights and inequality.

Basic Research

Is aimed at generating fundamental knowledge and theoretical understanding about primary human functions and other natural processes.

Example of Basic Research

One example of basic research is a study examining the effect of priming in memory. Assume that a researcher asks a volunteer to name a fruit and they respond with "Pineapple." Then on the second trial, the researcher asks the volunteer to either name another type of fruit or to name a type of dog.

Evaluation Research

Specifically involves determining the worth, merit, or quality of a specific program

Example of Applied Research

applied research study might focus on the effects of retaining low-performing elementary school students in their present grade. The results would potentially have practical implications for education policy. These studies are generally published in professional journals for consumption by other applied researchers, as well as policymakers, directors, and managers of programs.

Applied Research

applied research, which focuses on answering real-world, practical questions in order to provide relatively immediate solutions. Issues and concerns within the worlds of education and politics often drive studies, and they are often conducted in more natural or real-world settings than basic research.

Orientational research

focuses on collecting information to aid in advancing a specific ideology, political position, or orientation that a researcher believes will improve society. Another focus is on "giving voice" and increased power to the parties considered disadvantaged in society, with researchers concerned with such issues as social discrimination and the inequitable distribution of power and wealth in society.

Formative evaluation

is concerned with developing judgments of how a program can be improved and aids developers and staff in designing and implementing programs. Summative evaluation focuses on cultivating judgments of a program's effectiveness and any decisions regarding continuation.

Summative evaluation

is especially helpful for policymakers to appraise previous future-funding decisions and make future ones. Clearly, evaluation can provide important

Action Research

is focused on addressing and solving specific problems that local practitioners confront in their schools and communities, conducting research directly within the classroom or work environment.