Basic research aims to develop and test educational theory through rigorous methodology, large samples, and statistical analysis to derive generalizations. Action research helps teachers identify and solve classroom problems through limited training, small samples, general procedures, and descriptive statistics to improve practices locally. While basic research uses complex analysis and statistical significance to form theories, action research directly applies findings in the participating teachers' classrooms.

1. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BASIC RESEARCH
AND ACTION RESEARCH
CRITERIA BASIC RESEARCH ACTION RESEARCH
Objectives Develop and test
educational theory and
derive generalizations
Ti find solutions to
problems in a specific
context
Training Intensive Training is
needed in research
methodology
Limited training is needed
Selection of a
problem
A wide range of methods
are used to select a
problem
Participating teacher
identify problems during
the teaching-learning
process
Hypothesis Highly specific hypothesis
are developed
Specific statement of the
problem

2. CRITERIA BASIC RESEARCH ACTION RESEARCH
Review of
Literature
An exhaustive and
thorough review of
literature is required
No such thorough review
of literature is needed
Sample Considerably large
sample size is required
Students identified in the
class form as participants
Research
Design
Well-thought
experimental design is
developed to maintain
comparable conditions
and reducing errors and
bias
Procedures are planned
only in general terms
Analysis of
Data
Complex analysis is often
called for
Simple analysis procedures
are sufficient

3. CRITERIA BASIC RESEARCH ACTION RESEARCH
Statistical
treatment
Descriptive and
Inferential stats are
required
Test leading to statistical
significance
Generally grouping of raw
data using descriptive
statistic is enough
Conclusions Conclusions maybe in
form of generalizations
and developing theories
Findings are local specific
Application of
results
The generalizations have
broad applicability
Findings are used
immediately in classroom
situations by participating
teachers to improve their
own practices

5. Reasons why action research do not employ inferential
statistics:
1. Action research requires direct application to improve
performance of non performing students. Participants are
identified in small number and not classified into groups.
2. In inferential statistics, data are analysed from a sample
to make inferences in the larger collection of the
population. The purpose is to answer or test the
hypotheses.
3. Inferential statistics start from hypothesis. There is no
hypothesis in action research.