This document defines research and discusses the key differences between basic (academic) research and applied (contract) research. It provides Creswell's definition of research as a process using steps to collect and analyze information to increase understanding of a topic. It also outlines 10 aspects of educational research by Gray Anderson, including using research to solve problems, gather new data, develop generalizations, and carefully record and report findings. The document then explains that basic research, also called pure or fundamental research, focuses on discovering truth or developing theories without practical goals in mind. Applied research deals with solving real-world problems and testing theories. Key differences between basic and applied research are discussed, such as ownership of results and focus on layperson versus specialized

2. DEFINITION OF RESEARCH
“Research is a process of steps used
to collect and analyze information
to increase our understanding of ato increase our understanding of a
topic (or) issue”
- Creswell

3. TEN ASPECTS OF EDUCATIONAL
RESEARCH BY GRAY ANDERSON
1. To solve a problem.
2. Gathering new data from primary (or)
using existing data for new purpose.
3. Based upon observable experience.3. Based upon observable experience.
4. Demands accurate observation and
description.
5. Employs carefully designed procedures
and rigorous analysis.

4. TEN ASPECTS OF EDUCATIONAL
RESEARCH BY GRAY ANDERSON
6. Emphasizes the development of generalization,
principles and theories that will help in
understanding ,prediction and control.
7. Requires expertise.
8. Attempts to find an objective, unbiased solution for
the problem.
9. Deliberate and unhurried activity which is
directional but often refines the problem.
10. Carefully recorded and reported to other persons
interested in the problem.

5. BASIC RESEARCH
 Another names pure research, fundamental research
and discovery research.
 It is executed without thought of a practical end goal.
 It focuses on search for truth or the development of
educational theories.educational theories.
 Researchers with this back ground usually perform
this research as part of their graduate or doctoral
work.
 It arises out of curiosity. It lays down as foundation for
advancement in knowledge that lead to applied gains
later on.

6. APPLIED RESEARCH
 It is a form of systematic inquiry involving the
practical application of science.
 It deals with solving practical problems and generally
employs empirical methodologies.employs empirical methodologies.
 Applied research is done in messy real world hence
research protocols may need to be relaxed.
 The goal is to determine the applicability of
educational theory and principles by testing with
specific hypothesis.

7. Comparison
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
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.
4
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.

8. 5
The conduct of research is based on ‘good
faith’ between funder and researcher.
The work is contractual between sponsor and
researcher.
6
The research produces findings and
conclusions, but rarely recommendations
except those related to further research
needs.
The research includes applied recommendations for
action.
7
Academic research tends to extend an
identifiable scholarly discipline.
By its nature, contract research tends to be
interdisciplinary.identifiable scholarly discipline. interdisciplinary.
8
Academic research is typically focused on a
single set of testable hypotheses.
Contract research frequently analyzes the
consequences of alternative policy options.
9
Decision-rules relate to theoretically-based
tests of statistical significance.
Decision-rules relate to predetermined conventions
and agreements between the sponsor and the
researcher.
10
Research reports are targeted to other
specialized researchers in the same field.
Research reports are intended to be read and
understood by lay persons.

9. UTHANK
NSS Training college
Ottapalam.
Asst Professor
Dr K S Sajan