A cyclical process of steps that typically begins with identifying a research problem or issue of

study. It then involves reviewing the literature, specifying a purpose for the study, collecting and
analyzing data, and forming an interpretation of information. This process culminates in a
report, disseminated to audiences, that is evaluated and used in the educational community.
(Creswell, 2002)
In less comprehensive terms, educational research is an organized approach to asking,
answering, and effectively reporting a question.

Educators need to be consumers (and producers) of research. Creswell (2002) notes the
following reasons, describing the various purposes of educational research:
1. Improve Practice
Research can suggest ways of improving practice that have been verified with many applications
and by many different types of people, which is difficult for practitioners.
2. Add to Knowledge
Research can add to what we know about how people learn and what we can do help facilitate
the learning process.
3. Address Gaps in Knowledge
Research can address areas in which little is know, like perhaps the effects of online versus
traditional classroom learning.
4. Expand Knowledge
Research can allow us to extend what we know in ways we never conceived.
5. Replicate Knowledge
Research can act as a test to verify previous findings.
6. Add Voices of Individuals to Knowledge
Research can add an important perspective for different learning types. Much of the educational
research prior to the Eighties is based on able, white, middle-to-upper class males. This is
certainly not reflective of our increasingly heterogeneous students, and research helps revise
theory and practice to reflect different student needs.
These are only a few of the many reasons research is important, particularly to educators. In an
increasingly data-driven society, it is vital that educators know how to locate, find, and interpret
research on their own. Further, educators need to be able to conduct quality research to examine issues
within their own contexts.
RESEARCH BY PURPOSE
Research by purpose is based on the degree to which findings have direct educational
application and degree to which they are generalizable.
BASIC RESEARCH:
Basic research is either directly or indirectly involves the development of theory. The
purpose of basic research is solely the theory development and refinement. Basic research
establish general principles for learning.
For example basic research has been conducted to determine principle of reinforcement and their
effects on learning. Basic research provide theory that produce the implications for solving
educational problems
APPLIED RESEARCH:
Applied research is concerned with application of theory to the solution of problems. The
purpose of applied research is applying or testing theory and evaluating its usefulness in solving
educational problems. Applied research provide data to support theory, guide theory revision or
suggest development of new theory. Applied research has tested the principle to determine the
effectiveness in improving learning.
ACTION RESEARCH:
The solution of practical problem through the application of scientific method is called
action research or the solution of local problem in local setting. It is not concerned with
generalization. The primary purpose of action research is the solution of a given problem, not
contribution to science. Teacher is very much a part of this process. The value of action research
is confined primarily to those who conducting it. The value of action research to true scientific
progress is limited, because it did not developed sound theories having implications for many
classrooms, not just one or two. Action research provide immediate answer to the problems, that
cannot wait for theoretical solution.

EVALUATION RESEARCH:
Evaluation is the systematic process of collecting and analyzing data in order to make
important decisions. The purpose of evaluation research is select an alternative in order to make
decisions. There may be only two alternatives. For example continue a program or not, adopt a
new curriculum or keep the current. Evaluation is a type of research whose purpose is to
facilitate decision making
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT:
Major purpose is not to formulate or test theory but to develop effective products for use
in schools

HISTORICAL RESEARCH:
Historical research involves studying, understanding and explaining past events. The
purpose of historical research is to arrive at conclusion concerning causes, effects or trends of the
past occurrences that may help to explain present events and anticipate future events. It is less
frequently conducted than other types. There are certain educational problems and issues such as
grading policies that can be better understood in the light of past experiences. Historical research
studies do not gather data by administering instruments to individuals. They must seek out the
data that are already available. Source of data primary and secondary.Primary sources has
firsthand knowledge such as eyewitness, reports and original documents. Secondary sources has
secondhand information
For Example
Factor leading to the development and growth of cooperative learning
Trends in reading instruction 1940-1995