Basic research vs. action research

Basic research vs. action research

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

4. Reasons why action research do not employ inferential statistics: Action research requires direct application to improve performance of non performing students. Participants are identified in small number and not classified into groups. 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. Inferential statistics start from hypothesis. There is no hypothesis in action research.