Comparison among Pure, Applied and Action Research
1. Introduction
Research in education is a systematic and scientific process that seeks to solve educational problems, improve practices, and contribute to the growth of knowledge. It plays a vital role in the professional development of educators and the overall improvement of the educational system.
Educational research is broadly classified into three major types:
- Pure (or Basic) Research
- Applied Research
- Action Research
Though all three aim at enhancing knowledge and solving problems, they differ significantly in purpose, scope, approach, and outcomes.
Let us understand each type of research individually and then compare them.
2. Pure Research (Basic or Fundamental Research)
Definition:
Pure research is theoretical or conceptual research that aims to generate new knowledge or explain existing phenomena without any direct concern for practical application.
Purpose:
To expand the boundaries of knowledge and develop new theories or principles.
Features:
Focuses on theory building.
Conducted in controlled environments (labs or universities).
Not aimed at solving immediate problems.
Abstract and generalizable in nature.
Example in Education:
Studying how the brain processes information during learning.
Exploring theories of motivation in child psychology.
3. Applied Research
Definition:
Applied research is problem-oriented research aimed at applying existing theories or knowledge to solve specific real-world problems.
Purpose:
To find practical solutions using already available theories and concepts.
Features:
Application-based research.
Conducted in natural settings (schools, colleges).
Less abstract and more context-specific than pure research.
Seeks to improve existing practices.
Example in Education:
Studying the effectiveness of a specific teaching method (e.g., flipped classroom).
Evaluating how reward systems affect student performance.
4. Action Research
Definition:
Action research is practitioner-based research conducted by teachers or educators to solve immediate problems within their own classrooms or institutions.
Purpose:
To improve local practice through a cyclical process of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting.
Features:
Conducted by teachers themselves.
Targets specific, localized problems.
Involves continuous feedback and improvement.
Participatory, flexible, and context-specific.
Example in Education:
A teacher identifying reasons for low student attendance and experimenting with engagement strategies.Analyzing the impact of peer teaching on slow learners in a science class.
5. Comparative Table: Pure, Applied, and Action Research
|
Aspect |
Pure Research |
Applied Research |
Action Research |
|
Also Called |
Basic / Fundamental
Research |
Practical /
Utilitarian Research |
|
|
Purpose |
To expand
knowledge and theory |
To solve
practical problems using theory |
To improve
one’s own practice and solve immediate problems |
|
Nature |
Abstract and
theoretical |
Practical and
context-sensitive |
Practical, local, and
reflective |
|
Who Conducts |
Academicians,
theorists, researchers |
Professional
researchers, policy makers |
Teachers,
school heads, practitioners |
|
Setting |
Controlled settings
(labs, universities) |
Real-world settings
(schools, industry) |
Localized settings
(classroom, school) |
|
Generalization |
High
generalizability |
Moderate
generalizability |
Low
generalizability (context-specific) |
|
Time Frame |
Long-term |
Medium-term |
Short-term and
continuous |
|
Application |
Not immediate
or direct |
Immediate,
based on theory |
Immediate and
direct |
|
Involvement |
Researcher is detached |
Researcher is observer |
Researcher is also
practitioner |
|
Example |
Studying
cognitive development theories |
Evaluating
new curriculum design |
Testing group
work to reduce classroom noise |
|
Outcome |
New theories or
principles |
Validated solutions |
Improved local
practices |
6. Key Differences Explained
6.1. Goal of Research
Pure Research aims to understand why something happens.
Applied Research focuses on how to make use of what we know.
Action Research works on what can be done immediately to improve practice.
6.2. End Users
Pure research benefits the academic community and theory development.
Applied research benefits policy makers, administrators, and educators.
Action research benefits the teacher and the students directly.
6.3. Approach
Pure research is deductive and theoretical.
Applied research is deductive-inductive.
Action research is cyclical, participatory, and reflective.
6.4. Rigor vs. Relevance
Pure research emphasizes rigor (accuracy and theory).
Applied research balances rigor and relevance.
Action research emphasizes relevance (to the classroom or school).
7. Similarities among All Three
Despite their differences, all three types of research share some core features:
All follow systematic steps: problem identification, hypothesis, data collection, analysis, and conclusion.
All contribute to the advancement of knowledge and improvement of educational systems.
All are based on scientific inquiry and evidence.
All aim at understanding and improving education.
9. Importance in Teacher Education (Odisha B.Ed. Context)
|
Type |
Importance for
B.Ed. Students |
|
Pure Research |
Helps understand
educational theories and concepts deeply. |
|
Applied Research |
Teaches how
to apply theory into policy and instructional models. |
|
Action Research |
Empowers future
teachers to identify and solve classroom problems practically. |
In the Odisha B.Ed. syllabus, action research is emphasized because it promotes teacher autonomy, professional growth, and school improvement.
10. Conclusion
Understanding the differences and connections among Pure, Applied, and Action Research is crucial for every future teacher and educationist. While pure research contributes to the intellectual foundation, applied research serves the bridge between theory and practice, and action research brings direct, meaningful change in classroom settings.
Each type of research has its own value and relevance in the broader ecosystem of education. In a world that increasingly values evidence-based practice, a teacher trained in action research becomes a catalyst for transformation—solving problems, improving learning, and continuously evolving through reflective practice.
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