This is classified according to the educational research objects and their tasks.

Educational fact research is a kind of "real" research, which mainly reveals the question of "what". The study of educational value is a kind of "should be" research, which reveals the questions of "why" and "how to do it". Educational research, whether it is the study of existing facts or the construction of future facts, is inseparable from the understanding and choice of value. The study of educational value is not only an unavoidable topic in the study of educational purpose, but also a factor that can not be ignored in understanding educational facts. It is reasonable to talk about the difference between "what should be" and "what should be" in educational research only in the sense of "ideal" and "reality". In fact, there is no factual research beyond value in educational research.

2. Basic research and applied research

This is classified according to the different purposes of educational research. Basic research aims at revealing the general laws of educational phenomena, establishing universal theories and enhancing human knowledge. Applied research aims at finding solutions to practical problems. Applied research is often based on the results of basic research, and the results of applied research also contribute to the improvement of basic research.

3. Quantitative research and qualitative research

This is a classification based on different research paradigms.

(or quantitative research) refers to a research paradigm in which research hypotheses are established in advance, strict research design is carried out, data are collected and analyzed quantitatively according to predetermined procedures, research results are expressed by figures or measurements, and hypotheses are tested. Quantitative research emphasizes the strict form of research design, data collection, result processing and interpretation. Specifically, quantitative research usually includes a strict prior design; Collect data through investigation, test, experiment and structured observation; Mainly use statistical methods to analyze and explain the results; The statement of research results is usually simple and clear.

Qualitative research (or qualitative research) usually refers to a research paradigm of long-term in-depth and detailed analysis of the phenomena studied in the natural environment through field experiments, open interviews, participatory observations and case investigations, on the basis of which hypotheses and theories are established, and the research results are falsified and tested. Qualitative research aims at research, attaches importance to description and explanation, and mainly reveals the "meaning" of educational phenomena or behaviors; From the research point of view, pay attention to grasp the phenomenon as a whole; In the way of analysis, induction is the main method, and it tends to summarize and analyze the research results; In the role, the researcher collects the first-hand information at that time and understands the meaning of their words and deeds and their views on things from the perspective of the parties. Researchers are participants.