1, basic research and applied research According to different research purposes, educational research can be divided into basic research and applied research. The main task of basic research is to seek the laws of development and change of various things, discover new facts, new laws and new principles, or explore the theoretical basis of a certain kind of practical problems.
It aims at understanding the world and increasing scientific knowledge itself, regardless of whether or where the research results can be put into practice, and may not produce direct and useful results: applied research is the application and development of basic research results. It aims to transform the world, solve specific practical problems and provide practical and useful knowledge for practitioners.
2. Value research and fact research According to the different research contents, educational research can be divided into value research and fact research. Value research should answer questions such as why, for whom, for what purpose, what to promise, how big the risk is, and what should be given priority.
The basic purpose of value research is to confirm whether a certain purpose is worthwhile, whether the measures taken are acceptable and whether the results of improving the system are good.
The premise of value research is that values are the main determinant of all actions and behaviors in the human system. What, when and to what extent should be answered in fact research.
Fact study describes, observes and measures events, things, relationships and interactions. Fact research requires researchers to respect objective facts in the first place, and must eliminate all kinds of interference and subjective factors, especially not to fabricate facts according to the values or interests of individuals or superiors.
3. Quantitative research and qualitative research According to the emphasis on the nature and quantity of objective things and the different research methods, educational research can be divided into quantitative research and qualitative research.
Quantitative research mainly uses data and measurement to describe the characteristics or changes that are inconsistent with the research content. Quantitative research focuses on and relies more on the measurement and calculation of things, usually described by numbers.
Qualitative research focuses on using descriptive analysis to try to understand the essence or significance of a phenomenon and problem. Qualitative research focuses on and relies more on the description and understanding of the meaning, characteristics, symbols and metaphors of things, which are often described in words.
The definition of education:
Education is a process of promoting learning or acquiring knowledge, skills, values, beliefs and habits. Educational methods include teaching, training, storytelling, discussion and targeted research.
Education is often conducted under the guidance of educators, but learners can also conduct self-education. Education can be conducted formally or informally, or any way in which experience will have a formative impact on people's thoughts, feelings or behaviors can be regarded as education.
Formal education is usually divided into preschool or kindergarten, primary school, middle school and then university.
Some governments and the United Nations have recognized the right to education. In most areas, education is compulsory until a certain age. There are educational reform movements, especially evidence-based education movements.