(1) theoretical research. Theoretical research is a research activity based on educational practice, which uses scientific research methods to understand and analyze various educational phenomena, explore the essence and laws of education, and form systematic basic theoretical research results. Theoretical research is a theoretical exploration of phenomena and problems in the field of education, and its task is to summarize, discover and put forward relevant characteristics, laws and theoretical basis. Theoretical research results are new ideas, new theories, new discoveries and new methods put forward on the basis of summarizing the research results of predecessors or others, which mainly solve the problems of "what" and "why".
(2) Applied research. Applied research focuses on how to link the research results of basic theory with educational practice, open up application channels, explore the law of doing a good job in education and how to further deepen and enrich basic theory through practice. Under the guidance of relevant theories, applied research makes an in-depth discussion on practical problems in the field of education and obtains practical results. The results of applied research mainly solve the problem of how to do it.
(3) Exploratory research. Exploratory research aims to make use of existing research results, expand knowledge and open up new application fields. Exploratory research mainly uses the results of theoretical research and applied research to creatively put forward and formulate plans, plans, countermeasures and suggestions to promote educational reform and development.
These three types of educational research do not exist in isolation, but have their own internal logic. Its basic logical relationship is that theoretical research provides theoretical support for applied research and development research, and applied research and development research also provide new materials for educational theoretical innovation.