Role of Research in Knowledge Generation
Introduction
Research is committed to creating knowledge that is relevant to policy issues, and engaging stakeholders in the translation of research for effective and innovative changes in policies. By critically assessing and synthesizing research findings, hence provide authoritative and relevant perspective for decision makers. Several classifications of research will be examined in oder to exhaust their role in knowledge generation.
Fundamental Research
The main purpose of these types of research is to obtain empirical data which can be used to formulate, expand or evaluate a theory. It is not actually directed in design or purpose towards the solution of practical problems. The main aim is to expand the frontiers of knowledge without the intention of having practical applications. However, the results may be applied eventually to practical problems that have social values. An example is hotel management where all the advances made in this area are dependent upon basic researches in foods and nutrition, catering and hospitality. In the same way, the progress made in business administration practices has been related to progress in the discovery of economics theories, administrative theories and management theories. Primary concern of basic research is to create knowledge solely for the sake of knowledge. Its design is not in any way hampered by considerations of special usefulness of the findings.
Applied Research
Unlike basic research, this type is directed towards the solution to an immediate, specific and practical problem. It is the type of research which is conducted in relation to actual problems and under the conditions in which they are found in practice. Applied research can be used to solve problems at appropriate level of complexity. Take for instance in the area of business management, or administration, you can depend on basic research for discovering the more general laws of management or administration, but you have to employ applied
Research is committed to creating knowledge that is relevant to policy issues, and engaging stakeholders in the translation of research for effective and innovative changes in policies. By critically assessing and synthesizing research findings, hence provide authoritative and relevant perspective for decision makers. Several classifications of research will be examined in oder to exhaust their role in knowledge generation.
Fundamental Research
The main purpose of these types of research is to obtain empirical data which can be used to formulate, expand or evaluate a theory. It is not actually directed in design or purpose towards the solution of practical problems. The main aim is to expand the frontiers of knowledge without the intention of having practical applications. However, the results may be applied eventually to practical problems that have social values. An example is hotel management where all the advances made in this area are dependent upon basic researches in foods and nutrition, catering and hospitality. In the same way, the progress made in business administration practices has been related to progress in the discovery of economics theories, administrative theories and management theories. Primary concern of basic research is to create knowledge solely for the sake of knowledge. Its design is not in any way hampered by considerations of special usefulness of the findings.
Applied Research
Unlike basic research, this type is directed towards the solution to an immediate, specific and practical problem. It is the type of research which is conducted in relation to actual problems and under the conditions in which they are found in practice. Applied research can be used to solve problems at appropriate level of complexity. Take for instance in the area of business management, or administration, you can depend on basic research for discovering the more general laws of management or administration, but you have to employ applied
References: Leedy .P.P (1997). Practical Research: Planning and Design (6th Ed.) New Jersey Best .J. W and khan .J.V. (1995). Research in Education (7th Ed.) New-Delhi IGNOU (2001) Introduction to Research in Distance Education. New – Delhi – STRIDE – IGNOU. Ikekhua, T Exposing Research Methods in Education Study and reporting aid for students and Beginning Researchers. Warri, Agbon Kerlinges, F.N (1979) BUSOGA UNIVERSITY