Classification of research methodology based on its application.

Assignment 3:

Classification of research methodology based on its application.

According to some studies, research is defined as "a scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic" (Kothari, 2005). The main aim of the research is to discover answers to questions through the application of scientific procedures. And the types of research methods can be grouped into two broad categories based on the application of the findings of the study (What is this used for?): applied research and fundamental research. Applied research is also referred to as an action research or evaluation research, and the fundamental research is sometimes known as basic or pure research (Mligo, 2016).

The first type is fundamental research. This is the type of research that enhance the knowledge. Bailey (as cited in Kumar, 2014) claims that fundamental research is the research focuses on fundamental principles and testing theories. It is motivated by a desire to expand man's scientific knowledge base and involves the acquisition of knowledge for knowledge's sake (Kumar, 2012). Answering the question of why, what or how is the aim of this research, which driven basically by curiosity (Grande, 2017). It increases understanding of the certain phenomena or behavior in term of theory, but does not have immediate commercial objectives nor seek for the solution to solve these practical problems. The research relating to cosmology such as explore the original of the universe or concerning to human psychology as finding out how alcohol consumption impact on the human brain are examples of fundamental research. Similarly, research studies conducted to answer the question such as: What are protons, neutrons, and electrons composed of? or What is a muon? are also examples of fundamental research. In spite of having no commercial value attached to the discoveries that result from fundamental research, it makes a huge contribution by enriching the academic knowledge base in the research area.

The second type of research is Applied Research. Applied research can be considered as scientific study and research that aims at finding solutions to practical problems facing a society or an industrial/business organization (Kumar, 2014). Hale (2011) also states that applied research examines a specific set of circumstances. And its ultimate goal is relating the results to a particular situation, rather than to acquire knowledge for knowledge's sake. It is used to find solutions to everyday problems, cure illness, and develop innovative technologies. That is, applied research uses and analysis the data to answer directly for real world application to improve the human condition. Research to identify social, economic or political trends or the marketing research or evaluation research are examples of applied research (Kothari, 2005). Other examples are: improving agriculture crop production, treat or cure a specific disease, improve the energy efficiency of homes, offices, how can communication among workers in large companies be improved? Opposite to fundamental research is applied research that aims to solve specific problems, thus findings of applied research do have immediate practical implications.

In conclusion, from the viewpoint of the application of study, there are two types of research: applied and fundamental research (Kumar, 2014). Moreover, with all the classifications, definitions and examples above it is important to imply that although fundamental studies do not pursue immediate commercial objectives, nevertheless, the foundational knowledge of fundamental studies is essential. It may result in innovations, as well as, generating solutions to practical problems.

References
Grande, L. (2017). Curators. Behind the scenes of natural history museums. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Hale, J. (2011). Understanding Research Methodology 5: Applied and Basic Research. Psych Central.
Kothari, C. R. (2005). Research methodology: Methods & techniques. New Delhi: New Age International (P) Ltd.
Kumar, C. R. (2012). Research methodology. New Delhi: APH Publishing Corporation.
Kumar, R. (2014). Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners. London: SAGE Publications.
Mligo, E. S. (2016). Introduction to research methods and report writing: A practical guide for students and researchers in social sciences and the humanities. Eugene, Oregon : Resource Publications.

Peter, what is the purpose of this essay? What are the parameters by which your research information should be considered valid? Why should I care about the content of the research paper? There is no sense of purpose to what you wrote due to the lack of a credible thesis statement on your part. Without a proper introduction to the topic of the research and what the purpose of the research, it is difficult for the reader to gain a sense of purpose or need to continue reading this essay. It would be proper for you to develop a new first paragraph, one that explains the basis of this research above the current first paragraph. Present the current first paragraph as your second paragraph instead. That would be more fitting because an opening statement is not allowed to refer directly to any quotes nor offer solid discussions at the start of the essay. Only an overview of the upcoming discussion is allowed as an outline or guide for the reader who may wish to read a summary of your research purpose prior to the full information presentation.