Action research and fundamental research are two different approaches to conducting research. While they share some similarities, they also have some significant differences that set them apart.
Fundamental research, also known as basic research, is focused on understanding the underlying principles of a phenomenon. It is typically conducted in a laboratory setting and aims to add to the existing body of knowledge in a particular field. Fundamental research is often driven by curiosity and the desire to understand how things work, rather than by a specific practical application.
In contrast, action research is focused on addressing a specific problem or improving a specific situation. It is typically conducted in a real-world setting, such as a school or a business, and aims to provide practical solutions to real-world problems. Action research is often collaborative, involving the participation of those who are affected by the problem being studied.
One key difference between action research and fundamental research is the level of control that the researcher has over the research process. In fundamental research, the researcher has a high level of control over the variables being studied, allowing them to isolate and manipulate specific factors in order to understand their effects. In action research, the researcher may not have as much control over the variables being studied, as they are working in a real-world setting with complex and dynamic systems.
Another difference between the two approaches is the level of generalizability of the findings. Fundamental research findings are often seen as more generalizable, as they are based on controlled experiments that allow for the isolation of specific variables. Action research findings, on the other hand, may be more specific to the context in which the research was conducted and may not be as easily transferable to other situations.
In conclusion, action research and fundamental research are two different approaches to conducting research that are suited to different goals and contexts. Fundamental research is focused on understanding underlying principles and is typically conducted in a laboratory setting, while action research is focused on addressing specific problems and is conducted in a real-world setting. While both approaches have their own strengths and limitations, they both play important roles in advancing our understanding of the world around us.
