Researchers’ perceptions of scientific research and educational research

The

researchers of educational faculties conduct educational research, pure

scientific research or discipline-based educational research as to their

interest. All of these researches are important and contribute to the

improvement of these faculties. However, as these faculties take the name of

education, there are some opinions that show educational and discipline-based

educational research should be more focused on. On the other hand, pure scientific

researchers believe that the kernel of science is pure scientific research.

Based on these arguments, this study tried to give voice to researchers of

educational faculties. Thus, the aim of this study is to identify researchers’

perceptions of scientific research (SR), pure scientific research (PSR),

educational research (ER) and discipline-based educational research (DBER). To

achieve this goal, phenomenology was carried out. The sample was formed through

maximum variation sampling. The participants of the study consisted of 10

researchers working at Atatürk University Kâzım Karabekir Education Faculty.

The data obtained through semi-structured interviews were analyzed through

content analysis. The findings showed that the researchers described the SR as

a systematic process of gathering and analyzing data; PSR as theoretical

research which tried to understand the nature of a discipline; ER as an applied

research related to education and training; and DBER as a combination of ER and

PSR. Moreover, it was seen that the researchers believed that DBER did not

contribute to the educational system of country due to some reasons such as

policy and lack of DBER researchers.<o:p></o:p>