Academic Research
Academic research, referred to as scholarly research, is a form of theoretical analysis across a conceptual framework. Robson and McCartan (2016) note that this type of research is used in academic disciplines, and from a practical standpoint, it is rarely applicable. As a result, the main emphasis is on theoretical evaluations for the broad coverage of specific issues and revealing the necessary connections between the concepts involved.
Applied Research
In applied research, also known as professional research, practical issues are studied. According to Robson and McCartan (2016), this type of work is characteristic of real world research because it draws on specific existing problems as practical resources. Moreover, as van Winkel et al. (2018) argue, applied research is also acceptable in the academic environment since the results of findings can be published. Therefore, this form of research activity is applicable in different fields.
Comparison
When comparing the two aforementioned types of research, one should, first of all, pay attention to the scope of their application. Scholarly activities are utilized in an academic environment and based on theoretical and conceptual models. In addition, Robson and McCartan (2016) remark that such studies are usually peer-reviewed and published in specialized textbooks and journals. Professional research, in turn, is more applicable to solving organizational issues and finding solutions to specific problems. Applied studies are relevant to solving practical tasks and published less frequently than academic ones (Robson & McCartan, 2016). In addition, both types of research differ in the resources involved; scholarly activities are more often based on the use of theoretical findings, while professional studies more often involve internal reports and private data.
From the perspective of frequency of use, applied research is being applied more frequently. According to Altbach and de Wit (2019), the reason for this is that “there is a crisis in academic publishing and in the global knowledge distribution system generally” (p. 2). Too much focus on theoretical assessments inhibits problem-solving work, and even for academic systems, practical activities are lacking (Altbach & de Wit, 2019). In addition, scholarly research is one of the few ways to promote a relevant idea in the academic community and substantiate it. Kwiek (2019) states that, unlike those who work with specific practical issues, theorists spend much time in analytical activities and more often focus on basic research mechanisms rather than applied approaches. Thus, professional research is in demand as a tool for optimizing decision-making and achieving other specific objectives, while scholarly activities are designed to justify rather than solve.
For me, applied studies are a more interesting research methodology. Through relevant approaches and problem-solving strategies, I can utilize resources to solve specific problems to achieve real improvements in the bottom line. Moreover, academic research requires compliance with a number of conventions to conduct all procedures in accordance with existing scholarly standards. Therefore, I give preference to professional activities to solve real rather than conceptual issues.
Biblical Integration
The urge to research is a natural part of human life, and this is mentioned in sacred texts. According to Keller and Alsdorf (2014), in Genesis, the creation of the world is referred to as division into forms and differentiation, which is the basic principle of applied activities. The Christian teaching explains the importance of constant cognition as a process that is designed to develop the spiritual essence and, at the same time, expand the opportunities for improvement around oneself.
References
Altbach, P. G., & de Wit, H. (2019). Too much academic research is being published. International Higher Education, (96), 2-3. Web.
Keller, T., & Alsdorf, K. L. (2014). Every good endeavor: Connecting your work to God’s work. Penguin.
Kwiek, M. (2019). Social stratification in Higher Education: What it means at the micro‐level of the individual academic scientist. Higher Education Quarterly, 73(4), 419-444. Web.
Robson, C., & McCartan, K. (2016). Real world research (4th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
van Winkel, M. A., Van Der Rijst, R. M., Poell, R. F., & van Driel, J. H. (2018). Identities of research-active academics in new universities: Towards a complete academic profession cross-cutting different worlds of practice.Journal of Further and Higher Education, 42(4), 539-555. Web.