Types of Research in a College Setting
College researchers engage in research across many disciplines and with a variety of objectives.
Applied Research
Applied research seeks to solve a specific problem or provide innovative solutions to issues affecting a sector, group, or community. Much of the funding that is made available to colleges is in support of partnerships with industry and community organizations.
Watch the video below for a more thorough explanation of applied research.
Video from Mohawk College © Used with permission.
Discovery Research
This is also known as academic research or basic research. Discovery research is designed to increase our understanding of fundamental principles in a wide range of areas. Unlike applied research, the practical objective of the research is often of secondary consideration to the investigation itself.
Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL)
This type of research examines pedagogy, teaching practices (including their implementation in the classroom and their impacts upon student learning), technological enhancements to teaching, and all aspects of student learning and engagement in higher education. In this case, researchers are encouraged to develop their skills as educators with a particular focus on meeting student needs.
