A basic researcher might work on a study involving reading strategies to help improve reading abilities in young children.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer to the scenario is that this researcher is conducting basic research. Basic research is aimed at increasing understanding of fundamental principles, theories, or phenomena. It focuses on gaining knowledge for knowledge’s sake, without immediate practical application in mind.
In the context of the study on reading strategies to improve reading abilities in young children, the researcher would be exploring underlying cognitive processes, strategies, or mechanisms that influence how children learn to read. They may investigate various aspects such as phonics, vocabulary development, reading comprehension, or even the impact of different types of instruction on a child’s reading ability. The researcher is trying to understand how children process written language and which strategies might enhance their learning.
Basic research in education often involves controlled experiments or observations to gather data about how children acquire reading skills. It may include tasks such as observing children’s response to different teaching methods or analyzing patterns in their reading habits. The results of this basic research could provide a foundation for future applied research, which might look at how these strategies can be implemented in classroom settings to directly benefit children’s reading abilities.
By conducting basic research, the researcher contributes to the broader field of educational psychology and literacy development. The findings can help educators and policymakers understand the processes involved in early reading development and could eventually lead to more effective teaching practices. However, the primary goal of basic research is to add to the existing body of knowledge and develop theories that explain how learning occurs, rather than to develop immediate interventions or solutions for practical problems.