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 research are important and contribute to the improvement of these faculties. However, as these faculties take the name of education, there are some opinions that tell 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 Kaz？m 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 belived that DBER did not contribute to the educational system of country due to some reasons such as politicy and lack of DBER researchers