In research methodology, research that is specifically designed to evaluate and test scientific theories is called what type of research?

Introduction / Context:
Research methodology questions often ask you to distinguish between different types of research, such as basic, applied, descriptive, and action research. This item focuses on research that is mainly planned to test and evaluate theories, which is an essential part of developing scientific knowledge in psychology, education, and other disciplines.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question refers to research designed to evaluate or test theories. - No particular subject is mentioned, so the term must be general across scientific fields. - The options given are standard labels used in research methodology.

Concept / Approach:
Basic research, also called fundamental or pure research, aims to increase theoretical knowledge and to test existing theories or propose new ones. Applied research, in contrast, focuses on solving immediate practical problems. Descriptive research mainly describes characteristics of a population, and action research is used by practitioners to improve their own practice. Therefore, the key phrase “designed to evaluate theories” points directly to basic research.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Identify the core idea in the stem: evaluation and testing of theories. 2. Recall that basic research is theory oriented and seeks to confirm or refine theoretical models. 3. Applied research is problem solving in real life contexts, not mainly theory testing. 4. Descriptive research observes and records phenomena without necessarily testing a theory. 5. Action research is used by teachers or practitioners to improve local practice rather than to evaluate broad theories. 6. Therefore, the best match for research designed to evaluate theories is basic research.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this by checking standard research methodology textbooks, which consistently state that basic research expands theoretical knowledge and tests hypotheses derived from theories, while applied and action research are oriented toward direct practical outcomes.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Applied research: Focuses on solving practical problems, not primarily on evaluating theories. Descriptive research: Describes characteristics or patterns and may not involve explicit theory testing. Action research: Conducted by practitioners to improve their own practice, usually in local settings, not mainly to evaluate general theories.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse basic and applied research because both may involve scientific methods. Another common mistake is to assume that any research involving real people is applied, even when the main purpose is still theoretical. The correct approach is to focus on the primary aim stated in the question: evaluation of theories.

Final Answer:
The type of research that is mainly designed to evaluate and test theories is Basic research.