In this module you will be introduced to an overview of educational research and evaluation in open and distance learning (ODL). We shall start by looking at the idea of ‘practitioner research’, since that is the type of research that you are most likely to be doing. This will help you to locate yourself in the research spectrum. We will then move on to ask what constitutes ‘research’ at a fundamental level and look at how it is viewed in ODL. Next we will look at the various reasons that people give for doing research and, in particular, look at the distinction between ‘pure’ and ‘applied’ research. Evaluation is a particular type of applied research and we will introduce you to the idea of evaluation as an ‘industrialised’ process. We will then look at a wide range of research areas and topics within those areas in ODL. You will also explore the social, political and environmental factors that influence the research agenda and we introduce some categories for distinguishing between certain styles of research. Towards the end of the module you will be encouraged to decide upon your own research project. However, even if you are not yet ready to choose a research project, this module will provide you with a good background understanding to research and evaluation in ODL.