Let's analyze the question which asks about a type of research focused on exploring how existing theories can be applied to new practices and domains of knowledge. This describes research that takes established theoretical frameworks and tests their relevance or applicability in different or emerging contexts.

Understanding Research Applying Theories

Research can take many forms, depending on its purpose and methodology. When we talk about applying existing theories to new areas, we are often dealing with research that extends or utilizes established knowledge rather than primarily creating entirely new theories or focusing solely on immediate practical problems without theoretical grounding.

Analyzing the Given Research Options

Let's look at the options provided and see how they align with the description in the question:

• Practitioner's research: This type of research is usually conducted by practitioners (like teachers, doctors, social workers) within their own practice setting. Its primary goal is often to solve immediate problems or improve practice directly in their context. While it might use theories, the focus is typically on the specific practical situation rather than the broader exploration of theory applicability to new domains.
• Theoretical research: The main purpose of theoretical research is to develop, refine, or test theories themselves. It often involves abstract concepts and aims to build generalizable knowledge frameworks. This is usually the stage where theories are created or modified, not necessarily applied to new domains as the primary objective.
• Situational research: This term isn't a standard, widely recognized category in research methodology textbooks. It might imply research focused on a specific 'situation' or context, similar to case studies or context-specific investigations. Like practitioner's research, it might be less focused on the broad applicability of theories across *new* domains.
• Second level research: This term is also not a standard, universally accepted research classification. However, let's consider what "second level" might imply in the context of research dealing with theories. If we consider the initial development or refinement of a theory as a "first level" of research, then research that takes this established theory and applies, tests, or explores its relevance in different, new contexts could be considered a "second level" activity. It builds upon the foundational work of theory creation by extending its reach and validating its utility in various practical or theoretical landscapes. This interpretation aligns with the question's focus on exploring the applicability of *theories* to *newly emerging practices and domains of knowledge*.

Connecting the Description to 'Second Level Research'

Based on the analysis of the options and interpreting "second level research" as research that builds upon foundational theoretical work by applying it to new areas, this option appears to best fit the description provided in the question. The research described is not primarily about creating new theories (theoretical research), solving specific immediate practical problems (often practitioner's research), or focusing on a single isolated situation without broader applicability focus. Instead, it's about taking existing theoretical output and operating at a subsequent level to explore its utility and relevance elsewhere.

Conclusion on Applying Theories to New Domains

The research described, which focuses on the exploration of the applicability of existing theories to newly emerging practices and domains of knowledge, can be interpreted as fitting the concept of 'Second level research'. This is because it represents research that builds upon established theoretical foundations by extending and examining their relevance in different contexts.

Revision Table: Key Concepts in Research

Here's a quick review of some related research concepts:

Additional Information on Research Levels and Theory Application

While "Second level research" isn't a universally standard term, the idea of research building upon prior theoretical work is fundamental. Scientific progress often involves:

1. Theory Formulation: Developing new theoretical frameworks.
2. Theory Testing/Validation: Empirical research to see if the theory holds true.
3. Theory Application: Using the validated theory to understand or act upon phenomena in various contexts, including new or emerging ones.

The research described in the question fits well within the "Theory Application" stage. It involves taking theories that have likely undergone some form of initial testing or validation and actively exploring their utility and relevance in different settings or for new kinds of problems or subjects. This exploration helps to understand the scope and limitations of a theory and can sometimes lead back to refining the theory itself.