BASIC AND APPLIED RESEARCH
What is Research?
Research is a calculated investigation that provides a base for decision-making. It can be understood as the study undertaken by an individual or entity systematically, for finding out solutions to the problems under consideration. Surveys or experiments are carried out to gather information as per the objectives. Based on utility, research is divided into two categories, i.e. Basic Research and Applied Research, wherein basic research is one that adds further knowledge to the actual knowledge.
Definition of Basic Research
Basic Research or otherwise called pure or fundamental research is one that focuses on advancing scientific knowledge for the complete understanding of a topic or certain natural phenomenon, primarily in natural sciences. In a nutshell, when knowledge is acquired for the sake of knowing it is called basic research.
Basic Research is completely theoretical, that focuses on basic principles and testing theories. It tends to understand the basic law.
Basic Research deals with the generalization and formulation of theory about human behavior. It is aligned towards collecting information that has universal applicability. Therefore, basic research helps in adding new knowledge to the already existing knowledge.
Application of the natural science. It is directed towards providing a solution to the specific Applied Research can be defined as research that encompasses real-life practical problems and develops innovative technology.
In finer terms, it is the research that can be applied to real-life situations. It studies a particular set of circumstances, so as to relate the results to its corresponding circumstances.
Applied research includes research that focuses on certain conclusions experiencing a business, Management, etc. problem. Moreover, research that is aligned towards ascertaining social, economic, or political trends is also termed applied research.
|
|
Basic Research |
Applied Research |
|
Meaning |
Basic Research
refers to the study that is aimed at expanding the existing base of
scientific knowledge. |
Applied
Research is the research that is designed to solve specific practical
problems or answer certain questions. |
|
Nature |
Theoretical |
Practical |
|
Utility |
Universal |
Limited |
|
Concerned with |
Developing
scientific knowledge and predictions |
Development of
technology and technique |
|
Goal |
To add some
knowledge to the existing one. |
To find out
solution for the problem at hand. |
Key Differences Between Basic and Applied Research:
- While basic research is purely theoretical, applied research has a practical approach.
- The primary concern of basic research is to develop scientific knowledge and predictions. On the other hand, applied research stresses the development of technology and technique with the help of basic science.
- The fundamental goal of basic research is to add some knowledge to the already existing one. Conversely, applied research is directed towards finding a solution to the problem under consideration.
Examples: Basic Research
- The development and testing of theories of behavior (behavioral sciences).
- Development and testing of theories of how students behave in an educational setting’ (education)
- It will look into the difference between a disease and a disorder.
Examples: Applied Research
- Most educational research is applied research because it aims to develop generalizations about the teaching-learning process and instructional materials.
- Evaluation of library service.
- It will try to find the drug to treat the patient.
Conclusion
The type of research may vary on the basis of the level at which research is carried out and its purpose. One can choose basic research over applied research when the purpose is to add certain scientific knowledge, whereas when it is important to identify a proper solution to the problem under study, applied research is preferable.
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