As you know, science can be applicable or basic. For example, you can study math, physics, chemistry, etc. as basic science, or as an applied science. These are different in terms of the purpose of study and the subjects they study and research on.
What is the difference between basic research and applied research?
The aim of applied research is different from basic research, in a way that basic (theoretical) research deals with theoretical and fundamental principles to satisfy scientists’ curiosity, while applied (practical) research aims for solving problems and producing a product.
In other words, basic science tries to understand the world and the way it works. Applied science uses obtained information in order to make life easier.
How a basic research is conducted?
A basic research could be explanatory or descriptive.
Explanatory researches explore the relationship among events, while descriptive researches present a comprehensive description of the subject or expand the knowledge which already exist. So a researcher searching on a basic science needs a library research.
Basic researches need accuracy in terms of the words used, besides they would be of lots of terminologies.
How an applied research is conducted?
In order to conduct an applied research the researcher needs to evaluate the subject, and he may even create some instruments to measure the subject. So in related studies, the researcher needs to conduct some tests in a lab, distribute some questionnaires, design something, etc. which is known as empirical research.
In addition, in applied researches, terminologies will not be used as many as basic researches. Instead, this kind of research needs accuracy in terms of numbers and statistics.
Is applied researches better and more important than basic researches?
You cannot say which one is preferred. Indeed, basic researches are as a foundation for applied researches. They provide the knowledge and applied scientists would use that knowledge to make our life easier, invent things, cure diseases, etc.
As you can see, they both are necessary and useful.
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Here are some questions and answers about “Basic vs. Applied Research”:
1. What is basic research?
Answer:
Basic research, also known as fundamental or pure research, is the type of research that is conducted to gain a deeper understanding of fundamental principles and theories without immediate practical application in mind. It focuses on generating new knowledge, exploring how things work, and answering questions that contribute to the broader scientific or academic understanding of a subject.
2. What is applied research?
Answer:
Applied research is research that is aimed at solving specific, practical problems or addressing real-world challenges. It takes the knowledge gained from basic research and applies it to develop solutions, technologies, or strategies that have immediate or practical use in industries, healthcare, engineering, and other fields.
3. What is the main difference between basic and applied research?
Answer:
The main difference between basic and applied research lies in their purpose:
- Basic research aims to increase knowledge and understanding without a specific focus on practical application.
- Applied research seeks to solve specific problems or improve practices by utilizing existing knowledge or discoveries.
4. Can basic research lead to applied research?
Answer:
Yes, basic research can often lead to applied research. The discoveries made through basic research can form the foundation for applied research. For example, understanding the basic principles of chemistry may lead to the development of new materials, which can then be used in applied research for creating innovative products.
5. What are examples of basic research?
Answer:
Examples of basic research include:
- Studying the genetic code of organisms to understand how genes influence behavior and traits.
- Investigating the behavior of particles in physics to learn more about the fundamental forces of nature.
- Conducting research into the history and structure of languages to understand linguistic development.
6. What are examples of applied research?
Answer:
Examples of applied research include:
- Developing new medical treatments or drugs to address specific health conditions.
- Creating more energy-efficient technologies by applying principles discovered through basic research in physics and engineering.
- Designing new educational methods based on research into how people learn best.
7. Which type of research is more likely to result in technological advancements?
Answer:
Applied research is more likely to result in technological advancements because it is focused on solving practical problems and developing innovations that have immediate, real-world applications. However, basic research can also indirectly lead to technological advancements by providing the foundational knowledge needed for new technologies.
8. Why is basic research important despite not having immediate practical applications?
Answer:
Basic research is important because it lays the groundwork for future discoveries and innovations. While it may not have immediate applications, the knowledge it generates can eventually be used to address practical challenges. Many major technological and medical breakthroughs were based on knowledge discovered through basic research.
9. How does applied research contribute to solving real-world problems?
Answer:
Applied research directly addresses real-world issues by using scientific knowledge to develop practical solutions. For example, applied research in agriculture may lead to the development of more resilient crops, while applied research in environmental science may result in methods for reducing pollution. This type of research helps improve lives by creating technologies, products, or policies that have tangible benefits.
10. Are basic and applied research always separate from each other?
Answer:
No, basic and applied research are not always separate. In many fields, basic and applied research are interrelated, with discoveries from basic research informing and guiding applied research, and findings from applied research leading to new questions and areas of study for basic research. This collaborative cycle ensures continuous progress in both domains.
11. Which type of research is more likely to receive funding?
Answer:
Applied research is often more likely to receive funding, especially from industries, governments, or organizations that seek to develop practical solutions to current problems. However, basic research is also funded, primarily by academic institutions, government agencies, and foundations interested in advancing knowledge in various scientific fields.
12. Can a project involve both basic and applied research?
Answer:
Yes, a project can involve both basic and applied research. In many cases, researchers start with basic research to build foundational knowledge and then move to applied research to develop solutions. For example, understanding the science of climate change through basic research can inform applied research on sustainable energy solutions.
13. How do the outcomes of basic research and applied research differ?
Answer:
The outcomes of basic research are typically new knowledge, theories, or principles that expand the understanding of a subject without immediate practical use. The outcomes of applied research are tangible solutions, products, technologies, or strategies that can be used to address specific problems or improve existing practices.
14. Can basic research be considered more important than applied research?
Answer:
Neither basic nor applied research is inherently more important than the other. Both types are essential for the advancement of knowledge and the development of society. Basic research provides the foundation for applied research, while applied research addresses real-world issues and translates knowledge into practical applications.
These questions and answers should help clarify the differences between basic and applied research, as well as the role each plays in the scientific and technological advancement process.
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