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Key Differences Between Basic and Applied Research

Research methods lecture notes

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11 views1 page

Key Differences Between Basic and Applied Research

Research methods lecture notes

Uploaded by

wilber
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Key Differences Between Basic and Applied

Research

Basic Research

Basic research, often referred to as fundamental or pure research, is primarily concerned with
gaining a deeper understanding of underlying principles and theories. It seeks to answer
questions about how things work, often without immediate consideration for practical
applications. The primary goal of basic research is to generate new knowledge and insights
that can contribute to the broader scientific community.

Characteristics of Basic Research

• Focus on Theory: Basic research emphasizes the development and testing of theories.
• Long-term Goals: It often has long-term objectives, with findings that may not have
immediate applications.
• Exploratory Nature: Basic research is exploratory and may lead to unexpected
discoveries.
• Knowledge Generation: It aims to expand the existing body of knowledge.

Definition of Applied Research

Applied research, on the other hand, is oriented towards practical problem-solving. It takes
the theories and principles derived from basic research and applies them to real-world
situations. The goal of applied research is to address specific issues, improve processes, or
develop new technologies that can benefit society.

Characteristics of Applied Research

• Focus on Practicality: Applied research is driven by the need to solve specific


problems or improve practices.
• Short-term Goals: It typically has more immediate objectives and outcomes.
• Solution-Oriented: Applied research seeks to provide solutions to real-world
challenges.
• Utilization of Knowledge: It utilizes existing knowledge from basic research to inform
its applications.

Key Differences

| Aspect | Basic Research | Applied Research |


|----------------------|-------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|
| Purpose | To expand knowledge and understanding | To solve specific, practical
problems |
| Focus | Theoretical and exploratory | Practical and solution-oriented |
| Timeframe | Long-term objectives | Short-term objectives |
| Outcome | New theories and insights | Practical applications and solutions |
| Nature of Inquiry| Exploratory and often open-ended | Targeted and focused |

Conclusion

In summary, while both basic and applied research play vital roles in the advancement of
knowledge and technology, they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics.
Basic research lays the groundwork for understanding fundamental concepts, while applied
research translates that understanding into practical solutions. Recognizing these differences
can help stakeholders make informed decisions about research priorities and funding.

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