In this article, you will explore the difference between basic and applied research with examples. Also you will be able to learn the similarities between basic and applied research. At the end you can find FAQ about research.
This article will make you understand which type of research you can conduct based on the requirements of your research project.
Basic and applied research are terms that you may hear frequently when discussing scientific research or hearing about specific research projects. These terms may seem like they have different meanings, but they actually go hand in hand when discussing the type of research conducted by scientists.
Both basic and applied research are important for moving scientific discovery forward, with one usually following the other in succession. The two terms are often interchanged when discussing scientific research, but their meanings are very different.
Research can be broken down into two broad categories:
- Applied research
- Basic research
While both types of research are essential to the advancement of science, their differences are also vast.
The definition of basic and applied research varies from one source to the next; however, it is generally understood that basic research is more theoretical in nature and does not have specific applications or end goals in mind.
In contrast, applied research has a very clear goal and its findings have direct implications for society as a whole.
Example: new drug development
Research may be classified as either basic or applied based on the type of problem being addressed, the scope of its potential application, the motivation behind undertaking it, and ultimately what can be gained from it.
Read on to find out more about difference between basic and applied research with examples. Also, the risks associated with them and when you should use them for optimal results.
Purpose of Research
Research can be undertaken for two different purposes.
- One is to solve a current problem faced by the manager in the work setting, demanding a timely solution.
- Other is to generate a body of knowledge by trying to comprehend how certain problems that occur in organizations can be solved.
What is Applied Research?
Applied research is a study done with the goal of using the findings to address particular issues that an organization is currently facing.
The goal of applied research is to provide precise answers that address real-world issues. New knowledge acquired from applied research has specific commercial objectives in the form of products, procedures, or services.
Example of Applied Research
A particular product may not be selling well and the manager might want to find the reasons for this in order to take corrective action.
Such research called applied research.
What is Basic Research?
Research is referred to as basic, fundamental, or pure if its primary goal is to advance human understanding.
Increasing information and comprehension of the phenomena of interest and developing ideas based on the research findings are the main goals of fundamental research.
Example of Basic Research
For instance, research into the causes and consequences of global warming will offer many solutions to minimize the phenomenon. This would lead to further research to determine if and how global warming can be averted.
Such research is called basic, fundamental or pure research.
Difference Between Applied and Basic Research?
| Applied Research | Basic Research |
| Solutions for specific problems | Expand knowledge in field of study |
| Solution-driven | Knowledge-specific |
| Practical-oriented | Theory-oriented |
| Action-oriented & synthetic | Explanatory & analytical |
| Objective method | Subjective |
Applied and basic research differ from one another by the scope and area of extension of the research.
- Basic research is an approach to research that tries to further knowledge in a subject of study, applied research is a methodology that develops practical answers for particular situations
- In contrast to basic research, which is knowledge-specific, applied research is solution-driven.
- Fundamental research is largely focused on advancing knowledge, applied research is more concerned with offering a workable solution to a specific problem.
- Basic research is focused on theory, whereas applied research is focused on application.
- Basic research is explanatory and analytical in character, whereas applied research is action-oriented and synthetic.
- Applied research is an objective method of inquiry, basic research which is somewhat subjective in its approach.
Applied vs Basic Research
The difference between applied and basic research is often misunderstood by the public and even by scientists themselves. It’s not always clear how each type of research should be categorized. But there are some important characteristics that can help you decide which type of research you’re working on.
Applied research is focused on the application of research to real life problems. It’s a type of scientific inquiry that aims to answer a specific question or solve a specific problem.
Basic research has less focus on solving problems and more on understanding how science works, why we do what we do as scientists, and how our knowledge can be applied through experimentation.
- Applied research is more about the exploration of an idea, rather than for any particular practical use.
- Basic research is used to generate new knowledge that can be used by others.
Similarities between Applied and Basic Research
- Both are the core pillars of any research methodology process.
- Both are scientific methods of data collection and analysis.
- Both research forces are the pillars of core research and technology. They meant for spreading great knowledge and progress of new technologies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Applied and Basic Research research
1- Is Applied Research qualitative or quantitative ?
A sort of research that is quantitative in nature is called applied research.
Quantitative research is a sort of study that is more concerned with quantity, such as the quantity of respondents or the quantity of the subject under study.
2- Why is the basic research done?
Basic research is carried out to compile information about the subject matter that the researcher needs to investigate.
The preliminary data obtained from the basic research is used to carry out the bulk of the research.
3- What are the 5 types of research methods?
The 5 types of research methods are:
- Survey method
- Observation method
- Interview method
- Focus group method
- Experimental method
4- Is basic or applied research more important ?
A sort of research known as basic research is carried out to respond to peoples’ most fundamental questions.
While applied research focuses on asking individuals for their opinions in order to identify a specific solution to a given issue.
5- What are the characteristics of applied research?
The practical outcomes of the research are considered when conducting applied research.
The precise needs that must be satisfied are catered to through applied research. The steps that will help in getting to the desired location will be provided with the aid of the specialty expertise.
6- What are the two major types of applied research?
Technology research and feasibility research are the two main categories of applied research.
While the feasibility study helps to determine whether conducting research in a particular subject is viable or not. The technology research assists in learning about the various technologies.
7- How is applied research conducted?
A questionnaire or an interview are used to carry out applied research. The client is then questioned in order to determine the precise issues that he is dealing with. When consulting services are being supplied to the client, this kind of study is conducted.
Conclusion
There are many different types of research, but they can generally be broken down into two main types.
Applied research is any type of research that directly addresses a specific problem or challenge. Basic research, on the other hand, is research that explores fundamental principles or theories in order to gain a better understanding of phenomena.
There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to which type of research you should be doing. Instead, it largely comes down to your personal preferences and the type of researcher you are. Let’s take a closer look at these two types of research. Learn how they might apply to your own career as an researcher.
To summarize, we think it’s important not just to distinguish between basic and applied research, but also understand its purpose. This article has given the quick overview of difference between basic and applied research with Examples. Also you have learnt the similarities between basic and applied research and FAQ about research.
Get Books on Research
Basics of Qualitative Research: Techniques and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory
Writing Empirical Research Reports: A Basic Guide for Students of the Social and Behavioral Sciences
Research Methods: The Basics
Basic Research Methods: An Entry to Social Science Research
Conducting Applied Research in Education
Applied Qualitative Research Design: A Total Quality Framework Approach
Difference Between
- Difference Between Experimental and Non-Experimental Research
- Difference Between Internal Validity and External Validity
- Difference Between Inductive and Deductive Approach
- Difference Between Reliability and Validity
- Difference Between Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Studies
- Difference Between Open Ended and Closed Ended Questions
- Difference Between Survey and Questionnaire
- Difference Between Null and Alternative Hypothesis
- Difference Between Stratified and Cluster Sampling
- Difference Between Population and Sample
- Difference Between Sampling Error and Sampling Bias
Learn More About Research:
- Survey vs. Questionnaire
- Open Ended vs Closed Ended Questions
- Cross-Sectional vs Longitudinal Studies
- 7 Types of Research Gaps | Examples
- How to define Research Problem?
- How to build Research Questions ?
