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Difference Between Basic and Applied Research(With Table)

Basic research is a type of research that is not aimed at solving problems and answering questions. Basic researchers are interested in finding new facts, establishing general principles, or creating theories. Applied Research, on the other hand, is a form of research that is done to solve problems and answer questions.

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What is Basic Research?

Basic research is the type of research that is conducted to increase our understanding of a topic or phenomenon. Basic research is more of a theoretical process to be conducted by a scientist or researcher. The process of basic research is an exploratory one, not directed at any specific outcome.  

It is often exploratory in nature and does not have a specific goal in mind other than to gain greater knowledge about the subject matter. Basic research is often conducted by universities and other academic institutions, as it forms the foundation for applied research.

Moreover, it can take many different forms, but all types of basic research share a common goal to contribute to our understanding of a topic or phenomenon. This understanding can then be used to develop new theories, applications, and technologies.

Examples:

  • One example of basic research is a study that looks at how people interact with technology. This type of research can help us understand how people use technology, what they find difficult about using it, and how we can make technology more user-friendly. 
  • Another example of basic research is a study that looks at how animals behave in their natural environment. This type of research can help us better understand animal behavior and develop new ways to care for them.

Four Advantages Of Basic Research

Some of the benefits of basic research are:

  • Helps Us To Understand the World Around Us: Basic research helps us to understand how the world works. It helps us to learn about the natural laws that govern our universe. By understanding these laws, we can develop new technologies and products that can make our lives better.
  • Allows Us To Develop New Technologies: Basic research allows us to develop new technologies that can solve problems or improve our lives in some way. For example, by understanding how viruses work, we have been able to develop vaccines that can protect people from diseases.
  • Helps Us To Find New Cures For Diseases: By understanding how diseases work, we can develop new treatments and cures for them. For example, by studying cancer cells, scientists have been able to develop new cancer therapies that are saving lives every day.
  • Improves Our Quality of Life: By understanding the world around us and developing new technologies, we can improve our quality of life in many ways.

What is Applied Research?

Applied research is a type of scientific investigation that seeks to answer a specific question or solve a specific problem. It is often conducted in order to develop new products or services or to improve existing ones.

In contrast to basic research, which is often conducted purely for the sake of knowledge, applied research has a more practical focus. This means that its results are intended to be used in some way, rather than simply being added to the body of scientific knowledge.

There are many different types of applied research, but all share the common goal of finding solutions to real-world problems. Some examples include medical research, social science research, and environmental research.

Moreover, such type of research can be conducted by businesses, governments, or other organizations. It is typically funded by these same entities, as they stand to benefit from its results. Individuals can also conduct applied research projects, although this is less common.

In a nutshell, applied research is conducted to solve practical problems of the modern world. Its main aim is to improve human life and society.

Four Advantages of Applied Research

  • It Helps In The Development Of New Products And Services – Applied research helps in the development of new products and services. It provides information that can be used to improve the design or performance of existing products and services. Applied research can also be used to develop new methods and processes for manufacturing, production, and distribution.
  • It Provides A Basis For Decision-Making – Applied research provides information that can be used to make decisions about important issues facing businesses, organizations, and government agencies. This type of research can help decision-makers identify problems and opportunities, evaluate alternatives, and select the best course of action.
  • It Improves Organizational Efficiency And Effectiveness – Applied research can help organizations improve their efficiency and effectiveness by providing information that can be used to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve quality control. 
  • It Facilitates Technology Transfer – Applied research often leads to the development of new technologies that can be used in a variety of ways to improve the quality of life for individuals and society as a whole. This type of research also helps businesses and organizations adopt new technologies more quickly and efficiently.

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Basic Vs Applied Research(Comparison Table)

difference between basic and applied research comparison table

Key Differences Between Basic and Applied Research

  • Basic research is conducted without any specific goal in mind. The main purpose of basic research is to gain knowledge about a topic or issue. Applied research, on the other hand, is conducted with the aim of solving a specific problem.
  • While basic research is pure science, applied research is scientific application.
  • Basic research investigates cause-and-effect relationships to build theories. On the other hand, applied research tests theories to see if they can be used to solve real-world problems.
  • Basic research is often exploratory, while applied research is more focused.
  • Finally, basic research is funded by government agencies and private foundations. On the other hand, applied research is usually funded by businesses or other organizations that stand to benefit from its results.

Key Takeaway(s)

key takeaways

Conclusion

In conclusion, the main differences between basic and applied research are the purpose of the research, who conducted the research, how is it funded, and where is it published. The former is conducted without any specific goal in mind, while the latter is conducted with the aim of solving a specific problem.

Also, basic research is usually conducted by universities and government institutions, while applied research is often conducted by companies. Basic research is usually funded by government grants or private donations. In contrast, applied research is often funded by companies or venture capitalists. Finally, the former is typically published in academic journals, the latter is usually published in trade magazines or patents.

Research Studies: Organization for Autism Research

Basir Saboor

Basir Saboor is a dedicated writer with over 7 years of expertise in researching and disseminating information on technology, business, law, and politics. His passion lies in exploring the dynamic landscape of technology, tracking the latest trends, and delving into the intricacies of the ever-evolving business world. As a firm believer in the influential power of words, he crafts content that aims to inspire, inform, and influence.

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