Basic vs Applied Research: Key Differences with Examples

With the rapid evolution of technology, grasping the nuances of research has become extremely important. Whether you are an expert academic, an IT professional, or simply an innovative individual, understanding the difference between basic and applied research is important. This is key to gaining insights into how to come up with new knowledge and make the most of it.

Despite having different goals and approaches, these two types of research often act as opposing sides of the same coin, each with its own unique advantages and limitations.

This detailed blog from TopHomeworkHelper, a leading academic assistance online platform, reviews research findings, funding sources, remarks, and examples from both categories, clarifying the often fuzzy line between applied research and basic research methods.

What is Basic and Applied Research?

Basic Research

A completely theoretical research approach, basic research aims to improve or expand the foundational knowledge base of a specific study field. It emphasizes "knowledge for its own sake" and is mostly motivated by the urge to learn about new things and feed curiosity.

It is also called pure or fundamental research and is a systematic evaluation that helps to better grasp a research subject, not to eliminate a particular problem.

Applied Research

Applied research focuses on offering practical solutions to a particular issue. It's a type of assessment that includes result-oriented inquiries into a phenomenon, a research subject, or a study field making use of empirical methodologies.

In many cases, applied research is a follow-up research approach to basic research, as it further evaluates the basic or pure research findings and uses them to devise innovative solutions to specific issues.

What Is The Difference Between Applied Research And Basic Research Methods?

The debate about the influence of applied and basic research is critical, and each side has its own strong arguments.

Basic research adds to the existing knowledge in an area of study, and it has a rather broad reach. It isn't about developing a brand-new item, refining an existing method, or resolving a problem facing society. On the other hand, the basis of applied research is to solve practical problems. Finding a new technology to address environmental problems, treating a particular disease, or coming up with plans to raise the standard of education in poor areas—the main objective is to produce a practical solution that can be put into practice right away. To get you an idea, an example of applied research in education is to improve classroom interaction between students and teachers. 

The differences between these two types of research methods include:

• The main goal of basic research is to generate new knowledge and help with a fundamental understanding of concepts, but it often has no immediate use in mind.
• Applied research aims to eliminate specific problems and is often supported with practical solutions.

Benefits of Conducting Basic and Applied Research

Benefits of conducting basic research

Since basic research is carried out without any obvious or immediate benefit, this research type often leads to potential solutions in the coming days. While basic research is not result-oriented, it helps develop the basic understanding needed for more in-depth study and research. Some of the potential benefits of basic research are as follows:

• Gathering knowledge of the environment and biological systems
• For instance, collecting information on real-world issues to aid in society's future preparation
• Gaining new insights into a specific subject that might result in improvements in medicine
• Laying the groundwork for practical research outcomes

Benefits of conducting applied research

Applied research focuses on specific situations to use the information in real-life scenarios. By finding practical solutions for existing issues, it aids in improving the human condition.

In order to address problems in all areas of life, applied research relies on information obtained from basic research as well as additional information. Applied research demands that researchers make use of facts, findings, and current knowledge to come up with new knowledge rather than pursuing theories about the unknown.

Applied research solutions are put into effect in a variety of contexts, from the creation of new regulations or laws to the development of medical treatments.

Basic vs. Applied Research and Their Interaction

The debate between basic and applied research often focuses on the differences between the two, highlighting their unique goals and approaches. But it is important to understand that these researches are not different from one another. They dwell in an ecosystem in which the outcomes of applied research can inspire more basic investigations, while the practical outcomes from basic research can supply the basic understanding for applied research.

Applied research and basic research approaches are similar, despite some clear differences. For instance, researchers may employ the same procedures (such as focus groups, questionnaires, and interviews) to gather information for these kinds of studies.

Researchers must apply deductive and inductive reasoning to formulate and support hypotheses in both kinds of research. When basic research forms the basis of applied research, the two types of study often overlap.

Examples of Basic Research vs. Conducting Applied Research

Examples of Basic Research

• Astronomy: mapping and observing far-off celestial bodies to understand the structure of the universe. For example, studies in quantum mechanics, formerly considered very theoretical, have uses in modern computing.
• Pure Mathematics: looking into abstract mathematical ideas that may not be applied right away.
• Particle Physics: studies to comprehend the basic elements of the universe conducted at facilities such as CERN.
• Social Psychology Theories: investigating human behavior in a lab setting in order to understand fundamental social interactions.
• Evolutionary Biology: investigating how organisms change over time to adjust to their surroundings.

Examples of Applied Research

• Pharmaceuticals: producing new medicines by understanding illness mechanisms.
• Market Research: Understanding the buying habits of customers for improved advertising campaigns or product design.
• Renewable Energy: exploring more effective wind turbines or solar panels to capture energy.
• Medical Procedures: study to create new medical equipment or surgical methods.
• Transportation: creating new materials to make cars lighter and more fuel-efficient.
• Cybersecurity: using shortcomings to design new encryption or security mechanisms.
• Agricultural Techniques: research for more effective strategies to prevent pests or raise the productivity of crops.

Careers in Basic Research Methods and Applied Research

Careers in Basic Research

• Theoretical Physicist: Focuses on understanding the fundamental principles that regulate physical occurrences.
• Astrophysicist: Examines the characteristics and activities of the universe and celestial bodies.
• Mathematician: Explores abstract concepts via research into pure mathematics.
• Neuroscientist: studies the complex operation of the neurological system, which includes the brain.
• Cognitive Psychologist: examines the thought processes that drive human behavior.
• Geologist: examines the composition, history, and mechanisms that impact the Earth's physical structure.

Careers in Applied Research

• Data Scientist: This person makes use of statistical models to evaluate data and provide insights that can be used for business purposes.
• Agricultural Scientist: explores strategies that improve the productivity and sustainability of agricultural systems.
• Software Developer: builds new software by researching user demands, technological advancements, or methods of problem-solving.
• Nutritional Epidemiologist: examines the relation between nutrition and health outcomes, commonly with a focus on public health implications.
• Pharmaceutical Researcher: Studies and comes up with new medicines or therapies.
• Mechanical Engineer: This person develops and conducts tests on new gadgets with the objective of resolving certain mechanical issues.
• Market Research Analyst: carries out research to comprehend customer behavior and market trends.

Being a reliable brand, TopHomeworkhelper is always ready to assist you in building a strong career in this field of study. Whether you need homework help, an abstract for a lab report, or a list of research topics, our qualified and reputed homework writers can deliver quality work at reasonable rates and help you shine in your profession. 

Highlights from the Research: Solution-Driven vs. Curiosity-Driven

While the results of applied research help to improve our basic understanding, basic research paves the way for applied research successes.

Applied research is motivated by real-world issues that need relatively quick fixes, whereas basic research typically deals with more theoretical questions. These various research methodologies can be used for a variety of reasons and are not exclusive of one another.

According to the experts of TopHomeworkHelper, the interaction between these two research methodologies strengthens the field of research. Whether theoretical or practical, instant or long-term, both significantly improve our knowledge and add to the depth of research that aims to resolve issues, provide answers, and boost our quality of life.

Wrapping up – Basic and Applied Research

Research methods, both basic and applied, acquire information and evaluate facts that contribute to the wealth of knowledge about a specific subject. However, applied research addresses particular issues, whereas basic research focuses on clarifying and feeding curiosity. The collection of information is necessary for both types of research to validate a theory or provide a useful technique, product, or service.

Gaining insight into similarities and differences between basic research and applied research can equip you to gather and manage information effectively according to your requirements. If you still need expert college homework help, don’t hesitate to connect with TopHomeworkHelper.