Basic and Applied Research
Basic research: a type of investigation that focuses on improving the understanding of a particular phenomenon, study or law of nature. This type of research examines data to find the unknown and to fulfill intellectual curiosity. Usually basic research involves answering “how”, “why” and “what” questions to develop, refine and test a theory. Basic research looks at how processes or concepts work. It is usually done by an individual researcher in a laboratory setting. Information obtained from basic research often creates a foundation for applied studies. [1][4]
Examples of basic research:
• A study on searching for the causative factors of depression in teenagers.
• A study looking to discover how smoking impacts the healing of the wounds.
• A study accessing where stress level makes people consume more alcohol.
• A study examining how affective keto diet is in promoting weight loss.
Applied research is a type of research that is done to find a practical solution for existing problems. It is usually carried out under actual practice conditions on subjects who represent the group to which the results will be applied. This type of research uses empirical methods, such as experiments, to collect data in an area of study. The results from the research study are applied upon the completion of the study. Most clinical research falls into this category. Applied research focuses on answering one specific question for the researcher or client. [1][4]
There are three types of applied research:[2] [3]
Action research: Action research is a type applied research that helps business by finding practical and implementable solutions to specific business problems. It helps guide business in the right direction. This type of research is limited to specific contexts and situations.
Evaluation research: Evaluation research is a type of applied research that analyzes existing information about a subject or context to arrive at objective research outcomes. It helps clients to make informed decisions. This type of research is mostly applied in business context, for example a company may utilize evaluation research to determine how to improve customer satisfaction after holiday sales.
Research and development: Research and development is a type of applied research that is focused on developing new products and services based on the needs of target markets. It focuses on gathering information about marketing needs and finding ways to improve on an existing product or create new products that satisfy the identified needs.
Examples of applied research:
• Applied research to improve an organizations utilization of overtime in an effort to cut costs.
• Applied research to improve workplace safety.
• A study to improve agricultural production of corn for cattle consumption.
• A research study to treat ADHD in elementary school kids
• A study to investigate effects of vaping in teenagers.
Advantages of Basic Research over Applied Research
Basic research results in the gaining of new knowledge and it also expands existing knowledge while applied research does not lead to the acquisition of new knowledge. Applied research only focuses on applying knowledge to solve existing problems hence, it is solution-specific.
Findings from basic research have been predominantly responsible for breakthroughs in different fields of study while findings from applied research are primarily useful for solving specific research problems. Hence, basic research is universal in nature while applied research is limited in nature. [2][4]
Advantages of Applied Research over Basic Research
Applied research helps organizations and individuals to solve specific problems, unlike basic research that is simply focused on expanding knowledge without providing solutions to existing problems. This, however, does not negate the fact that findings from basic research are useful to proffer solutions to problems.
Unlike basic research which is somewhat subjective in its approach, applied research is an objective method of inquiry. Typically, applied research is unbiased because it arrives at outcomes by subjecting empirical evidence to standardized scientific procedures and this makes it a more valid research method. [2][4]
[1] Basic Research vs. Applied Research: What's the Difference? | Indeed.com
[2] https://www.formpl.us/blog/basic-applied-research#
[3] What is Applied Research? + [Types, Examples & Method] (formpl.us)
[4] From Portney L and Watkins M, Foundations of Clinical Research: Applications to Practice, 2nd Edition, Pages12-15