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Basic research aims to gather information and build on existing knowledge, while applied research is focused on solving specific questions. Applied research often builds on basic research, and the lines between the two can be blurred. Both types of research can be expensive, but investing in basic research saves money in the long run.
Basic and applied research are important for the advancement of human knowledge, but they work in slightly different ways and have different end goals in view. Basic or pure research is conducted solely for the purpose of gathering information and building on existing knowledge, as opposed to applied research, which is oriented towards solving a particular question. A neurologist who studies the brain to understand its general functioning is doing basic research, while a neurologist who is looking for the origins of Alzheimer’s disease is involved in applied research.
Applied research often builds on existing basic research. Basic research could be considered the knowledge base that provides people with the basic information needed to pursue particular research fields. In the example of the two neurologists above, for example, the neurologist involved in applied research on a neurological condition is likely to use published research from the neurologist who is more generally studying the brain.
The lines between basic and applied research can be blurred. For example, a researcher playing with batteries and energy storage methods might accidentally stumble upon a revolutionary battery that could be used as a commercial product. In this case, research being conducted to develop ways of understanding and storing energy more generally could have immediate real-world application, such as storing solar energy trapped by solar panels in a home.
In basic research, general theories, ideas and questions are explored and tested, from where the universe comes to how animals communicate. Some people have suggested that this type of research shouldn’t be prioritized, because it doesn’t always result in an immediate benefit to humans, but without basic research, many applied research programs would be hard to get started with. which they need. Doing basic research ensures that applied researchers don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time they start a new project, because the groundwork has been done.
Some researchers prefer to focus on one type of research or another, addressing natural curiosity or concern about specific problems faced by humans. Others may fluctuate back and forth, or find themselves starting a project that might be considered basic which twist applies, or vice versa. Flexibility in research is key, as it promotes innovation and new approaches to scientific problems. Basic research is sometimes criticized as a funding hog, but in reality both types of research can be expensive, and investing in basic research actually saves you money in the long run by promoting the exploration of general knowledge.
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