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Difference Between Basic Research and Applied

Research
• Categorized under Planning & Activities,Psychology,Science | Difference Between Basic Research and Applied Research

Research is commonly defined as a systematic investigation with the intent to verify facts and generate updated conclusions.
Regarding its utility, research is divided into two: basic and applied. Many researchers suggest that these are closely working with
each other as basic research is a platform which applied research often uses to solve real life problems. Also, basic research
employs technology (which was developed by applied research) to address its objectives. Thus, these inquiries form a cycle of
advancement.

Generally, applied research deals with particular topics which have direct practical relevance. On the contrary, basic research is
mainly motivated by the expansion of knowledge and seek to answer questions that are not related to direct applications. The
following concepts delve into such distinctions.

What is Basic Research?

Basic research is also known as fundamental or pure
research since it is mainly concerned with the improvement
of scientific knowledge. The purpose of basic research is
simply to gather more information to further understand
existing phenomena specially in the field of natural sciences.
Its focus is on supporting as well as challenging assumptions
which aim to explain various phenomena. Pure research
looks at the “big picture” in the sense that it looks for overall
factors and related postulates. Hence, fundamental research is purely theoretical as it delves into basic laws and principles.

Though the engendered ideas may not be directly applied to current situations, such conclusions from basic research are highly
fundamental in enhancing future applied studies. For instance, previous studies on mathematical theories have been utilized in
programming and other information technology processes.

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9/6/2019 Difference Between Basic Research and Applied Research | Difference Between

What is Applied Research?

The purpose of applied research is to know more about a
certain real-world problem and take steps to solve it. It
focuses on the application of natural science principles on
practical difficulties as well as enhancing innovations. Such
studies are often associated with the fields of business,
economics, health, and politics. For instance, a company
may hire an applied researcher to look into the best way of
hiring applicants and placing employees in connection with
the organization’s various positions.

Many applied researchers utilize the naturalistic observation

method to verify existing social difficulties and then conduct
experiments to ascertain solutions. However, data gathering challenges such as ethics and validity issues may arise specially when
testing procedures may pose harm for humans and animals. Thus, restrictions are applied in employing the respective study
procedures.

Difference between Basic and Applied Research

Purpose of Basic and Applied Research
Basic research is meant to expand one’s current knowledge while applied research is aiming to solve particular life problems.

Nature
Basic research is more theoretical since it generally generates theories and explores information which may not be presently applied.
It is also focused on improving current academic concepts. On the other hand, applied research is more practical and descriptive in
nature as it seeks to alleviate current problems in various fields and is mostly concerned with end-usage.

Scope
The scope of basic research is often universal as it may bae applied to diverse concepts. However, applied research is largely
particular as it is focused on very specific topics which seek to answer certain problems.

Technology
As compared to basic research, applied research is more often linked with the improvement of technology as it covers the direct
application of knowledge.

Future
While basic research aims to predict future phenomena, applied research seeks to prevent predicted problems or come with solutions
for future challenges. The former deals with knowing what could happen while the latter goes beyond by coming up with probable
actions.

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Drive
Basic research is driven by curiosity while applied research is driven by clients as the former is conducted to understand fundamental
concepts while the latter is done to help solve individuals’ or groups’ problems.

Commercial Objectives
As compared to basic research, applied research is closely associated with commercial processes since it aims to create relevant
products and services.

Economy
As compared to basic research, applied research is more closely connected with the development of economy as numerous surveys,
experiments, and case studies are conducted to verify the efficacy of products, market strategies, and other economically related
procedures.

Academic Publications
As compared to applied research, basic researches more often appear in academic publications as they delve into generating new
knowledge.

Environment
Basic research occurs in a sterile or highly-controlled environment such as laboratories. Conversely, applied research mainly takes
place in real world settings where other unexpected variables may intervene.

Basic vs Applied Research: Comparison Chart

Summary of Basic and Applied Research

As to purpose, research is generally divided into two: basic and applied.
Basic research can provide valuable information that applied research can use.
Such inquiries form a cycle of advancement.
Basic research is also known as fundamental or pure research since it is mainly concerned with the improvement of scientific
knowledge.
The purpose of applied research is to know more about a certain real-world problem and take steps to solve it.
Basic research is theoretical in nature while applied research is practical; hence, it is associated with technology.
As compared to applied research, basic research has a wider scope.
While basic research predicts future phenomena, applied research creates solutions or preventions for probable problems.
Basic research is curiosity-driven while applied research is client-driven.
As compared to basic research, applied research is more closely associated with economically related objectives.
Basic research mostly appears in academic publications.
While basic research takes place in a sterile environment, applied research is often conducted in messy real-world settings.

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About Latest Posts

Gene Balinggan
Gene Balinggan is a Registered Psychologist, licensed professional teacher, and a freelance academic and creative writer. She has
been teaching social science courses both in the undergrad and graduate levels. Some of the major subjects which she is handling
are Theories of Personality, Experimental Psychology, Historical Foundations of Psychology, and Abnormal Psychology.She co-
authored a manual in General Psychology and a textbook, “Understanding the Self”. She is also currently the Psychology-Behavioral
Science Society adviser in their university. Gene has also been a research adviser and panel member in a number of psychology and
special education paper presentations. Her certifications include TESOL (Tampa, Florida), Psychiatric Ward Practicum Certification
(Baguio General Hospital), Outcome-Based Education, and Marker of Diploma Courses (Community Training Australia). She finished
her BS Psychology at Saint Louis University and her MAT Special Education and MA Psychology at the University of the Cordilleras.

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Cite
gene balinggan. "Difference Between Basic Research and Applied Research." DifferenceBetween.net. May 22, 2018 <
http://www.differencebetween.net/science/difference-between-basic-research-and-applied-research/ >.

3 Comments
1. Jessie
September 30, 2018 • 10:15 am

information helped a great deal… thank you.

Reply
2. Cesar
November 3, 2018 • 6:01 am

The Summary says: Basic research mostly appears in academic publications.

The chart inverted the information.

Reply
3. Rashed
November 12, 2018 • 11:23 am

Helps a lot….thnaks.

Reply

Leave a Response
Written by : gene balinggan. and updated on May 22, 2018

References :

[0]Corbin, Juliet and Strauss, Anselm. Basics of Qualitative Research. Los Angeles: Sage, 2015. Print.

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9/6/2019 Difference Between Basic Research and Applied Research | Difference Between

[1]Gliner, Jeffrey , Morgan, George, and Leech, Nancy. Research Methods in Applied Settings. New York: Routledge, 2016. Print.

[2]Turabian, Kate. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2013.
Print.

[3]Image credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/myelinrepairfoundation/4154147366

[4]Image credit:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/41/Research_process_%28Based_on_Reeve%2C_2009%2C_Figure_1.1%29.png

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