Difference Between Basic and Applied Research in Academic Writing

The nature of a research study depends upon the research approach that is used in the study. The utility of a research approach can be basic or applied. It does not matter if you are a student or a professional researcher. An understanding of the research approach helps in improving the quality of your research. This article will help you understand key differences in basic and applied research approaches.

Basic research is a research approach that is entirely theoretical. Basic research aims at improving and expanding the knowledge base on a particular subject. The primary motivation behind the basic research approach is human curiosity and the need to explore a particular field. Basic research is also known as fundamental research or pure research. Under basic research, a researcher investigates a detailed understanding of a particular phenomenon in a systematic way.

Applied research focuses on providing practical solutions to a specific problem. Most of the dissertation writers have adopted it when providing their dissertation writing services. The scope of applied research is rather narrow as it only aims to provide solutions to a specific problem. Applied research entails investigation regarding solution-oriented inquiries. This form of research usually employs empirical methodologies.

Basic and applied research approaches are different in many ways. Let us discuss these differences between basic and applied research as follows.

• Characteristics of applied and basic research approaches are significantly different. The focus of applied research is primarily on providing a practical solution to a specific problem. On the other hand, basic research primarily focuses on expanding knowledge. Applied research is practical-oriented, whereas basic research is theory-oriented. The nature of basic and applied research is also different. Applied research is synthetic in nature and action-oriented. On the other hand, basic research is analytical in nature and exploration-oriented.
• Basic research tries to expand existing knowledge. For instance, developing a theory in a particular field of study. On the other hand, applied research uses scientific means of study to help solve a real-life problem. For instance, in education, basic research helps in developing new pedagogic theories. On the contrary, applied research can improve teaching and learning methods by providing practical solutions. For example, in education, basic research may include "how does the human memory work?". On the other hand, applied research will answer a question like "how to build students' interest in science studies?".
• Basic and applied research approaches are also different in their applicability. Basic research is universally applicable, whereas applied research is only applicable to specific problems. For instance, if a researcher wants to analyse the determinants of GDP in China, it is difficult to apply the results of this study to any other country. Similarly, if an investor conducts a study to analyse the volatility of the US Stock Market, the results of this study are not applicable for any other stock market. In regard to the basic research approach, it is applicable universally. For instance, if a researcher wants to know how human memory works, that is applicable for all humans around the globe.
• Another significant difference between basic and applied research is the primary purpose of both approaches. Basic research develops scientific knowledge and productions. However, applied research emphasises the development of techniques and technology. For instance, basic research will allow investigating how artificial intelligence works. Aside from that, applied research can investigate the use of artificial intelligence to teach children of a particular age.
• The environment for basic and applied research approaches adopt is entirely different. When a researcher conducts basic research, he adopts a limited environment like a laboratory. On the contrary, applied research is conducted in an open world. Under the basic research, a particular environment is created to conduct the study to watch different interactions. On the other hand, in applied research, unexpected variables interact, and this interaction is part of the research. For instance, if a researcher wants to identify the volatility of stock markets in the US, you can also look for the interaction of economic factors. On the other hand, for laboratory testing of an enzyme, a carefully catered environment is created to avoid any unwanted interactions.
• Reconsider the scope of applied research is limited in comparison to basic research. Unlike applied research, basic research can be applied to diverse concepts, whereas applied research focuses on a specific subject or problem. Considering the scope of basic and applied research, there is a very e basic difference between the two based on the theoretical formulation. As basic research in at formulating theories, it enables a researcher to explain the findings in the process. Basic research also improves the body of knowledge for that particular subject or field of study. Applied research, on the other hand, applied research aims at the findings of the research that can solve practical problems.
• Mostly applied research is a type of research that is quantitative in nature. However, basic research is mostly qualitative in nature. It is important to understand that basic research mainly uses quantitative data to develop theory. Applied research, on the contrary, is mostly based on quantitative data; however, qualitative data is also used in applied research. The role of qualitative and quantitative data for basic and applied research is important. A scientist who is trying to reach a scientific theory may record certain timings, measurements, etc., in the form of quantitative data. Similarly, in applied research, a researcher may find it more appropriate to use qualitative data like interviews, questionnaires etc., to reach a practical solution for a specific problem.

It is essential for a researcher to know the difference between basic and applied research approaches. Lack of knowledge on this subject may lead to misleading findings and results. It does not mean that basic research is better than applied research vice versa. It is just that the researcher must be aware of the decorum while conducting an authentic research study. This article highlights the differences between basic and applied research. It can help researchers to conduct a successful research study.