What is Basic Research?
Introduction
What is the meaning of basic research, examples of basic research, how do i perform basic research.
Basic science research is an essential pillar of scientific knowledge, because it extends understanding, provides new insights, and contributes to the advancement of science and fundamental knowledge across disciplines. In contrast, applied research aims for the discovery of practical solutions, which can involve using a technology or innovation that stems from existing knowledge. Basic science research potentially allows for generating ideas on which applied science can build novel inquiry and useful applications.
The process for conducting basic research is essentially the same as in an applied research orientation, but a better understanding of the distinction may prove increasingly important when crafting your research inquiry. In this article, we'll detail the characteristics and importance of basic research.
One of the key distinctions in science is the divide between basic and applied research . Applied research is directly associated with practical applications such as:
- career development
- program evaluation
- policy reform
- community action
In inquiries regarding each of these applications, researchers identify a specific problem to be solved and design a study intentionally aimed at developing solutions to that problem. Basic research is less concerned about specific problems and more focused on the nature of understanding.
Characteristics of basic research
Research that advances understanding of knowledge has distinguishing characteristics and important considerations.
- Focus on theoretical development . Rather than focus on practical applications, scholars in basic science research are more interested in ordering data and understanding in a scientific manner. This means expanding the consensus understanding of theory and the proposal of new theoretical frameworks that ultimately further research.
- Exploratory research questions . Basic research tends to look at areas where there is insufficient theoretical coherence to empirically understand phenomena. In other words, basic research often employs research questions that seek greater definition of knowledge.
- Funding for basic science . The nature of the support available for research depends on whether the science is basic or applied . Government agencies, national institutes, and private organizations all have different objectives, making some more appropriate for basic research than others.
- Writing for research dissemination . Academic journals exist on a continuum between theoretical and practical orientations. Journals that are more interested in theoretical and methodological discussions are more appropriate for basic research than are journals that look for more practical implications arising from research.
The brief survey of these characteristics should guide researchers about how they should approach research design in terms of feasibility, methods, and execution. This discussion shouldn't preclude you from pursuing basic research if it is more appropriate to your research inquiry. Instead, it should inform you of the opportunities, advantages, and challenges of basic research.
Importance of basic research
Basic research may seem aimless and unfocused if it doesn't yield any direct practical implications. However, its contribution to scholarly discussion cannot be overstated as it guides the development of theories and facilitates critical discussion about what applied studies to pursue next.
Basic science has guided fields such as microbiology, engineering, and chemistry. Scientists ultimately use its findings to develop new methods in treating disease and innovating on new technology.
Its contribution to the social sciences through observation and longitudinal study is also immeasurable. While basic research is often a precursor to more applied science, the theories it generates spur further study that ultimately leads to professional development programs and policy reform in social institutions.
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Different fields rely on both applied and basic science for generating new knowledge. While applied research looks to yield direct benefits through real-world applications, basic research provides the necessary theoretical foundation for practical research in various fields.
Basic research example in education
Basic research in schooling contexts focuses on understanding the nature of teaching and learning or the processes within educational environments before any focused investigation can be designed, let alone conducted. Basic research is necessary in this case because of the various situated differences across learners who come from different cultures and backgrounds.
Basic research in education looks at various inquiries such as how teachers and students interact with each other and how alternative assessments can create positive learning outcomes. Ultimately, this may lead to applied research that can facilitate the creation of teacher education and professional development programs.
Basic research example in psychology
Psychology is a field that is under constant development. Basic research is essential to developing theories related to human behavior and mental processes. The subfield of cognition is a significant benefactor of basic research as it relies on novel theoretical frameworks relating to memory and learning.
Basic research example in health
A great deal of health research that reaches public consciousness is undoubtedly applied research. The development of vaccines and other medicine to combat the COVID-19 pandemic was one such line of inquiry that addressed a practical need.
That said, scientists will undoubtedly credit basic research as a precursor to medical breakthroughs in applied science research. The knowledge gained through basic research laid the foundation for genomic sequencing of the COVID-19 virus, while experiments on living systems created knowledge about how to safely vaccinate the human body.
The National Institute of Health sponsors such basic research and research in other areas such as human DNA, while the National Science Foundation funds basic research on topics such as gender stereotypes and stress levels.
At its core, all scientific inquiry seeks to identify causal factors, relationships, and distinguishing characteristics among concepts and phenomena. As a result, the process is essentially the same for basic or applied science. Nonetheless, it is worth reviewing the process.
- Research design . Identify gaps in existing research that novel inquiry can address. A rigorous literature review can help identify theoretical or methodological gaps that a new study with an exploratory research question can address.
- Data collection . Exploratory research questions tend to prioritize data collection methods such as interviews , focus groups , and observations . Basic research, as a result, casts a wide net for any and all potential data that can facilitate generation of theoretical developments.
- Data analysis . At this stage, the goal is to organize and view your data in such a way that facilitates the identification of key insights. Analysis in basic research serves the dual purpose of filtering data through existing theoretical frameworks and generating new theory.
- Research dissemination . Once you determine your findings, you will want to present your insights in an empirical and rigorous manner. Visualizing data in your papers and presentations is useful for pointing out the most relevant data and analysis in your study.
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Assessment of Department of Defense Basic Research (2005)
Chapter: appendix d definitions of basic, applied, and fundamental research, appendix d definitions of basic, applied, and fundamental research.
This appendix contains definitions of basic, applied, and fundamental research quoted from various sources.
BASIC RESEARCH
DOD Financial Management Regulation, DOD 7000.14-R, Vol. 2B, Ch. 5: Basic research is systematic study directed toward greater knowledge or understanding of the fundamental aspects of phenomena and of observable facts without specific applications towards processes or products in mind. It includes all scientific study and experimentation directed toward increasing fundamental knowledge and understanding in those fields of the physical, engineering, environmental, and life sciences related to long-term national security needs. It is farsighted high payoff research that provides the basis for technological progress. Basic research may lead to: (a) subsequent applied research and advanced technology developments in Defense-related technologies, and (b) new and improved military functional capabilities in areas such as communications, detection, tracking, surveillance, propulsion, mobility, guidance and control, navigation, energy conversion, materials and structures, and personnel support. Program elements in this category involve pre-Milestone A efforts. Available online at http://www.dod.mil/comptroller/fmr/02b/Chapter05.pdf . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
The objective of basic research is to gain more comprehensive knowledge or understanding of the subject under study, without specific applications in mind. In industry, basic research is defined as research that advances scientific knowledge but does not have specific immediate commercial objectives, although it
may be in fields of present or potential commercial interest. [National Science Foundation, Directorate for Social, Behavioral & Economic Sciences, US definitions for resource surveys, 1996.] Available online at http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/srs/seind96/ch4_defn.htm . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Scientific efforts that seek to gain more comprehensive knowledge or understanding of the subject under study, without specific applications or commercial objectives in mind. Available online at http://energytrends.pnl.gov/glosn_z.htm . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Basic research analyzes properties, structures, and relationships toward formulating and testing hypotheses, theories, or laws. As used in this survey, industrial basic research is the pursuit of new scientific knowledge or understanding that does not have specific immediate commercial objectives, although it may be in fields of present or potential commercial interest. Available online at http://caspar.nsf.gov/nsf/srs/IndRD/glossary.htm . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
The investigation of the natural phenomena as contrasted with applied research. Available online at http://www.onlineethics.org/glossary.html . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Systematic study directed toward greater knowledge or understanding of the fundamental aspects of phenomena and of observable facts without specific applications towards processes or products in mind. [OMB Circular A-11, June 1996.] See Conduct of Research and Development. Available online at https://radius.rand.org/radius/demo/glossary.html . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Fundamental scientific inquiry to understand the unknown and contribute to improved general knowledge (cf. with applied research). Available online at http://www.ipmrc.com/lib/glossary.shtml . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Research done to further knowledge for knowledge’s sake. Available online at http://www.modernhumanorigins.com/b.html . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Fundamental research; it often produces a wide range of applications, but the output of basic research itself usually is not of direct commercial value. The output is knowledge, rather than a product; it typically cannot be patented. Available online at http://www.wwnorton.com/stiglitzwalsh/economics/glossary.htm . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Research aimed at expanding knowledge rather than solving a specific, pragmatic problem. Available online at https://www.quirks.com/resources/glossary.asp . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Focused, systematic study and investigation undertaken to discover new knowledge or interpretations and establish facts or principles in a particular field. See Research. Available online at http://www.siu.edu/orda/general/glossary.html . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Fundamental research; it often produces a wide range of applications, but the output of basic research itself usually is not of direct commercial value; the output is knowledge, rather than a product; the output of basic research typically cannot be patented. Available online at http://wellspring.isinj.com/sample/econ/micro/glossb.htm . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Research emphasizing the solution of theoretical problems. Binomial probability distribution: The probabilities associated with every possible outcome of an experiment involving n independent trials and a success or failure on each trial. Bivariate analysis: The analysis of relationships among pairs of variables. Available online at http://www.prm.nau.edu/prm447/definitions.htm . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Basic research is research undertaken to advance the knowledge of methodologies and techniques of research. (Compare applied research.) Available online at http://www.rigneyassoc.com/glossary.html . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Research that is directed at the growth of scientific knowledge, without any near-term expectations of commercial applications. Available online at http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072443901/student_view0/chapter4/glossary.html . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Research which adds something new to the body of knowledge of a particular field. Available online at http://researchoffice.astate.edu/glossary_of_proposal_terms.htm . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Designed to test and refine theory. The purpose is to increase our knowledge about communication phenomena by testing, refining, and elaborating theory. Available online at http://www.uky.edu/~drlane/cohort/define.htm . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
The purpose is to increase knowledge without concern for practical application. Available online at http://www.ied.edu.hk/csnsie/ar/chap1/1_glossary.htm . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
In basic research the objective of the sponsoring agency is to gain more complete knowledge or understanding of the fundamental aspects of phenomena and of observable facts, without specific applications toward processes or products in mind. Available online at http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/srs/fedfunds/glossary/def.htm . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
NSF Definition of Basic Research: Basic research is defined as systematic study directed toward fuller knowledge or understanding of the fundamental aspects of phenomena and of observable facts without specific applications towards processes or products in mind. (In Bill Berry’s presentation, Meeting 1, Committee on Department of Defense Basic Research.)
In basic research the objective of the sponsoring agency is to gain fuller knowledge or understanding of the fundamental aspects of phenomena and of observable facts without specific applications toward processes or products in mind. Available online at http://www.aaas.org/spp/cstc/pne/pubs/regrep/alaska/appendices.htm . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
OMB (Circular A-11, 2003): Basic research is defined as systematic study directed toward fuller knowledge or understanding of the fundamental aspects of phenomena and of observable facts without specific applications towards processes or products in mind.
Research directed toward the increase of knowledge, the primary aim being a greater knowledge or understanding of the subject under study. Available online at http://usmilitary.about.com/library/glossary/b/bldef00823.htm . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Commission of the European Communities: While there is no strict, unanimously accepted definition of what constitutes basic research, in practice one can identify and distinguish from other types of research, those which are carried out with no direct link to a given application and, if not exclusively, in any case and above all with the objective of progressing knowledge. Available online at http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/press/2004/pdf/acte_en_version_final_15janv_04.pdf . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
APPLIED RESEARCH
OMB (Circular A-11, 2003): Applied research is defined as systematic study to gain knowledge or understanding necessary to determine the means by which a recognized and specific need may be met.
The investigation of some phenomena to discover whether its properties are appropriate to a particular need or want. In contrast, basic research investigates phenomena without reference to particular human needs and wants. Available online at http://www.onlineethics.org/glossary.html . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Aimed at gaining knowledge or understanding to determine the means by which a specific, recognized need may be met. In industry, applied research includes investigations oriented to discovering new scientific knowledge that has specific commercial objectives with respect to products, processes, or services. [National Science Foundation, Directorate for Social, Behavioral & Economic Sciences, US definitions for resource surveys, 1996.] Available online at http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/srs/seind96/ch4_defn.htm . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Applied research is undertaken either to determine possible uses for the findings of basic research or to determine new ways of achieving some specific, predetermined objectives. As used in this survey, industrial applied research is investigation that may use findings of basic research toward discovering new scientific knowledge that has specific commercial objectives with respect to new products, services, processes, or methods. Available online at http://www.caspar.nsf.gov/nsf/srs/IndRD/glossary.htm . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Inquiry aimed at gaining the knowledge or understanding to meet a specific, recognized need of a practical nature, especially needs to achieve specific commercial objectives with respect to products, processes, or services. Available online at http://energytrends.pnl.gov/glosn_z.htm . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Any research which is used to answer a specific question, determine why something failed or succeeded, solve a specific, pragmatic problem, or to gain better understanding. Available online at https://www.quirks.com/resources/glossary.asp . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Focused, systematic study and investigation undertaken to discover the applications and uses of theories, knowledge, and principles in actual work or in solving problems. See Research. Available online at http://www.siu.edu/orda/general/glossary.html . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Systematic study to gain knowledge or understanding necessary to determine the means by which a recognized and specific need may be met. [OMB Circular A-11, June 1996.] See also Conduct of Research and Development. Available online at https://radius.rand.org/radius/demo/glossary.html . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
The investigation of some phenomena to discover whether its properties are appropriate to a particular need or want. In contrast, basic research investigates phenomena without reference to particular human needs and wants. Available online at http://www.unmc.edu/ethics/words.html . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Is designed to solve practical problems of the modern world, rather than to acquire knowledge for knowledge’s sake. Available online at http://ventureline.com/glossary_A.asp . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Research designed for the purpose of producing results that may be applied to real world situations. Topic areas: Accountability and Evaluation. Available online at http://www.nonprofitbasics.org/SearchEntireSite.aspx?Source=2&SiteSearchText=research&PW=No&PreviousWord=research&C0=178&C4=1&C3=4&C5=36&C6=18&C1=92&C2=1 . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Research that studies the relationship or applicability for theories or principles of a particular field to a particular problem. Available online at http://researchoffice.astate.edu/glossary_of_proposal_terms.htm . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Research done with the intent of applying results to a specific problem. Evaluation is a form of applied research. This can be conducted as part of an action research approach. Available online at http://www.sachru.sa.gov.au/pew/glossary.htm . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Research aimed at improving the quality of life and solving practical problems. Available online at http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072358327/student_view0/chapter1/glossary.html . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
The aim is to address an immediate problem. The purpose is to try ideas in the context of educational (classroom) settings. Available online at http://www.ied.edu.hk/csnsie/ar/chap1/1_glossary.htm . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Applied research is that effort that (1) normally follows basic research, but may not be severable from the related basic research, (2) attempts to determine and exploit the potential of scientific discoveries or improvements in technology, materials, processes, methods, devices, or techniques, and (3) attempts to advance the state of the art. Applied research does not include efforts whose principal aim is design, development, or test of specific items or services to be considered for sale; these efforts are within the definition of the term development. Available online at http://www-agecon.ag.ohio-state.edu/class/AEDE601/glossary/glossa.htm . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Conducted to solve particular problems or answer specific questions. Available online at http://www.nelson.com/nelson/hmcanada/ob/glossary.html . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
In applied research the objective of the sponsoring agency is to gain knowledge or understanding necessary to determine how a recognized need may be met. Available online at http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/srs/sfsucni/method99/help/glossary.htm . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Utilizing pure research to develop real-world products. Available online at http://www.investorwords.com/236/applied_research.html . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
As opposed to basic research, applied research is the type of research which is conducted to solve practical problems, find cures to illnesses, develop therapies with the purpose of helping people, and other similar types of practical problem-solving research. Available online at http://www.alleydog.com/glossary/definition.cfm?term=Applied%20Research . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH
National Security Decision Directives: “Fundamental research” means basic and applied research in science and engineering, the results of which ordinarily are published and shared broadly within the scientific community, as distinguished from proprietary research and from industrial development, design, production, and product utilization, the results of which ordinarily are restricted for proprietary or national security reasons. Available online at http://www.fas.org/irp/offdocs/nsdd/nsdd-189.htm . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Fundamental research is basic and applied research in science and engineering where the resulting information is ordinarily published and shared broadly within the scientific community. It is distinguished from proprietary research and from industrial development, design, production, and product utilizations, the results of which ordinarily are restricted for proprietary and/or specific national secu-
rity reasons. Normally, the results of “fundamental research.” are published in scientific literature, thus making it publicly available. Research which is intended for publication, whether it is ever accepted by scientific journals or not, is considered to be “fundamental research.” A large segment of academic research is considered “fundamental research”. Because any information, technological or otherwise, that is publicly available is not subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (except for encryption object code and source code in electronic form or media) and thus does not require a license, ‘fundamental research’ is not subject to the EAR and does not require a license. Available online at http://www.umbi.umd.edu/rcc/fundamentalresearch.pdf . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
National Security Decision Directive 189: Fundamental Research defined: basic and applied research in science and engineering, the results of which are available to interested scientific community. National Policy: No restriction may be placed upon the conduct or reporting of federally funded Fundamental Research that has not received national security classification. This is reflected in ITAR at 22 CFRR 120.11(8). Executive Order 12356 (1985). Available online at http://www.epic.org/open_gov/eo_12356.html . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Federal Acquisition Regulation 27.404 (g) (2): In contracts for basic or applied research universities or colleges, no restrictions may be placed upon the conduct of or reporting on the results of unclassified basic or applied research, except as provided in applicable U.S. Statutes. Available online at http://supply.lanl.gov/Property/ecco/History/2004/presentations2004/default.shtml . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
DoD Supplement to the FAR: It is DOD policy … to allow the publication and public presentation of unclassified contracted fundamental research results. The mechanism for control of information generated by DOT funded contracted fundamental research … is security classification. Available online at http://supply.lanl.gov/Property/ecco/History/2004/presentations2004/default.shtml . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
Defense of Basic Research by Joseph Henry: In 1852, Henry defended basic research. It was “profitable,” he said, when that word was defined properly. “The true, the beautiful, as well as the immediately practical, are all entitled to a share of attention. All knowledge is profitable; profitable in its ennobling effect on the character, in the pleasure it imparts in its acquisition, as well as in the power it gives over the operations of mind and matter. All knowledge is useful; every part of this complex system of nature is connected with every other. Nothing is isolated. The discovery of to-day, which appears unconnected with any useful process, may, in the course of a few years, become the fruitful source of a thousand inventions.” Available online at http://www.si.edu/archives/ihd/jhp/joseph04.htm . Last accessed on November 16, 2004.
The Department of Defense (DOD) supports basic research to advance fundamental knowledge in fields important to national defense. Over the past six years, however, several groups have raised concern about whether the nature of DOD-funded basic research is changing. The concerns include these: Funds are being spent for research that does not fall under DOD's definition of basic research; reporting requirements have become cumbersome and onerous; and basic research is handled differently by the three services. To explore these concerns, the Congress directed DOD to request a study from the National Research Council (NRC) about the nature of basic research now being funded by the Department. Specifically the NRC was to determine if the programs in the DOD basic research portfolio are consistent with the DOD definition of basic research and with the characteristics associated with fundamental research.
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