Applied vs Fundamental Research

To understand the difference between applied and fundamental research, it is very important to understand what they are. Applied research is a kind of scientific research that focuses on solving real-world issues. Applied research is critical in finding solutions to the difficulties we face daily, especially those that have ramifications for our personal lives, careers, and health. This sort of study may be applied in several ways. Among its many applications are discovering new treatments for disease and the advancement of cutting-edge technology.The results of fundamental research, also known as basic or pure research, are not frequently applied to the real world. We do basic research because we are curious about the world and want to learn more about a certain subject area. This form of study adds to the body of knowledge already known by academics.

According to the idea of ‘collecting knowledge for knowing,’ fundamental studies tend to create generalisations about their subject matter. The primary goal of basic research is to answer questions such as “Why?”, “What?” and “How?” thereby adding to the reservoir of fundamental knowledge in the field.Research conducted on a particular topic is referred to as “applied research.” The results of this kind of study have direct application. In fundamental research, all attention is on theorising and evaluating hypotheses. It has a natural tendency to grasp the fundamentals of a situation.The study of human behaviour falls within the purview of basic research. It is geared toward gathering data used by anybody, anywhere. In other words, fundamental research fills in any gaps in our understanding of the world.

Applied vs Fundamental Research

Basic research is primarily concerned with the “big picture” issues, such as expanding the body of information available on a certain subject. In contrast to basic research, which focuses more on broad issues, applied research focuses on tackling particular problems individuals face.For instance, a social psychologist doing fundamental research on violence may look at how various elements may contribute to violence as a whole, as well. The subject of how to prevent violence in schools may be addressed by a psychologist performing practical research.However, according to a study, there is a strong connection between fundamental and applied research. Applied research is typically based on knowledge obtained in fundamental research.

Applied research differs from fundamental research in the following ways:

• Basic research is defined as work that aims to add to the body of already-existing knowledge in the scientific community. An alternative meaning of the term applied research is “scientific study useful in addressing real-life issues”
• In contrast to fundamental theoretical research, practical applied research is more hands-on
• Insofar as the application is concerned, fundamental research has a broader scope than applied research since the former may be used to solve any issue, regardless of its context
• Developing scientific knowledge and making predictions are the fundamental goals of basic research. When it comes to applied research vs fundamental research, there is a difference in emphasis
• Basic research’s primary objective is to fill in any gaps in our knowledge. When it comes to solving an issue in the real world, applied research focuses on finding the answer
• It’s important to remember that the goals of each sort of study are distinct. Basic research aims not to solve a problem but rather to improve knowledge. In contrast, applied research focuses on solving particular problems. It’s common for researchers in applied research to be motivated by a client’s needs. Individual curiosity and a desire to learn more about a topic usually drive most basic research
• There are two types of research: fundamental and applied. The former is used to build theories; the latter is used to tackle specific issues. As a result, applied research is more practical than theoretical research. On the other hand, basic research may assist in the development of hypotheses and predictions

What are the examples of Applied Research?

The following are a few possible instances for the application of research:

• Searching for strategies to promote items to young adults
• Social media fraud is the subject of a new research project
• Investigating methods of enticing high school graduates to continue their education once they graduate
• In-depth research on how to extend the life of automobile tires
• On the subject of cooking gluten-free meals on a tight budget
• Insomnia sufferers’ treatment in a randomised clinical trial
• Studying techniques to boost patient retention at a dentist’s office

Advantages of applied research

Applied research provides several advantages beyond helping to tackle current issues. The following are some of the benefits of doing research using an applied approach:

• Helping companies make smarter choices that save them money and reduce their risk
• Aiming for something fresh
• Inventing and developing new goods and services

Conclusion

The study may vary depending on the degree of the research and its objective. The goal of basic research might be to gain new scientific information, whereas applied research aims to find a solution to a specific issue that is being studied. These two types of study may be useful in various situations, but they each have their advantages and disadvantages. Theoretical issues may be answered with the aid of basic research. If you’re looking to discover new information and make predictions, this is the kind of study you should be carrying out. When attempting to find a solution, applied research is usually more helpful.