examples of applied vs basic research

Key Differences

Know the Differences & Comparisons

Difference Between Basic and Applied Research

On the contrary, applied research implies the research that is put to practical use and is beneficial to solve practical problems. This article might help you in understanding the difference between basic and applied research.

Content: Basic Research Vs Applied Research

Comparison chart, definition of basic research.

Basic Research or otherwise called as pure or fundamental research, is one that focuses on advancing scientific knowledge for the complete understanding of a topic or certain natural phenomenon, primarily in natural sciences. In a nutshell, when knowledge is acquired for the sake of knowledge it is called basic research.

Basic Research is completely theoretical, that focuses on basic principles and testing theories. It tends to understand the basic law.

Basic Research deals with generalization and formulation of theory about human behaviour. It is aligned towards collecting information that has universal applicability. Therefore, basic research helps in adding new knowledge to the already existing knowledge.

Definition of Applied Research

Applied Research can be defined as research that encompasses real life application of the natural science. It is directed towards providing a solution to the specific practical problems and develop innovative technology.

In finer terms, it is the research that can be applied to real-life situations. It studies a particular set of circumstances, so as to relate the results to its corresponding circumstances.

Applied research includes research that focuses on certain conclusions experiencing a business problem. Moreover, research that is aligned towards ascertaining social, economic or political trends are also termed as applied research.

Key Differences Between Basic and Applied Research

The points given below explain the differences between basic and applied research:

Basic Research can be explained as research that tries to expand the already existing scientific knowledge base. On the contrary, applied research is used to mean the scientific study that is helpful in solving real-life problems.
While basic research is purely theoretical, applied research has a practical approach.
The applicability of basic research is greater than the applied research, in the sense that the former is universally applicable whereas the latter can be applied only to the specific problem, for which it was carried out.
The primary concern of the basic research is to develop scientific knowledge and predictions. On the other hand, applied research stresses on the development of technology and technique with the help of basic science.
The fundamental goal of the basic research is to add some knowledge to the already existing one. Conversely, applied research is directed towards finding a solution to the problem under consideration.

The type of research may vary on the basis of the level at which research is carried out and its purpose. One can choose basic research over applied research when the purpose is to add certain scientific knowledge, whereas when it is important to identify a proper solution to the problem under study, applied research is preferable.

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October 22, 2017 at 2:52 pm

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Rick Tayebwa says

February 22, 2018 at 8:36 pm

This has really settled the confusion i had between these two terms

Jamila Shabnam says

November 7, 2018 at 5:41 pm

Please guide me about research & impact evaluation…..to me impact evaluation is an assessment procedure & it’s formatted differently than research…what r the basic differences between the two? Thank u.

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January 30, 2019 at 9:44 am

The name of the author is given at the top, below the title

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April 5, 2022 at 10:36 am

Author’s name?

June 16, 2023 at 5:05 pm

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J. M. Mlangwa says

January 4, 2022 at 4:36 pm

This article is very useful to me because it Helps to answer my assignment Explain the distinctions between basic research and applied research. Thank you

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March 20, 2022 at 8:19 pm

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