Basic Research vs Applied Research
Research is essential for human advancement and the expansion of our knowledge base. It allows for discoveries and helps to solve various puzzles about our world and the universe. Research is broadly classified into basic research and applied research; however, many people do not have a clear understanding of these categories. There is also an ongoing debate about the usefulness of basic research and whether governments should provide more funding for applied research than basic research. This article aims to clarify the differences and significance of both basic and applied research.
Key Takeaways
- Basic research is generalized research that aims to gather information and build upon our knowledge base.
- Applied research is conducted to solve problems facing humanity or to make lives easier through new inventions.
- Both basic and applied research are invaluable to mankind, as they both contribute to the enhancement of our knowledge base.
There is no doubt that both basic and applied research are invaluable for mankind because both contribute to the enhancement of our knowledge base. Applied research may seem more valuable, as it attempts to solve problems that are affecting mankind. Applied research is focused on finding solutions or remedies for issues causing human suffering or helping to prevent disasters, whether natural or man-made. In this sense, applied research may seem more necessary, as it alleviates our suffering. However, basic research is just as valuable, as it builds upon our existing knowledge base and gathers facts and data that may be incredibly useful in the future.
It is evident that applied research heavily relies on the basic research conducted by previous researchers in the subject matter; otherwise, it would be impossible to pinpoint or understand the causes of a particular problem, let alone find solutions to various issues. Scientists working on finding remedies for diseases such as cancer draw upon a wealth of information collected and gleaned from the basic research done by researchers in the past.
Even in the case of sudden discoveries, which scientists seem to stumble upon, basic research plays a crucial role. Scientists work on theories developed by basic researchers and come up with novel ideas that lead to new inventions. At these moments, it is difficult to differentiate between basic and applied research. Thus, the debate about whether governments should spend taxpayers’ money on basic research or fund more applied research, as it appears to solve urgent issues, is baseless. While basic research is more generalized and does not directly solve problems, it develops a database that immensely helps those involved in applied research.
Some people argue that studies of animals, geological phenomena, and archaeological surveys and research are a waste of money, as they gather information that is of no apparent use to mankind. However, the same can be said about the study of various art and social science subjects. It is essential to understand that even applied research requires a starting point. If basic research were to cease, applied scientists would struggle to find a starting point for their endeavors. This groundwork is methodically produced by those involved in basic research, and as such, its importance can never be underestimated.
In conclusion, both basic research and applied research are indispensable to mankind. Basic research focuses on gathering information and building upon our knowledge base, while applied research aims to solve problems facing humanity or improve lives through new inventions. Although some people may favor applied research, both types of research are vital to human advancement.
