Have you ever wondered how the world around us works? Or how we can solve some of the biggest challenges facing humanity today? The answers to these questions lie in the world of research.
Research is the process of asking questions and obtaining answers. It's how we learn new things and solve problems. Research can be divided into two main types: basic and applied. In this article, I will explain what these types of research are, why they are important, and how they work together.
Basic Research: Driven by curiosity and the desire to understand the world around us, it's not about solving any particular problem but rather about expanding our knowledge of a specific topic. For example, basic research can help us comprehend how the human brain works, how the universe began, and how climate change affects the environment.
Basic research deals with "why" questions, as it seeks to understand the underlying reasons and causes behind an event. For example, why does the human brain function the way it does? Why did the universe originate with a big bang? Why does climate change occur?
Applied research: Focuses on solving real-world problems and utilizes key research findings to develop new products, services, or processes. For instance, applied research can aid in the development of new therapies, renewable energy products, or educational programs to enhance student learning.
Applied research deals with "what" questions because it aims to find solutions and applications to a problem. For example, what can we do to cure diseases? What can we do with clean energy? What can we teach students to enhance their learning?
Both basic and applied research are essential for improvement. Together, they help us comprehend the world around us and address the challenges we face.
Here are some characteristics of basic and applied research:
| Characteristic | Basic research | Applied research |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To advance knowledge | To solve a specific problem |
| Focus | Theoretical | Practical |
| Timeframe | Long-term | Short-term |
| Funding | Typically comes from government or private foundations | Typically comes from businesses, government agencies, or non-profit organizations |
| Examples | Developing new theories about how the mind works | Developing new drugs to treat diseases |
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