Basic research
| Basic research |
|---|
| See also |
Basic research is a type of scientific study that is conducted to increase knowledge and understanding of a particular subject. It typically involves the study of natural phenomena and is conducted without the expectation of immediate, practical application. Basic research is often referred to as curiosity-driven research, as it does not have a specific, practical goal in mind.
Reasons for conducting basic research
Basic research is conducted for a variety of reasons, such as:
- To gain a better understanding of natural processes, such as how the human body works.
- To explore the underlying causes of certain phenomena, such as the effects of climate change.
- To identify new areas of study that could lead to the development of new products or technologies.
- To develop new theories or to test existing theories.
Basic research can be conducted in many different fields, such as biology, physics, chemistry, psychology, sociology, economics, and anthropology. It generally involves the use of a variety of methods, such as experiments, surveys, and simulations, to collect data and to analyze the results. Basic research is usually funded by universities, governments, or private organizations.
In conclusion, basic research is a type of scientific study that is conducted to increase knowledge and understanding of a particular subject, without the expectation of immediate, practical application. It is used to gain a better understanding of natural processes, explore the underlying causes of certain phenomena, identify new areas of study, and develop new theories or test existing theories. Basic research can be conducted in many different fields and is usually funded by universities, governments, or private organizations.
Example of Basic research
One example of basic research is the study of the structure and function of proteins in the human body. This type of research is used to understand the complex processes involved in protein synthesis and how the proteins interact with other molecules in the body. Researchers use a variety of techniques to study proteins, including X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectrometry. This type of research helps to understand the role of proteins in the body and can lead to the development of new treatments for diseases.
When to use Basic research
Basic research is most often used when the desired outcome is knowledge or understanding, rather than a practical application or solution. It can be used to gain a better understanding of natural processes, explore the underlying causes of certain phenomena, identify new areas of study, and develop new theories or test existing theories. Additionally, basic research can be used to provide evidence to support a hypothesis or to test the validity of a theory. Basic research is often conducted before any practical applications can be developed, as it provides the foundational knowledge necessary for such applications.
Types of Basic research
- Quantitative research is a type of basic research that involves the use of numerical data to answer research questions. It usually involves the collection and analysis of large amounts of data, such as surveys, polls, and census data.
- Qualitative research is a type of basic research that focuses on exploring and understanding the lived experiences of people. It typically involves the use of interviews, focus groups, and document analysis to collect data.
- Experimental research is a type of basic research that involves manipulating a variable in order to observe the effect it has on another variable. It is typically conducted in a lab setting and involves the use of controlled experiments.
- Descriptive research is a type of basic research that involves the observation and description of phenomena. It typically involves the use of surveys and interviews to collect data, but can also involve the use of case studies or naturalistic observation.
Steps of Basic research
There are typically seven steps involved in basic research:
- Defining the Research Problem: This step involves formulating the research question and identifying the specific area of interest.
- Gathering Information: This step involves researching the literature related to the research problem and reviewing previous studies.
- Developing a Hypothesis: This step involves formulating a hypothesis about the expected outcome of the research.
- Designing the Experiment: This step involves designing the experiment to test the hypothesis.
- Collecting Data: This step involves collecting data from the experiment.
- Analyzing the Data: This step involves analyzing the data to determine if the hypothesis was supported by the data.
- Drawing Conclusions: This step involves drawing conclusions based on the data and determining the implications of the research.
Advantages of Basic research
Basic research has many advantages, including:
- It can help to increase our understanding of the natural world and how it works.
- It can lead to the development of new products or technologies.
- It can help to advance scientific and medical knowledge.
- It can provide valuable information that can be used to improve public policy.
Limitations of Basic research
Basic research can be limited by practical considerations, such as budget constraints or the availability of resources. It can also be limited by the researcher’s own knowledge and expertise, as well as by the time available to complete the research. Additionally, basic research can be limited by ethical considerations, such as the need to protect participants’ privacy or to ensure that the research does not cause any harm. Finally, basic research can be limited by the need to keep the results of the research confidential in order to protect the integrity of the research.
Other approaches that are related to basic research include applied research and translational research.
- Applied research is a type of research that is conducted with the intention of solving a specific problem or developing new products or technologies. This type of research typically involves the use of existing scientific knowledge to develop a practical solution.
- Translational research is a type of research that seeks to bridge the gap between basic research and applied research. This type of research involves the translation of basic research into practical applications, such as new products or technologies.
In conclusion, other approaches related to basic research include applied research and translational research. Applied research is conducted with the intention of solving a specific problem or developing new products or technologies, while translational research seeks to bridge the gap between basic research and applied research.
Suggested literature
- Nelson, R. R. (1959). The simple economics of basic scientific research. Journal of political economy, 67(3), 297-306.
- Pielke Jr, R. (2012). Basic research as a political symbol. Minerva, 50(3), 339-361.
- Arora, A., & Gambardella, A. (2005). The impact of NSF support for basic research in economics. Annales d'Economie et de Statistique, 91-117.
