It is well known that applied research is used to solve a specific question that has direct impact to the problem and could be applied to the world. However, basic research is driven to explain
Phenomena and explore theory to expand our knowledge. This type of research tends not to be directly applicable to the real world in a direct way, but enhances our understanding of the world around us. So, the real difference between the two types of research is what they will be used for. Will the research be used to help us understand a real world problem and solve it, or will the research further our general information?
‘Real world problem’ (RWP): What is it? In 1900 Hilbert raised 23 mathematical problems. The pursuit of the solutions explains much of the comfort and fulfilment of today. So, might we say the real world problem is seeking ever more physical comfort and existential fulfilment? If so, what we call basic research offers more reward (than the applied), especially in respect to the former (physical comfort). Yet, RWP tends to be associated with the ‘applied’ category. Perhaps it is time to ignore the dichotomy. Instead, in research we should just pursue deeper questions. The significance of our effort should be measured by the robustness of the questions arising. Along the way (of research as a body), tools will emerge that non-research efforts can use to estimate and mould the environments around us. Wouldn’t that view secure the sanctity of ’research’?
Hashem - I think both types of research are very important. Basic or pure or fundamental research concerns the principles or laws or fundamental rules and aims of achieving knowledge for its own sake. It pertains to the quest for knowledge about a phenomena without concern for its practical use. You can do pure research to verify and remove doubts. If the doubt proves correct, you can modify the concerned principles and laws according to the conclusion and results of pure research. Pure research is quite often the basis of evolving necessary concepts and technical terminology. While pure research discovers principles and laws, applied research discovers ways of applying them to solve problems. Applied research focuses on analyzing and solving problems and have a direct impact to the problem and could be applied to the world.
Gone are those golden era of innovation. World is on basic research and comparative studies intermixed with the use of modern bio sensing machinery and statistical correlations.
We have plenty of basic research data. But no one utilizes it in application research.
Application research is time consuming and requires high level of IQ. Application research can halt the promotions and rankings of scientists and hinder the progress of students due to less publications during many trial and error experiments.
The funders are obsessed to fund for application research due to lack of scientific scores as per evaluation of publications.
Scientists are after easy and quick ways to increase the weight of their CVs to attain higher grades with high pay scales.
Moreover, approving a applied research is a Himalayan task in scientific committees because these committees are only filled with basic research scientists who cannot evaluate or understand applied research.
Basic research have gigantic network. Any project proposed is easier to be approved. It is this way "You scratch my back and I scratch yours"
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