Basic Research

Table of Contents

What is Basic Research?

Basic Research is defined as a systematic and original investigation undertaken in order to gain knowledge of the underlying foundations of phenomena and observable facts. It is also known as Fundamental Research or Pure Research. Scientists who conduct basic research are often driven by curiosity rather than the need to develop a specific application.

While basic research may not have an immediate commercial or tangible goal, it can be vital for the development of new technologies and applications. It lays the groundwork for applied research, where scientists take what they have learned from studying fundamental mechanisms and apply it to solve practical problems.

Basic Research Methods

Basic Research Methods are as follows:

Observational
Experimental
Survey research

Observational

Observational research involves observing people in their natural environment. This can be done either directly or indirectly. Direct observation involves observing people directly, while indirect observation involves recording behavior without the participants’ knowledge.

Experimental

Experimental research involves manipulating one or more variables and measuring the effect on another variable. This allows researchers to establish a causal relationship between variables.

Survey research

Survey research is a type of research that involves collecting data from a group of people. This data can be collected in person, by phone, or online.

Example of Basic Research

One example of Basic research is the discovery of the structure of DNA by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953. This discovery was made through a process of experimentation and observation and did not have any immediate application. However, it has since had a profound impact on the field of biology and has led to numerous subsequent discoveries.
Another example of basic research is Albert Einstein’s work on the theory of relativity. Again, this work was purely theoretical and did not have any immediate applications.

How to Conduct Basic Research

The first step is to identify the research question. This can be done by brainstorming or reviewing existing literature on the topic.
Once the research question has been identified, the next step is to gather data. This can be done through reading sources, conducting surveys or interviews, or observing behavior.
After data has been gathered, it must be analyzed and interpreted. This usually involves organizing and sorting the data, and then looking for patterns or relationships between variables.
Finally, the results of the research should be reported in a clear and concise manner.

When to use Basic Research

Basic research is conducted to increase our understanding of human behavior and the natural world.
It is often used to investigate a new phenomenon or to test a new hypothesis.
Basic research is usually conducted in academic settings, such as universities, and does not have a specific goal in mind.
This type of Research is most useful when we don’t yet have a clear understanding of the issue at hand.
It can also be used to solve practical problems. For example, if we want to improve the efficiency of solar cells, we can use basic research to understand how they work and what materials are best suited for absorbing sunlight.
It is important for expanding our knowledge, but it can also be costly and time-consuming.

Advantages of Basic Research

There are many advantages of basic research.

This is the cornerstone of scientific advancement. It allows Researchers to ask fundamental questions about the world around us and discover new knowledge that can be used to improve our lives.
It also helps us to understand complex problems and find new solutions.
Basic research can be used to develop new technologies and products that can make our lives easier and more efficient.
It is essential for scientific progress and for improving our quality of life.

Disadvantages of Basic Research

There are several disadvantages of basic research.

It can be very expensive. Basic research requires a lot of resources and funding, which can be difficult to obtain.
This type of Research can take a long time to complete. The process of conducting basic research is often slow and methodical, which can make it difficult to obtain timely results.
It may not have any immediate or practical applications. The findings of basic research may not be immediately applicable to real-world problems or be able to be used to solve specific issues.