It is a kind of fundamental research relies on systematic investigation and can utilize both scientific approaches-qualitative and quantitative. Basic research method only focuses on developing new knowledge, theories and doesn’t play any direct role in immediate application to solve problems. Its purpose is to understand world around you, cultivate curiosity, expand knowledge, and eventually, it can fuel the applied research by laying solid foundation. So, let’s explore in detail the basic research method.
Basic research: meaning and examples
Learnt from various credible sources, basic research is a core component of scientific research. It is a pure, fundamental research. So, obviously, it utilizes systematic investigation method like experimentation, observation and data collection. As I mentioned before that its purpose is to generate new knowledge and understanding and contribute to the specific field.
Understanding the origin of universe, an investigation into the symptoms of covid, understanding how the body produce lipoprotein, studying the origin of species, understanding structure and properties of matter are some popular examples of basic research method.
Key aspects or characteristics of basic research
Developing of new knowledge
Expand knowledge base in specific areas
No direct role in problem solving
Completely theoretical
Cultivate curiosity to know
Fuels applied research
Developing new knowledge
The ultimate goal of basic research method is to develop and advance fundamental knowledge of any specific field or area. Obviously, it helps to deepen ours understanding about the particular subject. In this ways, the scope of knowledge of any field goes expanding.
No direct role in problem solving
As I explained before that basic research doesn’t have any direct role in the practical experiment or problem solving. In short, it can only cultivate ground for the applied research. So, it doesn’t involve in solving immediate problems.
Completely theoretical knowledge
Technically, its aim is to develop new theories, models, refine and interpret earlier one only for the sake of generating knowledge base. So, its nature is purely basic theoretical. It doesn’t play direct role in application.
Cultivate curiosity and fuels applied research
It helps to satisfy intellectual hunger to unravel the mistries of world around us. Often spoken regarding its primary motivation to fulfilling intellectual curiosity. Moreover, it is well known for laying foundation for the applied research. Because, basic research provides foundational knowledge that can be used to solve immediate problems.
Forms or types of basic research
Descriptive basic research
Exploratory basic research
Explanatory basic research
As per wikipedia, “basic research can be exploratory, descriptive, or explanatory; however, explanatory research is the most common.” Descriptive basic research emphasis on to describe phenomenon in focus as accurate and precise as possible. It helps to gain true understanding of subject.
If the things are unclear, the exploratory research plays its role in exploring deeply to make it easily understandable. And, the most common is the last one-explanatory research. It revolves around why and how about any given phenomenon. Its aims to establish cause and effect relationship between two claims.
Purpose of basic research
Develop and advance theories, concepts and knowledge,
Satisfy curiosity to understand the world,
Enrich field of knowledge,
Groundwork for applied research.
The fundamental goal of basic research is to develop and advance knowledge for knowledge. For this to make real, it develop new theories, concepts and ideas. It helps to satisfy the hunger of knowledge and understanding of world we live in. Such knowledge and understanding in a specific area eminently contribute to the field of knowledge. Eventually, lays the foundation for applied research.
Important steps in basic research method
Selection of research topic,
Literature review of available resources,
Writing problem statement or hypothesis,
Data collection methods,
Data analysis and evaluation,
Publishing finding of research.
It relys on a systematic approach to ensure the integrity and reliability of findings. These step involve selection of topic, problem question/hypothesis/statement, literature review, preliminary research for information, locate material, evaluate your sources, write hypothesis, appropriate methodology for data collection, data analysis, data interpretation in relation with hypothesis, and confirmation or rejection of hypothesis. Let’s understand one by one in a sequential manner.
Selection of topic of research
Selection of a specific and clear topic is a necessary step in the research process. Once you do that it will help to find relevant literature and write definite research question. Research problem or question serves as the foundation upon which the entire study is built. So, it is essential to clearly articulate the problem as it guides the direction of the investigation.
Literature review
Once you have inked down research topic and problem statement, next you need to find out relevant existing resources regarding your research question. It involves comprehensively searching existing literature to gather relevant information on the topic. Better the availability of sources, greater the credibility of research. On the basis of available resources, you can craft well informed, educated guess in the form of hypothesis or research question depending on the approach basic research utilizes.
Writing problem statement or hypothesis
The formulation of a hypothesis is critical. A hypothesis is a succinct statement predicting the relationship between variables, and it serves as a guiding framework for data collection. A well-structured hypothesis can significantly enhance the clarity and focus of the research.
Data collection methods
Researchers must select appropriate methodologies for gathering data, ensuring that these methods align with the research goals. The data collection methods depend on the approach basic research took. Qualitative research relies on non numerical whereas quantitative depends on numerical data.
Various techniques can be employed, including surveys, experiments, or observational methods. The choice of data collection methods directly impacts the validity and reliability of the research findings.
Data analysis and evaluation
Data analysis is very essential step in basic research as it helps researchers to reach at the meaningful conclusions. Once the data has been analyzed, the results can be interpreted in relation to the original hypothesis, leading to either confirmation or rejection of the hypothesis.
Publishing finding of research
Research findings need to be published to share knowledge and allow others to use it for further advancement. It also help them to validate through peer reviews.
Difference between basic and applied research
You know that research is an effective tool or means to create knowledge. And, it is broadly categorized into two types: basic and applied research.
Basic research is conducted primarily to enhance theoretical understanding of world around us, expand knowledge, and enrich specific field.
The goal is to expand the horizons of knowledge, even if the findings may not result in direct societal benefits. An example of basic research can be found in the field of physics, where scientists study atomic particles to understand the fundamental laws of nature.
In contrast, applied research is oriented towards addressing specific, practical problems. This form of research seeks to utilize the knowledge generated by basic research to develop solutions that can be implemented in real-world scenarios.
Applied research translates theoretical insights into actionable solutions that can impact society positively.
Finally,
In this way, the interplay between basic and applied research is crucial for advancements in various fields. Basic research often lays the groundwork for applied research initiatives, and in return, findings from applied research can prompt new questions that drive further basic research.Understanding types of research methods/Learning Conceptual research
https://www.nhcc.edu/academics/library/doing-library-research/basic-steps-research-process
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basic_research
https://www.gust.edu.kw/applied-vs-fundamental
-rghttps://parisbraininstitute.org/what-basic-research