Basic and applied research are both fundamental aspects of science. Though they are different methods of approaching science, basic and applied research both contributes equally to the field of science. Both basic and applied research have equal potential for encouraging scientific progress because both methods have motivation behind research, a primary aim, and they expand on knowledge.
Basic and applied research both has an underlying reward behind the research being conducted. Basic research is motivated by curiosity and the want to discover something new and profound. Basic research is conducted because the researcher would like to look into the world of the unknown. An example of this would be the Big Bang and other theories of how Earth was created.
Applied research is motivated by the want to find the answer to an unsolved problem. Applied research is conducted because the researcher would like to find the answer to a problem and apply it to everyday life. An example of this would be how genetically modified crops are utilized to produce a larger amount of food due to the exponential growth in the human population. Although the motivation behind applied and basic research is different, the fact that they both contribute to science through their different set of motivation is the focus.
Basic and applied research both has a primary aim for the research that is conducted. Applied research aims to focus on research that has already been conducted. Through narrowing in and making reforms on methods that have already been conducted, applied research is able to find a solution to an outstanding problem. An example of this would be using previous research and theories on Multiple Sclerosis and connecting this information to new research performed on the illness.
Through this new information gathered scientists were able to find an overall conclusion to the lingering problem that there is no connection between narrow veins and MS. Basic research on the other hand has a primary aim to focus on exploring a totally new topic. Through this exploration, scientists are able to create new models and methods. These new methods and models in return can be used to find a solution to a problem or new knowledge. An example of this is a discovery of a new species of fish; through this research done new knowledge on the world around us is obtained. Both Basic and applied research have a primary aim for the research; although this focus is different it often leads to new solutions which in return encourage scientific progress.
Basic and applied research both expands knowledge. Through the use of basic research, one is able to expand their knowledge as totally new information is learned. Basic research allows scientific progression as new information is being discovered through this research. An example of this would be how one discovered how through the counting of tree rings, the age of the tree could be discovered. Applied research on the other hand, allows you to build on old knowledge that has already been obtained. Through building on this information we are able to expand the knowledge we already have. This also led to scientific progression as there is new information obtained from the information we already knew of. An example of this would be how we are able to utilized the information of tree rings and connect it to predication of earthquakes.
Both basic and applied research contributes equally to the field of science. These two methods are fundamental aspects of science and are equal as both methods have motivation, a primary aim and allow us to expand our knowledge. In conclusion both basic and applied research have equal potential for encouraging scientific progression.
