The Difference Between Applied Reasearch and Basic Research

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What is the difference between applied research and basic research? Answer: Basic Research is carried out for the sake of increasing knowledge, such as how and why a specific reaction occurs and what the properties of a substance are. Applied research is generally carried out to solve a problem. wiseGEEK clear answers for common questions Feedback About wiseGEEK Login Top of Form [pic] Bottom of Form Category: Business ▼ What is the Difference between Basic and Applied Research? [pic] Watch the Did-You-Know slideshow Bottom of Form Both basic and applied research are important to the advancement of human knowledge, but they work in slightly different ways, and they have different end goals in sight. Basic or pure research is conducted solely for the purpose of gathering information and building on existing knowledge, as opposed to applied research, which is geared towards the resolution of a particular question. A neurologist who studies the brain to learn about its general workings is doing basic research, while a neurologist who is searching for the origins of Alzheimer's disease is involved in applied research. Often, applied research builds on existing basic research. Basic research could be considered the foundation of knowledge which provides people with the basic information they need to pursue particular areas of research. In the example of the two neurologists above, for example, the neurologist involved in applied research on a neurological condition will probably use research published by the neurologist who is more generally studying the brain. The lines between basic and applied research can blur. For example, a researcher playing around with batteries and methods of storing energy might accidentally stumble upon a revolutionary battery which could be utilized as a commercial product. In this case, research conducted to more

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