🧪 Applied vs Basic Research – What’s the Purpose Behind Your Study?

#BasicVsAppliedResearch | #ResearchPurpose | #ResearchMitraDay6

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🎯 Why Purpose Matters

Before starting your research, one of the most critical questions to ask is:

👉 “What is the purpose of my research?”

Your answer will determine whether your study is basic (fundamental) or applied (practical) in nature. These are the two broad categories that define the intent, direction, and impact of your work.

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🧠 What is Basic Research?

Also known as pure or fundamental research, this type of study aims to:

🔹 Expand knowledge

🔹 Explore theories

🔹 Understand phenomena deeply

It does not focus on solving immediate practical problems. Instead, it seeks to build or challenge existing theories and contribute to academic literature.

📌 Key Features:

Theoretical in nature

Driven by curiosity

Usually conducted in academic settings

Forms the foundation for applied research

Example:

A sociologist studies the nature of caste identity formation in Indian rural communities — not to create a policy, but to understand social dynamics.

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🛠️ What is Applied Research?

Applied research is goal-oriented. It uses existing theories to:

🔹 Solve real-world problems

🔹 Improve practices, systems, or outcomes

🔹 Help decision-makers (policy, business, health, etc.)

It is practical, contextual, and often commissioned by organizations or agencies.

📌 Key Features:

Solution-focused

Often industry- or government-sponsored

Produces usable recommendations

May involve testing or adapting theories

Example:

A marketing team conducts research to understand why their sales dropped in rural Bihar — and uses the results to redesign their promotional strategy.

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🔍 Comparison Table: Basic vs Applied Research

Feature	Basic Research	Applied Research
Purpose	Develop theory or expand knowledge	Solve specific, practical problems
Focus	Why and how something works	How to make something work better
Outcome	Academic contribution	Real-world application
Example Discipline	Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy	HR, Marketing, Public Policy
Data Use	Often exploratory	Often evaluative or actionable

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💼 Examples from Business & Social Science

Domain	Basic Research	Applied Research
Education	Study of cognitive development theories	Design of a new digital learning program
HR Management	Understanding motivation in the workplace	Testing a new employee rewards system
Political Science	Theorizing democratic engagement	Policy evaluation for voter awareness drives

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🧩 How to Decide?

Ask yourself:

Am I curious to explore and explain a concept? → Basic Research

Do I want to solve a problem or improve a situation? → Applied Research

Sometimes your research can start as basic and evolve into applied, or vice versa.

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🧠 Reflect & Write

Prompt:

Write 2–3 sentences about your current research idea.

Now answer:

🟦 Is it more theoretical or problem-solving in nature?

🟦 Can it be categorized as basic or applied?

Share your responses in the comments!

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🔔 Coming Next:

👉 “The Role of a Literature Review: Why It’s the Backbone of Your Study”