Angle of researcher and solve the dilemma which one to prioritize;

basic and/ or applied research?

BY: Dr .Shahid Bashir Chaudhary

RESEARCH:
A systemic ,thorough investigation of a problem or situation in order to generate new
knowledge or authenticate existing knowledge
Applied research refers to scientific study and research that seeks to solve practical
problems,
Applied research is used to find solutions to everyday problems, cure illness and
develops innovate technologies, rather than to attain knowledge for knowledge
EXAMPLES: Applies researchers may investigate ways to

Improve agricultural crop production

Treat or cure specific disease

Improve the energy efficiency of homes, office or modes of

transportation

BASIC RESEARCH
This fundamental research is driven by a scientists cursoity or ineterst in a scientific
question.
The main motivation is to expand the mans knowledge not to create or invent
something,there is no obvious commercial value to the discoveries that result from
basic research
EXAMPLES:
Basic science investigations probe for answers to questions such as:

How did the universe begin?

What are protons , neutrons and electrons composed of?

How do slims molds reproduce?

What is specific genetic code of the fruit fly?

The researcher whether working on Applied or basic research are conducting two
types of reaserch
1- Qualitative Research
2- Quantitative Research
The angle of researcher and solve the dilemma which one to prioritize; basic and/ or
applied research? is depending upon the above said type of research and its results
effecting on benefits of humanity.
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
Qulaitative Research . is research dealing with phenomenon that are difficult or
impossible to qualitify mathematically, such as beliefs, meanings, attributes and
symboles
This type of research let the researchers aim to gather an in depth understanding of
human behaviour and reasons that govern such behaviours, the qualitative methods
investigates the why and how decision making , not just what, where, when.
Advantages:
i.

It enables more comples aspects of a persons experience to be studied

ii.

Fewer restrictions or assumptions are placed on the data to be collected.

iii.

Not everything can be quantified or quantified easily,individuals can be studied

in more depth

iv.

Good for expolratory research and hypothesis generation.

v.

The participants are able to provide data in their own words and in their own
way.

Disadvantages:
i.

It is more difficult to determine the validity and reliability of lingustic data

ii.

There is more subjectivity involved in analysing the data.

iii.

Data overload--- open ended questios can sometimes create lots of data, that
can take long time to analyse.

iv.

Time consuming

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
It is systamatic emperical investigation of any phenomenon via statsistical, mathematical
or comuterized techniques.The objective of quantitative research is to develop and
employ mathematical models, theories and /or hypthesis that lead to prove the
phenomenon.
Quantitative research is generally made using scientific mathods, that can include but
not limited to:

The generation of models, theories and hypothesis.

Development of instruments and methods for measuring them.

Experimental control and manipulation of variables.

Collection of emperical data

Modeling and analysis of data

Evaluation of esults.

Advantages:
i.

It allows the reseachers to measure and analyse data

ii.

The reasercher is more objective about the findings of the research.

iii.

Quantitative research can be used to test hypothesis in experiments because of

its ability to measure data using statistics.

Disadvantages:
i.

The main disadvantage of quantitative research is the context of study or

experiment is ignored.

ii.

This research does not study things in a natural settings or discuss the meaning
things have for different people

iii.

A large sample of the population must be studied for more accurate results.

CONCLUSION:
Basic research is successful, when it discovers new phenomenon or new ideas of
general interest.
While the applied research is in this sense subordinate to social, economic and political
aims. Rewards are primarily for results that help the client realize his purposes.
Due to its practical focus, applied research information is applied in aviation to know
about the efficacy of flight /ground staff training, how well recruitment practices work,
how best to deal with flight guest during flight, how to use the internet to reduce home
grown terrorists, and the effectiveness of operational styles.
when the distinction between basic and applied research makes good sense
philosophically when not interpreted in terms of rigid and exclusive metaphysical
categories,and that historical events in science as well as present science policy
questions are more adequately understood with than without this distinction