2 - Scientific Problem

• Scientific Problem:

  • A question that can be answered via an experiment
  • Usually based on observed scientific phenomena
  • Interesting and feasible to solve
• Research:

  Basic Research:

  • Fundamental research focused on expanding the understanding of a particular phenomenon, study, or law of nature
  • Involves "how," "what," and "why" questions to explain occurrences

  Applied Research:

  • Finds practical solutions for existing problems
  • Uses empirical methodologies, such as experiments, to collect further data in a study area
  • Focuses on answering one specific question
• Benefits of conducting basic research:

  • Understanding living systems and processes
  • Helping society prepare for future issues
  • Providing a foundation for applied research
  • Leading to medical advances
• Benefits of conducting applied research:

  • Saving businesses money by aiding in decision-making
  • Creating new objectives
  • Designing new products and services
  • Providing unbiased data through testing empirical evidence
• Examples of basic research problems:

  • Discovering the components of human DNA
  • Identifying causative factors of cancer
  • Investigating the composition of a proton
• Examples of applied research problems:

  • Improving patient retention at a dentist's office
  • Preventing mosquito bites from itching
  • Enhancing literacy in teenagers
• How to differentiate basic and applied research problems:

  Basis for Comparison:

  Basic Research:

  • Aimed at expanding the existing base of scientific knowledge
  • Theoretical in nature
  • Concerned with developing scientific knowledge and predictions
  • Goals include adding knowledge to the existing one

  Applied Research:

  • Designed to solve specific practical problems or answer certain questions
  • Practical in nature
  • Concerned with the development of technology and techniques
  • Goals include finding solutions for the problem at hand
• Basic Research is the study that is aimed at expanding the existing base of scientific knowledge.

  Applied research is designed to solve specific practical problems or answer certain questions.
• The nature of basic research is theoretical while applied research is practical.
• The utility of basic research is universal while applied research is limited.
• Basic research is concerned with developing scientific knowledge and predictions.

  Applied research is concerned with the development of technology and technique.
• The goal of basic research is to add some knowledge to the existing one. Applied research has the goal to find out solution for the problem at hand.