Pure Research (also called Basic Research)
* Purpose: To expand fundamental knowledge and understanding of a subject, regardless of immediate practical applications.
* Focus: Exploring new ideas and theories, testing hypotheses, and discovering new principles.
* Example: A physicist researching the properties of dark matter, a biologist studying the behavior of a specific type of bacteria, or a mathematician exploring new number theory concepts.
Applied Research
* Purpose: To solve specific practical problems or address real-world issues using existing knowledge.
* Focus: Developing new technologies, improving existing processes, or finding solutions to specific challenges.
* Example: An engineer designing a more efficient solar panel, a chemist developing a new drug, or a social scientist studying the effectiveness of a new educational program.
Key Differences
| Feature | Pure Research | Applied Research |
|---------------------|--------------------------------|------------------------------|
| Purpose | Expand fundamental knowledge | Solve practical problems |
| Focus | Theory, principles, discoveries | Applications, solutions |
| Outcome | New knowledge, theories | Improved products, processes |
| Time Horizon | Long-term | Short-term to medium-term |
| Practicality | May not have immediate use | Directly applicable |
Relationship:
While distinct, pure and applied research are often interconnected. Discoveries from pure research can lead to breakthroughs in applied research, and vice-versa. Applied research can also highlight gaps in knowledge, prompting further pure research.
An analogy: Imagine building a house. Pure research is like studying the properties of materials like wood, concrete, and bricks. Applied research is like using that knowledge to design and build the house itself.