1. University of Sindh, Jamshoro
Basic Research
By: Ali Shahzad Memon
Faculty of Education
2. Research
Research is defined as the creation of new knowledge and/or the
use of existing knowledge in a new and creative way so as to
generate new concepts, methodologies and understandings. This
could include synthesis and analysis of previous research to the
extent that it leads to new and creative outcomes.
3. Basic Research
Basic research, also called pure research or fundamental research, is a type of scientific research with the
aim of improving scientific theories for better understanding and prediction of natural or other
phenomena.
The term basic research refers to study and research meant to increase our scientific knowledge base.
This type of research is often purely theoretical, with the intent of increasing our understanding of
certain phenomena or behavior but without seeking to solve or treat these problems.
Basic research is also called pure research. Basic research is driven by a scientist’s curiosity or interest in
a scientific question.
Basic research desires to expand knowledge.
Basic research does not have immediate commercial objectives.
4. Characteristics of Basic Research
Basic research is analytical in nature.
It aims at theorizing concepts and not solving specific problems.
It is primarily concerned with the expansion of knowledge and not with the
applicability of the research outcomes.
Basic research is explanatory in nature.
Basic research is carried out without any primary focus on possible practical
ends.
It improves the general knowledge and understanding of different fields of study.
5. Examples of Basic Research
Basic research can be carried out in different fields with the
primary aim of expanding the frontier of knowledge and developing
the scope of these fields of study. Examples of basic research can
be seen in medicine, education, psychology, technology, but here
we discus only about education.
6. Basic Research Example in Education
In education, basic research is used to develop pedagogical theories
that explain teaching and learning behaviors in the classroom.
Examples of basic research in education include the following:
How does the Language Acquisition Device work on children?
How does the human retentive memory work?
How do teaching methods affect student's concentration in class?
7. Basic Research Method
Interview
Observation
Experiment
Questionnaire
Data Reporting
Case Studies
8. Interview
An interview is a common method of data collection in basic research that
involves having a one-on-one interaction with an individual in order to gather
relevant information about a phenomenon. Interview can be structured,
unstructured or semi-structured depending on the research process and
objectives.
In a structured interview, the researcher asks a set of premeditated questions
while in an unstructured interview, the researcher does not make use of a set
of premeditated questions. Rather he or she depends on spontaneity and
follow-up questioning in order to gather relevant information.
On the other hand, a semi-structured interview is a type of interview that
allows the researcher to deviate from premeditated questions in order to
gather more information about the research subject.
9. Observation
Observation is a type of data-gathering method that involves paying close
attention to a phenomenon for a specific period of time in order to gather relevant
information about its behaviors. When carrying out basic research, the researcher
may need to study the research subject for a stipulated period as it interacts with
its natural environment.
10. Experiment
An experiment is a type of quantitative data-gathering method that seeks to validate or
refute a hypothesis and it can also be used to test existing theories. In this method of data
collection, the researcher manipulates dependent and independent variables to achieve
objective research outcomes.
Typically, in an experiment, the independent variable is modified or changed in order to
determine its effects on the dependent variables in the research context. This can be done
using 3 major methods which are controlled experiments, field experiments, and natural
experiments
11. Questionnaire
A questionnaire is a data collection tool that is made up of a series of questions to which
the research subjects provide answers. It is a cost-effective method of data gathering
because it allows you to collect large samples of data from the members of the group
simultaneously.
12. Data Reporting
Data reporting is a type of data collection method where the researcher gathers
relevant data and turns them in for further analysis in order to arrive at specific
conclusions.
13. Case Studies
A case study is a type of data collection method that involves the
detailed examination of a specific subject matter in order to gather
objective information about the features and behaviors of the
research subject.
14. Importance of Basic Research
Acquisition of New Knowledge: Basic research results in new knowledge. It is
responsible for many research breakthroughs in different fields of study and it is often
considered as the pacesetter in technological and innovative solutions.
Basic research also enhances the understanding of different subject matters and provides
multiple possible dimensions for interpretation of these subject matters.
Findings of basic research are extremely useful in expanding the pool of knowledge in
different disciplines.
Basic research offers the foundation for applied research.
15. Disadvantages of Basic Research
Findings from basic research have little or no immediate practical implications. However,
these findings may be useful in providing solutions to different problems, in the long run.
Basic research does not have strict deadlines.
Basic research does not solve any specific problems.
16. Conclusion
Basic research is an important research method because it exposes researchers to varying
dimensions within a field of study. This proves useful, not only for improving scholarship
and the general knowledge-base, but for solving problems as is the concern of applied
research.
When carrying out basic research, the investigator adopts one or more qualitative and
quantitative observation methods which includes case studies, experiments and
observation. These data collection methods help the researcher to gather the most valid
and relevant information for the research.