APPLIED versus BASIC RESEARCH

Applied Research

Applied research is the investigation of phenomena to discover whether their properties are appropriate to a particular need or want, usually a human need or want. In contrast, basic research investigates phenomena without reference to particular needs and wants. Applied research is more closely associated with technology, engineering, invention, and development. Basic research is sometimes described as "pure research."

Cite this page: "APPLIED versus BASIC RESEARCH" Online Ethics Center for Engineering 9/6/2006 National Academy of Engineering Accessed: Tuesday, June 18, 2013 <www.onlineethics.org/glossary/12877.aspx>