1

Assignment – II
Question
Researchers believe that the field of consumer behavior should be a pure rather than an
applied, science. That is, research issues should be framed in term of their scientific interest
rather than their applicability to immediate marketing problems. Do you agree? Elucidate
Solution:

Yes I am agree for the field of consumer behavior should be a pure rather than an applied,
science. That is research issues should be framed in term of their scientific interest rather than
their applicability to immediate marketing problems which is commonly defined as a systematic
investigation with the intent to verify facts and generate updated conclusions.  Regarding its
utility, research is divided into two: basic and applied. Many researchers suggest that these are
closely working with each other as basic research is a platform which applied research often uses
to solve real life problems. Also, basic research employs technology (which was developed by
applied research) to address its objectives. Thus, these inquiries form a cycle of advancement.
Generally, applied research deals with particular topics which have direct practical relevance. On
the contrary, basic researches are mainly motivated by the expansion of knowledge and seek to
answer questions that are not related to direct applications. The following concepts delve into
such distinctions.

Basic research is also known as fundamental or pure research since it is mainly concerned with
the improvement of scientific knowledge.  The purpose of basic research is simply to gather
more information to further understand existing phenomena especially in the field of natural
sciences. Its focus is on supporting as well as challenging assumptions which aim to explain
various phenomena. Pure research looks at the “big picture” in the sense that it looks for overall
factors and related postulates. Hence, fundamental research is purely theoretical as it delves into
basic laws and principles.

Though the engendered ideas may not be directly applied to current situations, such conclusions
from basic research are highly fundamental in enhancing future applied studies. For instance,
previous studies on mathematical theories have been utilized in programming and other
information technology processes.

Basic Research or otherwise called as pure or fundamental research, is one that focuses on
advancing scientific knowledge for the complete understanding of a topic or certain natural
phenomenon, primarily in natural sciences. In a nutshell, when knowledge is acquired for the
sake of knowledge it is called basic research.

Basic Research is completely theoretical, that focuses on basic principles and testing theories. It
tends to understand the basic law.

Basic Research deals with generalization and formulation of theory about human behavior. It is
aligned towards collecting information that has universal applicability. Therefore, basic research
helps in adding new knowledge to the already existing knowledge.
 2

The purpose of applied research is to know more about a certain real-world problem and take
steps to solve it. It focuses on the application of natural science principles on practical difficulties
as well as enhancing innovations. Such studies are often associated with the fields of business,
economics, health, and politics. For instance, a company may hire an applied researcher to look
into the best way of hiring applicants and placing employees in connection with the
organization’s various positions.

Many applied researchers utilize the naturalistic observation method to verify existing social
difficulties and then conduct experiments to ascertain solutions. However, data gathering
challenges such as ethics and validity issues may arise especially when testing procedures may
pose harm for humans and animals. Thus, restrictions are applied in employing the respective
study procedures. Applied Research can be defined as research that encompasses real life
application of the natural science. It is directed towards providing a solution to the specific
practical problems and develops innovative technology. In finer terms, it is the research that can
be applied to real-life situations. It studies a particular set of circumstances, so as to relate the
results to its corresponding circumstances. Applied research includes research that focuses on
certain conclusions experiencing a business problem. Moreover, research that is aligned towards
ascertaining social, economic or political trends are also termed as applied research

Difference between Basic and Applied Research

Purpose of Basic and Applied Research

Basic research is meant to expand one’s current knowledge while applied research is aiming to
solve particular life problems.

Nature

Basic research is more theoretical since it generally generates theories and explores information
which may not be presently applied. It is also focused on improving current academic concepts.
On the other hand, applied research is more practical and descriptive in nature as it seeks to
alleviate current problems in various fields and is mostly concerned with end-usage.

Scope

The scope of basic research is often universal as it may bae applied to diverse concepts.
However, applied research is largely particular as it is focused on very specific topics which seek
to answer certain problems.

Technology

As compared to basic research, applied research is more often linked with the improvement of
technology as it covers the direct application of knowledge.
 3

Future

While basic research aims to predict future phenomena, applied research seeks to prevent
predicted problems or come with solutions for future challenges. The former deals with knowing
what could happen while the latter goes beyond by coming up with probable actions.

Drive

Basic research is driven by curiosity while applied research is driven by clients as the former is
conducted to understand fundamental concepts while the latter is done to help solve individuals’
or groups’ problems.

Commercial Objectives

As compared to basic research, applied research is closely associated with commercial processes
since it aims to create relevant products and services.

Economy

As compared to basic research, applied research is more closely connected with the development
of economy as numerous surveys, experiments, and case studies are conducted to verify the
efficacy of products, market strategies, and other economically related procedures.

Academic Publications

As compared to applied research, basic researches more often appear in academic publications as
they delve into generating new knowledge.

Environment

Basic research occurs in a sterile or highly-controlled environment such as laboratories.

Conversely, applied research mainly takes place in real world settings where other unexpected
variables may intervene.

Summary of Basic and Applied Research

 As to purpose, research is generally divided into two: basic and applied.

 Basic research can provide valuable information that applied research can use.
 Such inquiries form a cycle of advancement.
 Basic research is also known as fundamental or pure research since it is mainly concerned
with the improvement of scientific knowledge.
 The purpose of applied research is to know more about a certain real-world problem and
take steps to solve it.
 4

 Basic research is theoretical in nature while applied research is practical; hence, it is

associated with technology.
 As compared to applied research, basic research has a wider scope.
 While basic research predicts future phenomena, applied research creates solutions or
preventions for probable problems.
 Basic research is curiosity-driven while applied research is client-driven.
 As compared to basic research, applied research is more closely associated with
economically related objectives.
 Basic research mostly appears in academic publications.
 While basic research takes place in a sterile environment, applied research is often
conducted in messy real-world settings.

Conclusion

The difference between pure and applied research depends on the goal of the research. Pure
research, also known as basic research, has no specific goal, but it advances the knowledge and
contributes to the generation of new theories, principals and ways of thinking. Applied research,
on the other hand, aims to solve a specific and practical problem. Applied research is also based
on the findings of pure research. The type of research may vary on the basis of the level at which
research is carried out and its purpose. One can choose basic research over applied research
when the purpose is to add certain scientific knowledge, whereas when it is important to identify
a proper solution to the problem under study, applied research is preferable.
 5

BIBLIOGRAPHY

”Types of Research.” EResearch Methods. University of Southampton, n.d. Web. 16 Mar.

2017.ImageCourtesy

390297” (Public Domain) via Pixabay

“Dr. Sadhna Joshi and Research Group” (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia

Angella, F., Go, F., (2010), Tale of two cities’ collaborative tourism
Marketing: Towards a theory of destination stakeholder assessment,
Tourism Management Vol.30, pp.429–440

Bell, J. (2005), Doing your Research Project, Buckingham, Open

University Press.

https://www.reference.com/science/difference-between-pure-applied-research-
948e72eddc4b4d3a