Basic Research

This presentation file will help people to know about the Basic Research in an easy but very effective way hopefully.

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.