Research always starts with a question to which we seek an answer using scientific methods. We define the question as a ‘Problem”.
Research is often described as an active, diligent, and systematic process of inquiry aimed at discovering, interpreting and revising facts.
The word research is derived from the French language; its literal meaning is ‘to investigate thoroughly’.
Undertaking research is basically applying scientific methods to find solution to a problem. It is a systematic and explorative study carried out to analyse and apply various solutions to a defined problem.
Research can be classified into two broad categories:
- Basic Research and
- Applied Research
Basic research
Basic research is also called fundamental or pure research. As the name itself refers, Basic Research is of basic nature which is not carried out in response to a problem. It is more educative, towards understanding the fundamentals and aim at expanding the knowledge base of an individual or organization. It does not have any commercial potential.
Applied research
Applied Research on the other hand is carried out to seek alternate solutions for a problem at hand. Applied research is done to solve specific, practical questions; its primary aim is not to gain knowledge. It specifies possible outcomes of each of the alternatives and its commercial implications.
Applied research can be carried out by academic or industrial institutions. Often, an academic institution such as a university will have a specific applied research program funded by an industrial partner interested in that program. Electronics, informatics, computer science, process engineering and drug design are some of the common areas of applied research.
Applied research can further be divided into:
- Problem-solving research: It involves research oriented towards a crucial problem facing the organization which may be issue specific.
- Problem-oriented research: The research is oriented towards a crucial problem facing the organization. It is undertaken inside the organization or by an external consultant on its behalf. This research is conceptual in nature and newer innovative techniques of problem-solving are applied.
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