Based on the application field of the research conducted, research is usually divided into two groups: basic and applied.

Basic or pure or fundamental research is the more popular type of research. It is the type of scientific research that tries to better understand the fundamental principles. It is thus mainly designed to extend knowledge for the sake of understanding itself. Basic research is thus not that much concerned with practical applications, yet it is important for scientific advancements.

Characteristics of basic research include the following:

• Purpose: Basic research is conducted to understand and expand our knowledge of a specific phenomenon or field.
• Scope: It focuses on addressing broad questions, such as "why" or "how" something happens. These inquiries aim to uncover fundamental principles or underlying mechanisms.
• Outcome: While the findings may not have immediate commercial or societal applications, they are crucial in driving breakthroughs. These discoveries often serve as the foundation for applied research, which can later translate them into practical solutions or innovations.

Examples:

• Studying growth process of oak trees
• Studying what makes up a proton
• Studying the association between rain levels and forest fires
• Studying the origination of cryptocurrency

Basic research is notably important in a number of fields, such as psychology. For example, it is instrumental in developing theories about human behavior and mental processes. The subfield of cognition, in particular, benefits greatly from basic research, as it often relies on novel theoretical frameworks to advance understanding.

Applied research

Applied research, or action research, mainly aims to solve practical problems or improve processes. Usually, this type of research is tied to commercial or societal applications. That is, applied research is carried out in order to solve specific and practical problems.

Characteristics:

• Purpose: Applied research focuses on solve for practical problems.
• Scope: It aims to answer questions or solve problems with actionable goals.
• Outcome: It produces tangible applications. Examples are new technologies, methods, or even whole systems.
• Examples:
  • Developing a solution to decrease bullying on social media platforms
  • Studying how to prevent mosquito bites
  • Studying ways to encourage high school graduates to attend college
  • Studying ways to improve patient retention at a dentist's office
  • Developing methods for diagnosing patients with depression