10.2.1  Basic and applied research

Research can be basic or applied depending on its objectives. Basic (or pure) research is designed to extend knowledge for the sake of understanding itself. The results may not have any applications – discovering new knowledge and understanding is the objective. Applied research is carried out in order to solve specific and practical problems. Applied research is sometimes called action research. Of course, some of the new knowledge obtained through basic research may later be applied to solve practical problems.

Applied health research is mainly intended to improve community health and health services, and add to greater professional effectiveness in a practical manner. Most of the problems faced by healthcare providers, policymakers and administrators are investigated through applied health research. Applied health research emphasises the identification of priority health problems, evaluation of the effectiveness of health programmes and policies, and managing the optimal use of available resources. As you will see later, a community survey is a type of applied health research.