One reason for conducting research is to develop and evaluate concepts and theories. Basic- or pure-research attempts to expand the limits of knowledge. It does not directly involve the solution to a particular, pragmatic problem, but it had been said, “There is nothing so practical as a good theory.” Although this statement is true in the long run, basic research findings generally cannot be immediately implemented. Basic research is conducted to verify the acceptability of a given theory or to know more about a certain concept.
Applied research is conducted when a decision must be made about a specific real-life problem. Applied research encompasses those studies undertaken to answer questions about specific problems or to make decisions about a particular course of action or policy. For example, an organization contemplating a paperless office and a networking system for the company’s personal computers may conduct research to learn the amount of time its employees spend at personal computer in an average week.