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'''Scientific research''' relies on the application of the [[scientific method]], a harnessing of curiosity. This research provides [[science|scientific]] [[information]] and theories for the explanation of the [[nature]] and the properties of the world around us. It makes practical applications possible. Scientific research is funded by [[public]] [[authority|authorities]], by charitable organisations and by [[private]] [[groups]], including many companies. Scientific research can be subdivided into different classifications according to their academic and application disciplines. The term ''research'' is also used to describe an entire collection of [[information]] about a particular subject.

'''Scientific research''' relies on the application of the [[scientific method]], a harnessing of curiosity. This research provides [[science|scientific]] [[information]] and theories for the explanation of the [[nature]] and the properties of the world around us. It makes practical applications possible. Scientific research is funded by [[public]] [[authority|authorities]], by charitable organisations and by [[private]] [[groups]], including many companies. Scientific research can be subdivided into different classifications according to their academic and application disciplines. The term ''research'' is also used to describe an entire collection of [[information]] about a particular subject.

 

== Basic research ==

== Basic research ==

Basic research (also called ''fundamental'' or ''pure'' research) has as its primary objective the advancement of [[knowledge]] and the theoretical understanding of the relations among variables (see [[statistics]]). It is ''exploratory'' and often driven by the researcher’s curiosity, [[emotion|interest]], and [[intuition]]. Therefore, it is sometimes conducted without any practical end in [[mind]], although it may have confounding variables (unexpected results) pointing to practical applications. The terms “basic” or “fundamental” indicate that, through theory generation, basic research provides the foundation for further, sometimes applied research. As there is no guarantee of short-term practical gain, researchers may find it difficult to obtain funding for basic research.

Basic research (also called ''fundamental'' or ''pure'' research) has as its primary objective the advancement of [[knowledge]] and the theoretical understanding of the relations among variables (see [[statistics]]). It is ''exploratory'' and often driven by the researcher’s curiosity, [[emotion|interest]], and [[intuition]]. Therefore, it is sometimes conducted without any practical end in [[mind]], although it may have confounding variables (unexpected results) pointing to practical applications. The terms “basic” or “fundamental” indicate that, through theory generation, basic research provides the foundation for further, sometimes applied research. As there is no guarantee of short-term practical gain, researchers may find it difficult to obtain funding for basic research.