Day 14

Context

The last topic of the class introduction section has to do with basic vs applied research.

Explanation

We will use NASA as a springboard to understand experimental vs theoretical and basic vs applied research.

After this class you should be able to:

• Explain the difference between basic and applied research.
• See how there can be tension between experimental scientists and theoretical scientists.

NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

On the NASA website it states: "NASA's Vision: To discover and expand knowledge for the benefit of humanity." To see that NASA does expand knowledge for the benefit of humanity I have in the past assigned students to explore the NASA Spinoff website. It is amazing what we now have due to NASA's efforts. Here are a few examples from that website.

Artificial Intelligence for Astronauts Monitors Patients at Home

Fiber-Optic 'Nerves' Enable Sensitive Surgery Tools

Low-Outgassing, Space-Grade Coatings Cover Electronics, Sensors, Pacemakers

Balance Scale Predicts, Helps Prevent Falls

Smaller, Cheaper Lasers Can Detect Gas, Monitor Structures, Take Tissue Images

Wool Mask to Fight Fires in Space Inspires Fire Equipment on Earth

Polyimide Foam Offers Safer, Lighter Insulation

Methane Detector Sniffs Out Leaks

Image Sensors Enhance Camera Technologies

NASA Brain Training Tech Makes Smart Glasses

Nanotechnology Repairs Engine Damage in Cars

Zero-Gravity Body Posture Influences Acupressure Massage Chair

Carbon-Fiber Heat Sink Makes Batteries Safer for Electric Cars, Bikes, and More

Freeze-Dried Foods Nourish Adventurers and the Imagination

NASA Plant Research Offers a Breath of Fresh Air

Bowflex System Spurs Revolution in Home Fitness

And this is a short list.

Applied vs Basic Research

Applied research has a very specific purpose. Companies do applied research to get new products to market. Basic researh doesn't have a product or application in mind. It is done to better understand something. It is generally more theoretical in nature.

A site at UTEP, The University of Texas at El Paso, has a page about this. Here is a quote.

"A common question that researchers get from students and the general public is "what is your research good for?" To answer this question, it is best to establish the difference between basic (fundamental) and applied research.

"Basic research is curiosity driven. It is motivated by a desire to expand knowledge and involves the acquisition of knowledge for knowledge's sake. It is intended to answer why, what or how questions and increase understanding of fundamental principles. Basic research does not have immediate commercial objectives and although it certainly could, it may not necessarily result in an invention or a solution to a practical problem.

"Applied research is designed to answer specific questions aimed at solving practical problems. New knowledge acquired from applied research has specific commercial objectives in the form of products, procedures or services.

"Fundamental research answers the initial question of how things work. This fundamental knowledge is then used by applied scientists and engineers, for example, to make improvements on existing products, technologies and processes. Likewise, basic researchers take advantage of improved technologies to answer new fundamental questions. It is an important cycle for advancement."

Question

If you were funding research which would you give more money to?

Homework

There is no homework for this class period. Work on the class review homework that is due on Friday.