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What is the difference between Applied, Experimental, and Exploratory Research/ are they the same?
I'm a current undergrad student and want to pursue a career in research. I;m almost halfway through undergrad and I'm trying to narrow down what specifically I want to pursue. #medicine #research #science #biology
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Changhe’s Answer
Applied, Experimental and Exploratory Research are NOT the same.
"Applied" is typically for practical application at specific field including daily life.
"Experimental" is something that is obtained through laboratory activities. Typically it cannot be or fully obtained theoretically.
Exploratory Research is studies in an unknown field or known field but unknown area, including theoretical and experimental work or verify a hypothesis such as Einstein's gravity wave. Typically, the fields are all cutting edge, but including field like new energy that is used in our daily life.
Pursuing a career in research is great plan. The exact field is depending on your personal interests/preference/knowledge/capability. If you like more on exploratory research, you may need to learn more in the field that you are interested in or attend a graduate school. Your study now is the key for your future in decision making.
"Applied" is typically for practical application at specific field including daily life.
"Experimental" is something that is obtained through laboratory activities. Typically it cannot be or fully obtained theoretically.
Exploratory Research is studies in an unknown field or known field but unknown area, including theoretical and experimental work or verify a hypothesis such as Einstein's gravity wave. Typically, the fields are all cutting edge, but including field like new energy that is used in our daily life.
Pursuing a career in research is great plan. The exact field is depending on your personal interests/preference/knowledge/capability. If you like more on exploratory research, you may need to learn more in the field that you are interested in or attend a graduate school. Your study now is the key for your future in decision making.
Updated
Rich’s Answer
Hi Christopher, That is a good question. I found this website that delves into the major distinctions between app Basic and Applied Research. https://www.utep.edu/couri/about-ug-research/basic-vs-applied-research.html. I work for a Medical company that does a lot of research that applies technologies towards better patient care. Newer products are born by the application of new technologies that often come from other inventions. For example, the first battery operated pacemaker was invented after a need was identified to combine battery technology with the circuitry of a pacemaker. An engineer made it happen and soon started a company.
My son was a biology major undergrad (as was I) and eventually he decided to pursue a career in medicine as he learned more about his own passion. It seems success comes from first understanding what it is that motivates / excites each individual. As I suggested to my kids, go ahead and volunteer in a lab even in your university, or look up places at hospital's job sites. It seems almost daunting to do, but in the end I do believe adults are flattered by the thought of a student that reaches out expressing an interest to observe, help and learn. Eventually the answer to your own question will be obvious just by experiencing different types of research.
Good luck and keep exploring
My son was a biology major undergrad (as was I) and eventually he decided to pursue a career in medicine as he learned more about his own passion. It seems success comes from first understanding what it is that motivates / excites each individual. As I suggested to my kids, go ahead and volunteer in a lab even in your university, or look up places at hospital's job sites. It seems almost daunting to do, but in the end I do believe adults are flattered by the thought of a student that reaches out expressing an interest to observe, help and learn. Eventually the answer to your own question will be obvious just by experiencing different types of research.
Good luck and keep exploring
Updated
Stone’s Answer
Applied Research:
-New knowledge acquired has specific commercial objectives: products, procedures, or services
-Answer specific questions aimed at solving practical problems
Experimental Research:
-Classical, scientific experiment (similar to those performed in High School)
-Scientific Approach to research
-One or more independent variables are manipulated and applied to one or more dependent variables to measure their effect on the latter
-Widely used in physical and social sciences, psychology, and education
-Collect quantitative data and provide statistical analysis
Explanatory Research:
-Conducted for a problem not well-research before
-A type of research design focused on a detailed explanation of the aspects of a study
-Starts with an Outline or Speech Outline to pitch your research idea to a professor/boss/board room
-Not used to give conclusive evidence, but instead helps us understand the problem efficiently
-Requires adaptability to pivot as new information comes to light
-New knowledge acquired has specific commercial objectives: products, procedures, or services
-Answer specific questions aimed at solving practical problems
Experimental Research:
-Classical, scientific experiment (similar to those performed in High School)
-Scientific Approach to research
-One or more independent variables are manipulated and applied to one or more dependent variables to measure their effect on the latter
-Widely used in physical and social sciences, psychology, and education
-Collect quantitative data and provide statistical analysis
Explanatory Research:
-Conducted for a problem not well-research before
-A type of research design focused on a detailed explanation of the aspects of a study
-Starts with an Outline or Speech Outline to pitch your research idea to a professor/boss/board room
-Not used to give conclusive evidence, but instead helps us understand the problem efficiently
-Requires adaptability to pivot as new information comes to light
Thank you for your response, very helpful!
Christopher
You're welcome :)
Stone Tanuvasa