7 EXAMPLES OF BASIC RESEARCH - SCIENCE - 2025

Basic or fundamental research provides a broad overview of many different scientific fields. The objective of this type of investigation is to seek answers to fundamental questions.

Unlike applied research, this knowledge does not have to be used for something concrete. The important thing is to broaden the understanding of the human being and the phenomena of the world.

In itself, this is carried out like any other scientific investigation. Scientists first have a hypothesis and test it by designing experiments and making observations. They then develop offer explanations using their theories.

You may also be interested in these examples of applied research.

Description of 8 examples of basic research

Mental activity after death

Clear examples of basic research include studies of brain activity after death. This is the case of research from the University of Southampton that confirmed that thoughts continue after the heart stops.

It showed that people still experience consciousness for up to three minutes after being pronounced dead.

Effect of consumption of certain foods

Examples of basic research include those on the effects of consuming certain foods. One of the products that has been widely studied is coffee.

A recent study conducted in Spain found that drinking two to four cups a day is associated with a lower overall risk of death, particularly among middle-aged people.

Functioning of the human brain

The brain is an organ that causes a lot of interest from scientists. Fundamental research has led to a better understanding of how it works.

For example, a recent study shows that the extent to which brain signals adhere to white matter networks is associated with cognitive flexibility. This suggests that some brains have a natural advantage in dealing with changes.

Factors Affecting Relationships

Couple relationships have also been the object of study in basic research. Thus, in the 1990s a large number of papers sought to understand the factors that affected these relationships. From these, many lines of research were opened, which continue to be explored.

Impact of technology

The advancement of new technologies has been fertile ground for basic research, especially with regard to their impact.

To illustrate this, mention can be made of a study that focused on the differences between print reading and digital media. It shows that students learn more effectively from printed textbooks than from screens.

Studies on human behavior

Human behavior has been the subject of analysis since basic research. A study on physical exercise can exemplify this kind of work.

In particular, research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology revealed that exercise habits can be contagious.

Effects of stress

Stress is part of modern life. Many theorists have taken on the task of studying this phenomenon. A study from Ohio State University, for example, linked stress and healthy diets. Among the results, it stands out that the former eliminates the benefits of the latter.

References

1. Hoffmann, T. (2017, January 10). What is basic research? Retrieved on January 3, 2018, from sciencenordic.com.
2. Martin, S. (2017, January 29). Life After Death: Scientists reveal shock findings from groundbreaking study. Retrieved on January 2, 2018, from express.co.uk.
3. DiSalvo, D. (2017, August 27). Drinking Coffee May Lower Risk Of Early Death, According To New Study. Retrieved on January 2, 2018, from forbes.com.
4. Science Daily. (2017, December 20). Can't switch your focus? You brain might not be wired for it. Retrieved on January 3, 2018, from sciencedaily.com.
5. Parker, R. and Commerford, J. (2014, June). Lasting couple relationships: Recent research findings. Retrieved on January 3, 2018, from aifs.gov.au.
6. Alexander, PA and Singer, LM (017, October 15). A new study shows that students learn way more effectively from print textbooks than screens. Retrieved on January 3, 2018, from businessinsider.com.
7. Khan, A. (2017, April 18). Exercise can be contagious, new social network analysis finds. Retrieved on January 3, 2018, from latimes.com.
8. Healy, M. (2016, September 20). Chill out, ladies. Stress can erase the benefits of your healthful diet. Retrieved on January 3, 2018, from latimes.com