What are the two main branches of research in academic studies?

The two main branches of research in academic studies are basic (or fundamental) research and applied research. Basic research aims to expand general knowledge and theories, while applied research uses that knowledge to solve specific real world problems.

Basic or fundamental research focuses on understanding the underlying principles of a phenomenon without worrying about immediate practical use. It asks questions like “Why does this happen?” or “What is the mechanism behind this pattern?” and usually contributes to theories, models, or conceptual frameworks that other researchers can build on. Good overviews of fundamental research define it as research driven by curiosity that expands knowledge without a direct practical application in mind. 

Applied research, on the other hand, starts from a concrete problem or need. It uses existing theories and findings to develop solutions, improve processes, or inform decisions in areas such as education, healthcare, business, or engineering. Definitions of applied research often describe it as a systematic study conducted to solve real world problems or improve existing practices. 

You can think of the relationship between the two like this:

Basic research

Purpose: build or test theories and deepen understanding

Main question: “What is true about this phenomenon?”

Typical outputs: conceptual models, theoretical papers, foundational experiments

Example: studying how memory works in the brain without targeting a specific disease

Applied research

Purpose: find practical solutions or improvements

Main question: “How can we use this knowledge to fix or improve something?”

Typical outputs: intervention studies, evaluation reports, policy recommendations

Example: testing a new memory training program for students who struggle with exams

In academic studies, many projects sit somewhere between these two poles. A thesis can lean more toward basic research (for example, refining a theory) or more toward applied research (for example, testing a teaching method in classrooms), but the underlying distinction is the same. Basic or fundamental research seeks to understand, while applied research focuses on using that understanding to address specific issues.