por Basic, or fundamental, research provides a broad overview of many different scientific fields. The objective of this type of research 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. In the first instance, scientists have a hypothesis and test it by designing experiments and making observations. Then they develop offer explanations through their theories.
Description of Basic Research Examples
mental activity after death
Among the clear examples of basic research are 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.
This 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 on the part of scientists. Fundamental research has led to a greater 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 change.
Factors that affect couple relationships
Couple relationships have also been studied in basic research. Thus, in the 1990s a large number of works sought to understand the factors that affected these relationships. From these, many lines of research were opened, which continue to be explored.
technology impact
The advancement of new technologies has been fertile ground for basic research, especially with regard to their impact.
To illustrate this, a study that focused on the differences between print reading and digital media can be mentioned. This 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 been given 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 first one eliminates the benefits of the second ones.
Impact of social networks in our lives
Social networks are a tool that have revolutionized human behavior when it comes to relating. Its impact has been more than notorious, being also very quantifiable for research.
For example, according to a study from the University of Queensland, those people who interact and participate in conversations through social networks feel part of a group, which generates a sense of community.
Influence of the moon on human behavior
Basic research also has space for natural studies such as astronomy. The influence of elements of the Universe such as the moon are very important to find out certain phenomena that occur on Earth.
In addition, although most of these studies have been called into question, there are many investigations carried out by universities around the world that ensure that certain lunar phases affect human behavior (sleep stages, increase in crime, disturbance of production of melatonin…).
Themes of interest
Examples of applied research.
References
Hoffmann, T. (2017, January 10). What is basic research? Retrieved on January 3, 2018, from sciencenordic.com.
Martin, S. (2017, January 29). Life After Death: Scientists reveal shock findings from groundbreaking study. Retrieved on January 2, 2018, from express.co.uk.
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.
ScienceDaily. (2017, December 20). Can’t switch your focus? You brain might not be wired for it. Retrieved on January 3, 2018, from sciencedaily.com.
Parker, R. & Commerford, J. (2014, June). Lasting couple relationships: Recent research findings. Retrieved on January 3, 2018, from aifs.gov.au.