basic research

n. Utilization of the scientific method to discover knowledge for the pure advancement of understanding with no immediate goals concerning the practical application of information. The driving goal behind basic research is knowledge for the sake of knowledge. Basic research is fundamental in the development and advancement of theories. For example, a basic research question might be “Which neurological processes are involved in the process of forgetting?” While knowledge gained through basic research may provide the foundation for practical, applied investigations, the purpose of basic research is simple discovery.

一 BJM