Question

Scientific research that produces knowledge without any immediate practical use is specifically known as... A. Basic science B. Applied science C. Hypothesis-based science D. Descriptive science E. Retrospective science

Short answer

A. Basic science

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Definitions

Review the definitions of the provided options to understand what each type of science focuses on.

Identify Basic Science

Basic science, also known as fundamental or pure science, aims to increase scientific knowledge without a specific practical application in mind.

Identify Other Types of Science

Applied science seeks to solve practical problems. Hypothesis-based science is driven by hypotheses that are tested. Descriptive science aims to observe, explore, and find things out. Retrospective science investigates past events.

Determine the Best Fit

Compare the definition of basic science to the description provided in the exercise. Basic science aligns with the idea of producing knowledge without immediate practical use.

Final Answer

Based on the explanations, the best fit for scientific research that produces knowledge without any immediate practical use is Basic science.

Key concepts

Basic Science

Basic science, also known as fundamental or pure science, focuses on increasing scientific knowledge without any immediate practical application. It seeks to understand fundamental aspects of nature and contribute to the body of scientific knowledge. For example,
studying the behavior of subatomic particles without intending to create new technology.

Basic science lays the foundation for future discoveries. Often, what we learn from basic science eventually leads to practical applications later on. For instance, understanding the structure of DNA.

This field is vital because it expands our understanding of the universe and provides the knowledge base for future applied research.

Applied Science

Applied science uses the knowledge from basic science to solve practical problems. This type of scientific research has a direct and practical application. For instance, research to improve agricultural yields or developing medication to treat diseases.

Applied science bridges the gap between discovering new knowledge and using that knowledge for real-world applications.

It often involves collaboration between scientists from different disciplines to create useful innovations and technologies. The goal is to make a tangible impact on society and improve the quality of life.

Hypothesis-Based Science

Hypothesis-based science revolves around forming hypotheses and testing them through experiments and further observations. A hypothesis is a proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence. It requires rigorous experiments to prove or disprove its validity.

This type of science follows the scientific method, which includes:

• Observation
• Question
• Hypothesis
• Experiment
• Conclusion

Hypothesis-based science is fundamental to scientific progress because it offers a structured approach to discover new insights.

It helps in refining existing theories and discovering new concepts based on the evidence gathered through systematic investigation.

Descriptive Science

Descriptive science focuses on observing, recording, describing, and classifying phenomena without necessarily pursuing an experiment to test a hypothesis. It's all about collecting data and finding patterns.

For instance, early biological sciences were largely descriptive, involving the careful observation and classification of plants and animals.

This type of science is crucial for setting the groundwork before moving onto more experimental approaches.

Descriptive science helps in understanding the current state of a phenomenon, effect, or system, thus providing a comprehensive database for further hypothesis-based research.

Retrospective Science

Retrospective science seeks to understand past events by analyzing existing data and records. This includes fields like forensic science, archaeology, and evolutionary biology. It often involves piecing together evidence to form a coherent narrative of what happened.

An example would be studying fossils to understand the evolution of species or examining crime scenes to solve cases.

Retrospective science is essential for uncovering historical insights. It helps us learn from past occurrences, adapt, and make informed decisions for the future.

This type of science often uses comparative studies and historical data analysis to draw conclusions about past phenomena.