Basic Research

Basic research consists of empirical studies that “answer fundamental questions about the nature of behavior” (Cozby, 1985, p. 8). Its main goal is the understanding of a phenomenon. Basic research is less concerned with understanding and solving practical problems, which are the primary foci of applied research. Instead, basic research strives to develop a body of knowledge that has no obvious or immediate practical application. However, this knowledge can lead to interventions that alleviate human problems and distress. For example, Skinner's research with pigeons in the 1930s eventually led to the development of theoretical principles that had a profound impact on clinical and educational practices.

Basic research is most effective and influential when its explicit goal is the development of theory. Although research that is conducted solely for the sake of knowledge represents valid and worthy basic research, research that tests hypotheses that are deductively derived from a theory offers much greater promise of advancing science. Indeed, the primary purpose of basic research is the testing of hypotheses that are generated by a particular theory. As theory-based hypotheses are rejected and supported, theories are validated, rejected, and refined.

The interaction among research, theory, and application is represented in Figure 1, which is a model adopted from Olson. Theories are developed to explain human behavior and interaction. These [Page 73]theories are then applied to practical situations, such as childhood behavioral problems or distressed marriages. For example, the theoretical principles of childhood attachment have been extended to adult attachment, and Emotionally Focused Therapy has been developed from these principles to assess and treat conflicted romantic relationships. Within this therapy model, relationship difficulties are conceptualized from an attachment perspective, and treatments have been developed that seek to repair attachment injuries and promote secure attachment in relationships.

As illustrated in Figure 1, the purpose of basic research is to test the validity of particular theories. In the case of attachment theory, a large body of empirical research has accumulated that provides robust evidence for the general principles of the theory. This empirical support has validated attachment theory, providing important credibility to the techniques that were derived from the theory to assess and treat couples.

In some cases, research has rejected significant theoretical propositions. For example, for many years the dominant theoretical conceptualization of autism was that it was caused by poor parenting. Based on this theory of autism, treatment focused on providing adequate care outside the realm of the family. Subsequent research has consistently failed to support this theory, and more recent research has supported theories that link autistic symptoms to neurological impairment. With the conceptualization of autism as a neurological disorder, parents are included as essential partners in the treatment of their child because they provide consistency between behavioral treatments at school and at home.

Figure 1 The Relationship Between Theory, Research, and Application

Source: Adapted from Olson, 1976 (p. 565).

Thus, basic research serves as a scientific watch-dog by providing vital empirical evidence in the process of developing and validating theories. Without this validation role, science stagnates because theory development is curtailed. The system of checks and balances between theoretical generation and basic research enables the continual refinement of valid theories. These theories can then be deductively applied to a variety of human and social problems.

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