pure science
Knowledge for itself
Pure science is research pursued for knowledge itself rather than practical application.
The goal is understanding how things work—the structure of atoms, the behavior of cells, the nature of gravity—without immediate concern for usefulness.
Also called basic science or fundamental science.
Contrasts with applied science, which seeks to solve specific problems.
Systematic testing of ideas
- hypothesisTestable proposed explanation
- observationAttentive watching or remark
- empiricalBased on observation, not theory
- laboratoryFacility for scientific investigation
replication · variables · quantitative · qualitative · protocols · fieldwork · systematic · evidence-based
Study seeking knowledge, not products
- theoreticalBased on hypothesis, untested
- fundamentalForming the base
- non-commercialNot for monetary gain
- academicRelating to education or theory
blue-sky research · R&D · ivory tower · grant funding · university · think tank
Testable proposed explanation
- modelRepresentation or paradigm
- paradigmGoverning framework of thought
- theoremDemonstrated logical conclusion
- principleFundamental truth or standard
axiom · postulate · law · prediction · framework · abstraction · deduction · induction
Science of matter and energy
- chemistryStudy of substances' interactions
- biologyStudy of organisms
- astronomyScience of celestial objects
- mathematicsScience of quantity and structure
geology · botany · zoology · genetics · ecology · microbiology · neuroscience · biochemistry
Sudden important advance
- eurekaDiscovery triumph cry
- insightDeep perceptive understanding
- serendipityAccidental fortunate discovery
- anomalyDeparture from the expected
phenomenon · observation · curiosity · pioneer · inquiry · revelation · finding · advancement
experimentation
Systematic testing of ideas
- hypothesisTestable proposed explanation
- observationAttentive watching or remark
- empiricalBased on observation, not theory
laboratory · replication · variables · quantitative · qualitative · protocols · fieldwork · systematic · evidence-based · measurement
basic research
Study seeking knowledge, not products
- theoreticalBased on hypothesis, untested
- fundamentalForming the base
- non-commercialNot for monetary gain
academic · blue-sky research · R&D · ivory tower · grant funding · university · think tank
hypothesis
Testable proposed explanation
- modelRepresentation or paradigm
- paradigmGoverning framework of thought
- theoremDemonstrated logical conclusion
principle · axiom · postulate · law · prediction · framework · abstraction · deduction · induction · inference
physics
Science of matter and energy
- chemistryStudy of substances' interactions
- biologyStudy of organisms
- astronomyScience of celestial objects
mathematics · geology · botany · zoology · genetics · ecology · microbiology · neuroscience · biochemistry · molecular biology
breakthrough
Sudden important advance
- eurekaDiscovery triumph cry
- insightDeep perceptive understanding
- serendipityAccidental fortunate discovery
anomaly · phenomenon · observation · curiosity · pioneer · inquiry · revelation · finding · advancement · Nobel Prize
pure scienceapplied science
Problem-solving through research
applied research · engineering · technology · industrial research · technological development
pure scienceexperimental science
Study through controlled observation
pure sciencepseudoscience
Bogus methodology posing as factual
junk science · traditional knowledge · intuition · superstition · mysticism
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