Research Types in KR PD

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Last week’s blog, “F&A Rates on Sponsored Projects” covered three different activity types in KR PD – research, instruction, and other sponsored activity. Appropriate classification ensures that the correct F&A rate is applied given project activities. This week’s blog is focused on the corresponding research types listed under ‘Supplemental Information’ in KR PD. When an ‘Activity Type’ of ‘Research’ is selected in KR PD, investigators should indicate the type of research – basic, applied, or developmental –under Supplemental Information.* This information is required for reporting on federal R&D expenditures.

*For non-research activity, select ‘Not Research.’

Basic research is aimed at improving or expanding the knowledge base in a particular field of study. It involves systematic investigation in order to get a better understanding of a subject or field of study. The ultimate goal of basic research is to expand existing knowledge, not to solve a specific problem. Often the results of basic research are new theories or adaptations of existing theories.

For example, basic research in dementia may include investigations of the cellular and molecular processes that cause nerve cells in the brain to stop functioning and die.

Applied research focuses on providing practical solutions to a specific problem or problems. It often involves empirical research based on direct or indirect observation and measurement. The results of applied research are solutions or interventions.

For example, applied research in dementia may investigate how dying cells respond to a particular drug.

Developmental research is the systematic application of knowledge toward the production or improvement of a product, service, process, method, or system. The aim of developmental research is to produce new products, prototypes, or processes or to improving existing products or processes.

For example, development research may involve a clinical trial to test a newly developed drug therapy for patients with dementia.

Investigators should select the research type that most closely aligns with project aims.

Comprehension Check

Q. A researcher is conducting research on how the new COVID-19 vaccine might aid in blood coagulation. Is this an example of basic, applied, or experimental research?

A. Applied. If the researcher is studying the properties of human blood to determine what variables affect coagulation, the research type is basic. If the researcher is conducting clinical trials to test the new vaccine, the research type is developmental.

Q. A researcher is studying the properties of different elements under various heat and cold conditions. Is this an example of basic, applied, or experimental research?

A. Basic. If the researcher is investigating the properties of a particular substance under heat and cold conditions to find a long-lasting element for highway pavement, the research type is applied. If the researcher is working with the state department of transportation to test a new pavement type under various heat and cold conditions, the research type is developmental.

Q. A researcher is studying the implementation of a specific math curriculum to determine if the new curriculum helps adolescent females overcome ‘math-anxiety.’ Is this an example of basic, applied, or experimental research?

 

A. Applied. If the researcher is testing specific software to improve math outcomes for adolescent females, the research type is developmental. If the researcher is manipulating variables and measuring anxiety levels of adolescent females, the research type is basic.

Blog post by Tricia Callahan, Senior Research Education and Information Officer, Office of Sponsored Programs