Theoretical Research Should Be Useful and Used*

The goal of basic research is the advancement of scientific knowledge for the sake of knowledge. The applicability of that knowledge is irrelevant (Palmer 1984). Basic research is theory-oriented. Predictions are based on theoretical conceptualizations. Empirical research is done to clarify, test and develop the theory (McGuire 1969). Or as Davidson (1977: 277) formulates it: ‘The scientist is essentially the seeker after knowledge that is systematically acquired and systematically explored. His first obligations are … towards knowledge itself. Scientists want to know why things are and how they work the way they do.’ For Hilgard and Bower (1966: 574) basic-science research is guided by the problems which the investigator sets himself without regard for the immediate applicability of the results to practical situations. Most basic research makes use of a single or a few tightly defined independent variables, simple and objective response measures as dependent variables and of rather homogeneous g...