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The Idea of ‘Basic Research’ in Language and Practice

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Abstract

Today, there is increasing concern about the health of ‘basic research’, yet considerable disagreement about its definition. This paper examines the way in which the term is used in everyday practice. Drawing upon interviews with British and American scientists and policy-makers, we identify six different definitions currently in use. Given the utility and flexibility of the concept, it is useful to ask what function it serves, and whether we should develop new terminology.

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  1. ESRC Centre for Genomics in Society (Egenis), University of Exeter, Amory Building, EX4 4RJ, UK, E-mailcolon

    Jane Calvert

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  1. Jane Calvert
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Calvert, J. The Idea of ‘Basic Research’ in Language and Practice. Minerva 42, 251–268 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:MINE.0000038307.58765.b4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:MINE.0000038307.58765.b4

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