The Basic versus Applied Research Dilemma

Abstract

The timeless basic versus applied research debate continues with what appears as no middle ground. Augmented Cognition researchers, particularly, are faced with the dilemma of merging laboratory results into applicable systems, i.e. developing and applying real-time physiological measures to integrate into human-computer systems. Insight to that disparity might be gleaned by revisiting this age-old debate of whether basic and applied research operate at opposite ends of the spectrum or perhaps on a more narrowed continuum. A few items to be addressed include a solution between the two camps, methods for bridging the gaps between laboratory and field experiments and then to advanced development, and the importance of mediation occurring within knowledge and practice. The panelists are challenged to make recommendations for investigators in augmented cognition and related fields to overcome the limitations of working in a controlled laboratory or a field environment and to achieve the most useful findings.