Final answer:
The claim that basic business research does not need to be scientific is false. Both basic and applied research in the business field use scientific methods, with basic research laying the foundation for applied research to solve practical problems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the main distinction between applied and basic business research is that the latter does not have to be carried out in a scientific manner is false. Both basic science and applied science can be conducted using scientific methods. Basic research, or "pure" science, is aimed at expanding knowledge for its own sake without immediate application, while applied research focuses on solving specific, practical problems. However, this does not imply that basic research is unscientific. In fact, applications often rely on the foundation built by basic science.
Some people might view applied science as immediately 'useful' while considering basic science as 'useless' in the short-term. Nevertheless, throughout history, countless applications of great value have originated from the knowledge obtained through basic science. While applied research seeks to address immediate practical issues, it often draws on the comprehensive knowledge base that basic science provides.