Applied Research – Types, Methods and Examples

Applied Research

Definition:

Applied research is a type of scientific inquiry that focuses on developing practical solutions to real-
world problems. It involves the use of existing knowledge, theories, and techniques to address
specific problems or challenges in a particular field or industry.

Applied research is often conducted in collaboration with industry or government partners, who
provide funding and expertise to support the research. The results of applied research are typically
intended to be directly applicable to the real world, and may involve the development of new
products, technologies, or processes.

Types of Applied Research

Types of Applied Research are as follows:

Action Research

This type of research is designed to solve specific problems within an organization or community.
The research involves collaboration between researchers and stakeholders to develop solutions to
issues that affect the organization or community.

Evaluation Research

This type of research is used to assess the effectiveness of a particular program, policy, or
intervention. Evaluation research is often used in government, healthcare, and social service settings
to determine whether programs are meeting their intended goals.

Developmental Research

This type of research is used to develop new products, technologies, or processes. The research may
involve the testing of prototypes or the development of new methods for production or delivery.

Diagnostic Research

This type of research is used to identify the causes of problems or issues. Diagnostic research is often
used in healthcare, where researchers may investigate the causes of a particular disease or
condition.

Policy Research

This type of research is used to inform policy decisions. Policy research may involve analyzing the
impact of existing policies or evaluating the potential outcomes of proposed policies.

Predictive Research

This type of research is used to forecast future trends or events. Predictive research is often used in
marketing, where researchers may use data analysis to predict consumer behavior or market trends.

Data Collection Methods

In applied research, data collection methods can be broadly classified into two categories:
Quantitative and Qualitative methods:

1
Quantitative Data Collection

Quantitative research methods involve collecting numerical data that can be analyzed statistically.
The most commonly used quantitative data collection methods in applied research include:

 Surveys: Surveys are questionnaires designed to collect data from a large sample of people.
Surveys can be conducted face-to-face, over the phone, or online.

 Experiments: Experiments involve manipulating variables to test cause-and-effect

relationships. Experiments can be conducted in the lab or in the field.

 Observations: Observations involve watching and recording behaviors or events in a

systematic way. Observations can be conducted in the lab or in natural settings.

 Secondary data analysis: Secondary data analysis involves analyzing data that has already
been collected by someone else. This can include data from government agencies, research
institutes, or other sources.

Qualitative Data Collection

Qualitative research methods involve collecting non-numerical data that can be analyzed for themes
and patterns. The most commonly used qualitative data collection methods in applied research
include:

 Interviews: Interviews involve asking open-ended questions to individuals or groups.

Interviews can be conducted in-person, over the phone, or online.

 Focus groups: Focus groups involve a group of people discussing a topic with a moderator.
Focus groups can be conducted in-person or online.

 Case studies: Case studies involve in-depth analysis of a single individual, group, or
organization.

 Document analysis: Document analysis involves analyzing written or recorded documents to

extract data. This can include analyzing written records, audio recordings, or video
recordings.

Data Analysis Methods

In applied research, data analysis methods can be broadly classified into two categories:
Quantitative and Qualitative methods:

Quantitative Data Analysis

Quantitative data analysis methods involve analyzing numerical data to identify patterns and trends.
The most commonly used quantitative data analysis methods in applied research include:

 Descriptive statistics: Descriptive statistics involve summarizing and presenting data using
measures such as mean, median, mode, and standard deviation.

 Inferential statistics: Inferential statistics involve testing hypotheses and making predictions
about a population based on a sample of data. This includes methods such as t-tests,
ANOVA, regression analysis, and correlation analysis.

 Data mining: Data mining involves analyzing large datasets to identify patterns and
relationships using machine learning algorithms.

2
Qualitative Data Analysis

Qualitative data analysis methods involve analyzing non-numerical data to identify themes and
patterns. The most commonly used qualitative data analysis methods in applied research include:

 Content analysis: Content analysis involves analyzing written or recorded data to identify
themes and patterns. This includes methods such as thematic analysis, discourse analysis,
and narrative analysis.

 Grounded theory: Grounded theory involves developing theories and hypotheses based on
the analysis of data.

 Interpretative phenomenological analysis: Interpretative phenomenological analysis

involves analyzing data to identify the subjective experiences of individuals.

 Case study analysis: Case study analysis involves analyzing a single individual, group, or
organization in-depth to identify patterns and themes.

Applied Research Methodology

Applied research methodology refers to the set of procedures, tools, and techniques used to design,
conduct, and analyze research studies aimed at solving practical problems in real-world settings. The
general steps involved in applied research methodology include:

 Identifying the research problem: The first step in applied research is to identify the
problem to be studied. This involves conducting a literature review to identify existing
knowledge and gaps in the literature, and to determine the research question.

 Developing a research design: Once the research question has been identified, the next step
is to develop a research design. This involves determining the appropriate research method
(quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods), selecting the data collection methods, and
designing the sampling strategy.

 Collecting data: The third step in applied research is to collect data using the selected data
collection methods. This can include surveys, interviews, experiments, observations, or a
combination of methods.

 Analyzing data: Once the data has been collected, it needs to be analyzed using appropriate
data analysis methods. This can include descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, content
analysis, or other methods, depending on the type of data collected.

 Interpreting and reporting findings: The final step in applied research is to interpret the
findings and report the results. This involves drawing conclusions from the data analysis and
presenting the findings in a clear and concise manner.

Applications of Applied Research

Some applications of applied research are as follows:

 Product development: Applied research can help companies develop new products or
improve existing ones. For example, a company might conduct research to develop a new
type of battery that lasts longer or a new type of software that is more efficient.

3
  Medical research: Applied research can be used to develop new treatments or drugs for
diseases. For example, a pharmaceutical company might conduct research to develop a new
cancer treatment.

 Environmental research: Applied research can be used to study and address environmental
problems such as pollution and climate change. For example, research might be conducted
to develop new technologies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

 Agriculture: Applied research can be used to improve crop yields, develop new varieties of
plants, and study the impact of pests and diseases on crops.

 Education: Applied research can be used to study the effectiveness of teaching methods or
to develop new teaching strategies.

 Transportation: Applied research can be used to develop new technologies for

transportation, such as electric cars or high-speed trains.

 Communication: Applied research can be used to improve communication technologies,

such as developing new methods for wireless communication or improving the quality of
video calls.

Examples of Applied Research

Here are some real-time examples of applied research:

 COVID-19 Vaccine Development: The development of COVID-19 vaccines is a prime example

of applied research. Researchers applied their knowledge of virology and immunology to
develop vaccines that could prevent or reduce the severity of COVID-19.

 Autonomous Vehicles: The development of autonomous vehicles involves applied research

in areas such as artificial intelligence, computer vision, and robotics. Companies like Tesla,
Waymo, and Uber are conducting extensive research to improve their autonomous vehicle
technology.

 Renewable Energy: Research is being conducted on renewable energy sources like solar,
wind, and hydro power to improve efficiency and reduce costs. This is an example of applied
research that aims to solve environmental problems.

 Precision Agriculture: Applied research is being conducted in the field of precision

agriculture, which involves using technology to optimize crop yields and reduce waste. This
includes research on crop sensors, drones, and data analysis.

 Telemedicine: Telemedicine involves using technology to deliver healthcare remotely.

Applied research is being conducted to improve the quality of telemedicine services, such as
developing new technologies for remote diagnosis and treatment.

 Cybersecurity: Applied research is being conducted to improve cybersecurity measures and

protect against cyber threats. This includes research on encryption, network security, and
data protection.

Purpose of Applied Research

The purpose of applied research is to solve practical problems or improve existing products,
technologies, or processes. Applied research is focused on specific goals and objectives and is

4
designed to have direct practical applications in the real world. It seeks to address problems and
challenges faced by individuals, organizations, or communities and aims to provide solutions that
can be implemented in a practical manner.

The primary purpose of applied research is to generate new knowledge that can be used to solve
real-world problems or improve the efficiency and effectiveness of existing products, technologies,
or processes. Applied research is often conducted in collaboration with industry, government, or
non-profit organizations to address practical problems and create innovative solutions.

Applied research is also used to inform policy decisions by providing evidence-based insights into the
effectiveness of specific interventions or programs. By conducting research on the impact of policies
and programs, decision-makers can make informed decisions about how to allocate resources and
prioritize interventions.

Overall, the purpose of applied research is to improve people’s lives by developing practical
solutions to real-world problems. It aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice, and to
ensure that research findings are put into action to achieve tangible benefits.

When to use Applied Research

Here are some specific situations when applied research may be appropriate:

 When there is a need to develop a new product: Applied research can be used to develop
new products that meet the needs of consumers. For example, a company may conduct
research to develop a new type of smartphone with improved features.

 When there is a need to improve an existing product: Applied research can also be used to
improve existing products. For example, a company may conduct research to improve the
battery life of an existing product.

 When there is a need to solve a practical problem: Applied research can be used to solve
practical problems faced by individuals, organizations, or communities. For example,
research may be conducted to find solutions to problems related to healthcare,
transportation, or environmental issues.

 When there is a need to inform policy decisions: Applied research can be used to inform
policy decisions by providing evidence-based insights into the effectiveness of specific
interventions or programs.

 When there is a need to improve efficiency and effectiveness: Applied research can be used
to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of processes or systems. For example, research
may be conducted to identify ways to streamline manufacturing processes or to improve the
delivery of healthcare services.

Characteristics of Applied Research

The following are some of the characteristics of applied research:

 Focus on solving real-world problems: Applied research focuses on addressing specific

problems or needs in a practical setting, with the aim of developing solutions that can be
implemented in the real world.

 Goal-oriented: Applied research is goal-oriented, with a specific aim of solving a particular

problem or meeting a specific need. The research is usually designed to achieve a specific

5
 outcome, such as developing a new product, improving an existing process, or solving a
particular issue.

 Practical and relevant: Applied research is practical and relevant to the needs of the
industry or field in which it is conducted. It aims to provide practical solutions that can be
implemented to improve processes or solve problems.

 Collaborative: Applied research often involves collaboration between researchers and

practitioners, such as engineers, scientists, and business professionals. Collaboration allows
for the exchange of knowledge and expertise, which can lead to more effective solutions.

 Data-driven: Applied research is data-driven, relying on empirical evidence to support its

findings and recommendations. Data collection and analysis are important components of
applied research, as they help to identify patterns and trends that can inform decision-
making.

 Results-oriented: Applied research is results-oriented, with an emphasis on achieving

measurable outcomes. Research findings are often used to inform decisions about product
development, process improvement, or policy changes.

 Time-bound: Applied research is often conducted within a specific timeframe, with

deadlines for achieving specific outcomes. This helps to ensure that the research stays
focused on its goals and that the results are timely and relevant to the needs of the industry
or field.

Advantages of Applied Research

Some of the advantages of applied research are as follows:

 Practical solutions: Applied research is focused on developing practical solutions to real-

world problems, making it highly relevant to the needs of the industry or field in which it is
conducted. The solutions developed through applied research are often highly effective and
can be implemented quickly to address specific issues.

 Improved processes: Applied research can help organizations to improve their processes,
leading to increased efficiency and productivity. The research can identify areas for
improvement, such as bottlenecks or inefficiencies, and provide recommendations for
optimizing processes.

 Innovation: Applied research can lead to the development of new products, services, and
technologies that can transform industries and create new opportunities for growth and
innovation. The research can help organizations to identify unmet needs and develop new
solutions to meet them.

 Collaboration: Applied research often involves collaboration between researchers and

practitioners, leading to the exchange of knowledge and expertise. Collaboration can result
in more effective solutions and can help to build partnerships between academia and
industry.

 Increased competitiveness: Applied research can help organizations to stay competitive by

enabling them to adapt to changing market conditions and customer needs. The research
can provide insights into emerging trends and technologies, helping organizations to stay
ahead of the curve.

6
  Economic growth: Applied research can contribute to economic growth by creating new
industries and jobs. The research can lead to the development of new technologies and
products that can drive economic growth and create new opportunities for
entrepreneurship and innovation.

Limitations of Applied Research

Some of the limitations of applied research are as follows:

 Limited generalizability: Applied research often focuses on specific contexts and may not be
generalizable to other settings. This means that the findings of applied research may not be
applicable to other industries, regions, or populations.

 Time and resource constraints: Applied research is often conducted within a specific
timeframe and with limited resources. This can limit the scope and depth of the research
and may prevent researchers from exploring all possible avenues.

 Potential for bias: Applied research may be influenced by the interests and perspectives of
the organization or industry funding the research. This can lead to a bias in the research and
potentially compromise the objectivity and validity of the findings.

 Ethical considerations: Applied research may raise ethical concerns, particularly if it involves
human subjects or sensitive issues. Researchers must adhere to ethical standards and ensure
that the research is conducted in a responsible and respectful manner.

 Limited theoretical development: Applied research tends to focus on practical solutions and
may not contribute significantly to theoretical development in a particular field. This can
limit the broader impact of the research and may hinder the development of new theories
and frameworks.

 Limited focus on long-term impact: Applied research often focuses on short-term outcomes,
such as developing a new product or improving a process. This may limit the focus on long-
term impacts, such as the sustainability of the solution or its broader implications for the
industry or society.

Difference Between Basic and Applied Research

Research is a calculated investigation that provides a base for the decision-making. It can be
understood as the study undertaken by an individual or entity systematically, for finding out
solutions to the problems under consideration. Survey or experiment are carried out to gather
information as per the objectives. Based on utility, research is divided into two categories, i.e. basic
and applied research, wherein basic research is one that adds further knowledge to the actual
knowledge.

On the contrary, applied research implies the research that is put to practical use and is beneficial to
solve practical problems. This article might help you in understanding the difference between basic
and applied research.

Difference Between Basic and Applied Research

Research is a calculated investigation that provides a base for the decision-making. It can be
understood as the study undertaken by an individual or entity systematically, for finding out
solutions to the problems under consideration. Survey or experiment are carried out to gather
information as per the objectives. Based on utility, research is divided into two categories, i.e. basic

7
and applied research, wherein basic research is one that adds further knowledge to the actual
knowledge.

On the contrary, applied research implies the research that is put to practical use and is beneficial to
solve practical problems. This article might help you in understanding the difference between basic
and applied research.

Comparison Chart: Basic and Applied Research

BASIS FOR
BASIC RESEARCH APPLIED RESEARCH
COMPARISON

Meaning Basic Research refers to the study that is Applied Research is the research that
aimed at expanding the existing base of is designed to solve specific practical
scientific knowledge. problems or answer certain
questions.

Nature Theoretical Practical

Utility Universal Limited

Concerned Developing scientific knowledge and Development of technology and

with predictions technique

Goal To add some knowledge to the existing To find out solution for the problem
one. at hand.

Definition of Basic Research

Basic Research or otherwise called as pure or fundamental research, is one that focuses on
advancing scientific knowledge for the complete understanding of a topic or certain natural
phenomenon, primarily in natural sciences. In a nutshell, when knowledge is acquired for the sake of
knowledge it is called basic research.

Basic Research is completely theoretical, that focuses on basic principles and testing theories. It
tends to understand the basic law.

Basic Research deals with generalization and formulation of theory about human behaviour. It is
aligned towards collecting information that has universal applicability. Therefore, basic research
helps in adding new knowledge to the already existing knowledge.

Definition of Applied Research

Applied Research can be defined as research that encompasses real life application of the natural
science. It is directed towards providing a solution to the specific practical problems and develop
innovative technology.

In finer terms, it is the research that can be applied to real-life situations. It studies a particular set of
circumstances, so as to relate the results to its corresponding circumstances.

Applied research includes research that focuses on certain conclusions experiencing a business
problem. Moreover, research that is aligned towards ascertaining social, economic or political trends

8
are also termed as applied research.

Key Differences Between Basic and Applied Research

The points given below explain the differences between basic and applied research:

1. Basic Research can be explained as research that tries to expand the already existing
scientific knowledge base. On the contrary, applied research is used to mean the scientific
study that is helpful in solving real-life problems.

2. While basic research is purely theoretical, applied research has a practical approach.

3. The applicability of basic research is greater than the applied research, in the sense that the
former is universally applicable whereas the latter can be applied only to the specific
problem, for which it was carried out.

4. The primary concern of the basic research is to develop scientific knowledge and predictions.
On the other hand, applied research stresses on the development of technology and
technique with the help of basic science.

5. The fundamental goal of the basic research is to add some knowledge to the already existing
one. Conversely, applied research is directed towards finding a solution to the problem
under consideration.

Conclusion

The type of research may vary on the basis of the level at which research is carried out and its
purpose. One can choose basic research over applied research when the purpose is to add certain
scientific knowledge, whereas when it is important to identify a proper solution to the problem
under study, applied research is preferable.