Applied research “aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a society, or

an industrial/business organisation, whereas fundamental research is mainly concerned

with generalisations and with the formulation of a theory”[1]. Applied research is
considered to be non-systematic inquiry and it is usually launched by a company, agency
or an individual in order to address a specific problem.[2]

Differences between Applied Research

and Fundamental (Basic) Research
The difference between applied and fundamental or basic research is straightforward –
findings of applied research can be applied to resolve issues, whereas fundamental
studies are used simply to explore certain issues and elements.

Moreover, differences between applied and basic research can be summarized into three
points:

1. Differences in purpose. Purpose of applied studies is closely associated with the

solution of specific problems, while the purpose of fundamental studies relate to creation
of new knowledge or expansion of the current knowledge without any concerns to
applicability.

2. Differences in context. In applied studies, research objectives are set by clients or

sponsors as a solution to specific problems they are facing. Fundamental studies, on the
other hand, are usually self-initiated in order to expand the levels of knowledge in certain
areas.

3. Differences in methods. Research validity represents an important point to be

addressed in all types of studies. Nevertheless, applied studies are usually more
concerned with external validity, whereas internal validity can be specified as the main
point of concern for fundamental researchers.

Examples of Applied Research

The following are examples for applied research. You can notice that each of these
studies aim to resolve a specific and an immediate problem.

 A study into the ways of improving the levels of customer retention for Wall-Mart
in China
 An investigation into the ways of improving employee motivation in Marriot Hotel,
Hyde Park
 Development of strategies to introduce change in Starbucks global supply-chain
management with the view on cost reduction
 A study into the ways of fostering creative deviance amongst employees without
compromising respect for authority.

Advantages and Disadvantages of

Applied Research
The advantages and disadvantages of applied and fundamental research mirror and
contrast each other. On the positive side, applied research can be helpful in solving
specific problems in business and other settings.

On the negative side, findings of applied research cannot be usually generalized. In other
words, applicability of the new knowledge generated as a result of applied research is
limited to the research problem. Moreover, applied studies usually have tight deadlines
which are not flexible.

You need to specify the type of your research in the earlier part of the research
methodology chapter in about one short paragraph. Also, in this paragraph you will have
to justify your choice of research type.

My e-book, The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Dissertation in Business Studies: a step by

step assistance contains discussions of research types and application of research
methods in practice. The e-book also explains all stages of the research process starting
from the selection of the research area to writing personal reflection. Important elements
of dissertations such as research philosophy, research approach, research
design, methods of data collection and data analysis, sampling and others are explained
in this e-book in simple words.

John Dudovskiy

What is Applied Research?

Applied research is a type of research design that seeks to solve a specific
problem or provide innovative solutions to issues affecting an individual,
group or society. It is often referred to as a scientific method of inquiry or
contractual research because it involves the practical application of
scientific methods to everyday problems. 

When conducting applied research, the researcher takes extra care to

identify a problem, develop a research hypothesis and goes ahead to test
these hypotheses via an experiment. In many cases, this research
approach employs empirical methods in order to solve practical
problems. 

Applied research is sometimes considered to be a non-systematic

inquiry because  of its direct approach in  seeking a solution to a problem.
It is typically a follow-up research design that further investigates the
findings of pure or basic research in order to validate these findings and
apply them to create innovative solutions.     

Types of Applied Research

There are 3 types of applied research. These are evaluation research,
research and development, and action research.
  Evaluation Research

Evaluation research is a type of applied research that analyses existing

information about a research subject to arrive at objective research
outcomes or reach informed decisions. This type of applied research is
mostly applied in business contexts, for example, an organisation may
adopt evaluation research to determine how to cut down  overhead costs. 

 Research and Development

Research and development is a type of applied research that is focused on

developing new products and services based on the needs of target
markets. It focuses on gathering information about marketing needs and
finding ways to improve on an existing product or create new products
that satisfy the identified needs. 

 Action Research

Action research is a type of applied research that is set on providing

practical solutions to specific business problems by pointing the business
in the right directions. Typically, action research is a process of reflective
inquiry that is limited to specific contexts and situational in nature. 
Examples of Applied Research 
Applied research is relevant in different fields of study; especially science
and social science-related fields. Examples of applied research can be
seen in medicine, education, business, engineering, psychology and
health, and these would be further explicated below. 
Applied Research Example in Business

Applied research is used in business to build knowledge and develop

product solutions. It enables organisations to identify the peculiar needs
of target markets and this would help them to create different business
strategies that would allow them to satisfy these needs. 

In addition, conducting contractual research would help business owners

to get insightful feedback on product gaps that may have, otherwise, been
ignored. This is a great way to get first-hand information on target market
reactions which can inform brand decisions. 

Applied research also helps employers of labour to identify and address

the productivity needs of their workforce. For instance, an organization
may carry out applied research in order to measure the effectiveness of its
recruitment practices or of its organisational structure. 

Examples

1. Applied research to improve an organization’s hiring process. 

2. Applied research to improve workplace efficiency and
organizational policies.
3. Applied research to bridge skill gaps in the workplace.

Applied Research Examples in Education 

In education, applied research is used to test pedagogic processes in order

to discover the best teaching and learning methods. It is also used to test
educational policies before implementation and to address different issues
associated with teaching paradigms and classroom dynamics for a better
learning experience. 

Educational applied research attempts solving a problem by gathering

data from primary sources using a combination of qualitative and
quantitative data collection methods. This data serves as empirical
evidence which is then subjected to rigorous analysis and description in
order to arrive at valid conclusions.

The goal of this research methodology is to determine the applicability of

educational theory and principles by way of subjecting hypotheses to
experimentation within specific settings. Applied research in education is
also more utilitarian as it gathers practical evidence that can inform
pragmatic solutions to problems. 
Characteristics of Applied Research in Education 

1. It clearly highlights generalizations and hypotheses that inform the

research findings.
2. It relies on empirical evidence.
3. It is set at providing solutions to a defined problem.
4. It requires accurate observation and description.

Examples

1. A study into the way to improve teacher-learner classroom

engagements.
2. A study into the way to improve a school's readiness for its
students.
3. A study to build students' interests in Mathematics.  

Applied Research Example in Science

In itself, applied research is a scientific method of investigation because it

applies existing scientific knowledge to practical situations. It is useful in
different fields including thermodynamics, physics, material sciences and
microbiology. 

Examples of applied research in science include the following: 

Examples

1. Applied research to improve agricultural crop production

2. Applied research to treat or cure a specific disease.

Applied Research Examples in Psychology 

There are different reasons psychologists would make use of applied

research in the course of their work. In many cases, industrial-
psychologists concerned with workplace behavior, human resources and
organisational development combine psychological principles with
applied research to proffer solutions. 

Examples of applied research in psychology include:

1. Applied research to improve workplace commitment by arriving at

practical worker-motivation strategies.
2. Investigating treatment and management options for anxiety and
panic attacks.
3. Investigating factors that improve worker's productivity. 
Applied Research Example in Health  

In health and medical sciences, applied research serves as the background

to evidence-based and solution-oriented medicine. It effectively merges
scientific knowledge and methods with health experiences in order to
arrive at accurate and verifiable results; using empirical research data or
evidence. 

The adaptation of applied research to medicine is referred to as applied

clinical research. Many health and medical practitioners use applied
research to measure the extent to which the findings of basic or pure
research can be adopted or modified into a solution-oriented approach.

Examples of applied research in health include:

1. An investigation to identify the healing properties of a specific

herb.
2. An investigation to identify the side effects of using a particular
drug. 

APPLIED RESEARCH METHODS

Qualitative and quantitative data collection methods are used in applied
research to gather empirical evidence that is further subjected to
experimentation in order to arrive at valid research outcomes. The
following are data collection methods in applied research:

 Interviews

An interview is a qualitative method of data collection that involves

having a one-on-one interaction or discussion with the research subjects
in order to gather relevant information that can serve as empirical data. It
can be conducted with the use of an audio recorder, digital camera or
camcorder. 

Even though it is time-consuming and expensive, interviews allow the

researcher to gather the most relevant data which gives him or her in-
depth knowledge about the research subjects. An interview may be
structured, semi-structured or unstructured; depending on the research
purpose. 

 Surveys/Questionnaires
A questionnaire is an instrument that is typically used for quantitative
data gathering. It outlines a series of questions relating to the research
context and requires the research subjects to choose or provide responses
that reflect their knowledge and experiences.

There are different types of questions that can be contained in a

questionnaire including rating scale questions, close and open-ended
questions and fixed alternatives. You can create and administer
your applied research survey using data-collection platforms
like Formplus.