Applied Research: Definition, Types and Examples

Every research project begins with a clear definition of the research purpose, which helps determine the research procedure or approach used. In this sense, a researcher can Applied research operate.

This research focuses on answering specific questions to solve a particular problem. It aims to find a solution to a cultural or organizational problem and is usually a research plan following basic or pure research.

In this article we explain the characteristics and types of applied research and provide some examples.

What is applied research?

Applied research is a non-systematic way to find solutions to specific problems or questions. These problems or questions can be at an individual, group or societal level. It is called “unsystematic” because it goes straight to finding solutions.

It is often called the “scientific process” because it takes the available scientific tools and puts them into practice to find answers.

As in normal research, the researcher identifies the problem, formulates a hypothesis, and then conducts experiments to test it.

Applied research aims to use the results of scientific research to improve the quality of life of people, promote economic and social development and solve specific social problems.

Main areas of application of applied research

Applied research is used to solve practical problems and improve the effectiveness of existing processes and technologies in a variety of areas, such as: B. in medicine, engineering, education, psychology, sociology and many other areas. Here are some examples of their most important areas of use:

1. Development of new products and technologies: This research is used to develop new products and technologies to meet the needs of the market. For example, it can be used to develop new technologies in electronics, renewable energy, autonomous vehicles, etc.
2. Improving the quality and efficiency of processes: Applied research is used to improve the quality and efficiency of existing processes in a variety of areas. For example, to optimize production and reduce costs.
3. Development of policies and corporate strategies: It is used to develop policies and corporate strategies. Thus, governments can use applied research to develop policies to solve social and economic problems, while companies can use it to develop marketing strategies and plan business expansion.
4. Development of educational programs: It is used to develop educational programs that are more effective for students. For example, it is used to improve teaching techniques and develop more personalized education programs.

Benefits of applied research

Some benefits of applied research are:

Applied research solves specific problems

Applied research focuses on solving specific problems that affect people and society. Therefore, this research can help find concrete and practical solutions to problems in areas such as health, education, technology and others.

Increased collaboration between academia and the business sector

Applied research can be a way to combine the efforts of universities and companies to develop new products, processes and services that benefit society. This can lead to greater collaboration between sectors and more innovation.

Contribute to the economy

Applied research can help create new economic opportunities through the development of innovative products and services that can create jobs and wealth.

Improving quality of life through applied research

It can improve people's quality of life by providing practical and effective solutions to important problems. For example, applied research in health can lead to the development of new medical treatments and therapies that can improve people's health.

Advance knowledge

Applied research can help expand knowledge in a specific area by testing theories and concepts in real-world situations. In this way, she can help make new discoveries that can have a significant impact on society.

Types of applied research

There are three types of applied research:

• evaluative research,
• Research and development and
• Action research.

The individual types are briefly explained below:

Evaluative research

Evaluative research is one of the types of research that is applied. It examines information on a research topic. These types of research lead to objective research or help people make better decisions. Most often, evaluative research is used in companies.

The organization uses this research to figure out how to reduce overhead costs.

Research and Development

Research and development is the second type of applied research. Their main goal is to create or design new products, goods or services that meet the needs of specific markets in society. She finds out what the needs of the market are. She focuses on finding new ways to improve products that already meet an organization's needs.

Action research

Action research is the third type of applied research. Action research is a method of researching things that occur in everyday life and in nature. It aims to find real solutions to business problems by providing the right direction.

How to conduct applied research?

Here are the steps to conduct applied research:

1. Identify the problem: The first step is to clearly identify the problem to be solved. The problem must be clearly and specifically defined.
2. Review of the topic: The existing literature on the identified problem should be reviewed. This makes it possible to know the progress made in solving the problem, the methods used and the results achieved.
3. Formulation of the hypothesis: After reviewing the literature, a hypothesis must be formulated that explains the problem and the proposed solution.
4. Research design: To test the hypothesis, a research design needs to be created. This includes defining the sample, selecting the variables to be measured and choosing the analysis methods.
5. data collection: The data necessary to carry out the investigation must be collected. This may include interviews, surveys, observations or experiments.
6. Intelligent Data Analysis: The data collected needs to be analysed to determine whether the hypothesis is valid or not. Statistical methods should be used to analyse the data.
7. Interpretation of the results: Interpret the results of data analysis and determine whether the hypothesis is valid or not.
8. Drawing conclusions: Conclusions must be drawn from the results obtained to determine whether the problem posed has been solved.
9. Communication of results: The results of the research should be communicated. This may include presenting the results at conferences or publishing the results in scientific journals.

Examples of applied research

Applied research is used in many areas of study and research. Let's look at how it is used and what examples there are:

Applied research in economics

Applied research in business depends entirely on its products and services. It helps companies understand market needs and trends and design their products to meet customer needs.

Companies benefit from this research because it allows them to uncover gaps in their performance and gain primary information about the preferences of the target market.

Example:

• It can improve recruitment.
• Improving work and politics.
• Identifying skills gaps in the workplace.

Applied Research in Education

Applied research is used in education to test different teaching methods and find better teaching and learning methods. Before new education policies are introduced, they are tested to see how they work and what impact they have on teaching and performance in the classroom.

Applied educational research uses quantitative and qualitative methods to collect first-hand data. This information is then examined and interpreted in different ways to produce valuable insights or conclusions.

Most research in this area is designed to develop and test different approaches and try them out in different situations. It is based on accurate observations and descriptions of the real world.

Example:

• Applied study to understand the scope of online learning initiatives.
• Applied study to promote engagement between teachers and learners in the classroom.
• Applied study of the new mathematics curriculum.

Applied Research in Science

As previously mentioned, applied research uses the scientific tools available to find answers. It can be used in physics, microbiology, thermodynamics and other fields.

Example:

• Applied research is put into practice to cure a disease.
• It is used to improve agricultural practices.
• Applied research is used to test new laboratory equipment.

Applied research in psychology

Researchers use applied research in psychology to find out how people behave in the workplace, how human resources work, and how the organization develops and changes to find solutions.

It is often used in areas where researchers are trying to understand how people think and then develop solutions that best fit their behavior.

Example:

• Applied study to find new ways to treat depression.
• Study to improve students' grades by emphasizing practical training.
• Applied research to create a plan that keeps workers coming to work regularly.

Applied research in healthcare

This research is used to investigate new drugs in the medical industry. It combines scientific knowledge and procedures with healthcare experience to achieve evidence-based results.

Example:

• Applied study in cardiac surgery.
• Applied research to determine the effectiveness of a drug.
• Studying the undesirable effects of a drug.

Conclusion

Applied research is an important form of research because it helps organizations find real-world solutions to specific problems while improving their performance and productivity.

Unlike basic research, which focuses on developing theories to explain things, applied research focuses on describing facts to find solutions.

In applied research, the researcher uses qualitative and quantitative methods to collect data such as: b. Questionnaires, interviews and observation methods.

At QuestionPro we offer researchers access to data collection tools such as: B. our survey software.

To conduct applied research with QuestionPro, it is important that you are clear about the goal you want to achieve. You can design your questionnaire on our platform, making sure it contains clear and concise questions that will give you the data you need to achieve your research goal.

If you already know who you want to interview and how you want to reach them, that's perfect. Remember that QuestionPro can also help you select your research sample through our audience service, and you can send your surveys via email, social media, a link on your website, etc.

Once you have designed your questionnaire and selected your sample, it is time to conduct the survey. In QuestionPro you can see the results of your survey in real time and know how many people responded, how many questions they answered, etc.

The tool also gives you a variety of tools to analyse your survey data, from graphs and tables to text analysis and statistical comparisons. Use the results of your survey to make informed decisions and improve your company, product or service.

Remember that QuestionPro is a very useful tool for conducting applied research, but it is always important to have a clear and precise methodology to achieve the best results. Create a free account or request a demo to learn more.

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KEYWORDS OF THIS BLOG POST

Applied research | Research | Applied