Applied Research

Applied research is a methodology used to solve a specific, practical issue affecting an individual or group. This scientific method of study and research is used in business, medicine, and education in order to find solutions that may improve health, solve scientific problems or develop new technology. Examples of applied research topics will show you how this method can be used to address everyday problems.

Characteristics of Applied Research in Education

• It clearly highlights generalizations and hypotheses that inform the research findings.
• It relies on empirical evidence.
• It is set at providing solutions to a defined problem.
• It requires accurate observation and description.

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 D-Mart in India.
• An investigation into the ways of improving employee motivation in Taj Hotel, Mumbai
• 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.

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.

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.