Types of applied research Methods Characteristics Advantages Disadvantages Examples

Applied research is a methodology used to solve a specific practical problem that affects an individual or group. This scientific method of study and research is used in business, medicine, and education to find solutions that can improve health, solve scientific problems, or develop new technologies. Examples of applied research topics will show you how this method can be used to tackle everyday problems. In this article we will describe you the types of applied research.

Let’s say, for example, that the graduation rates at a particular high school are lower than the state and national averages. Low graduation rates, likely as a result of school dropouts, would be the specific local problem. An applied project would be appropriate to gather information on how to address the problem of low graduation rates at that school. The information gathered from the study culminates in an applied document, such as policy recommendations, curriculum design, or a program evaluation.

The applied document is a key feature of the applied project and offers evidence-based ways to address the local problem.

Types of applied research

Below are you the types of applied research.

Applied research is an important research approach because it helps organizations come up with practical solutions to specific problems while improving their productivity and production. Unlike basic research that focuses on generating theories that explain phenomena, applied research pays attention to describing empirical evidence in order to provide solutions.

When conducting applied research, the researcher combines a number of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, including questionnaires, observational methods, and interviews. This helps the researcher to collect empirical evidence which is then subjected to experimentation depending on the type of applied research and the general approach.

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

1-Evaluation Research

Evaluation research is a type of applied research that analyzes existing information on a research topic to arrive at objective research results or make informed decisions. This type of applied research is mostly applied in business contexts, for example an organization may adopt appraisal research to determine how to reduce overall costs.

2-Investigation and development

Research and development is a type of applied research that focuses 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 an existing product or create new products that meet the identified needs.

3-Action Research

Action research is a type of applied research that is based on providing practical solutions to specific business problems by steering the business in the right directions. In general, action research is a process of reflective inquiry that is limited to specific contexts and is situational in nature.

Data Collection Methods

Qualitative and quantitative data collection methods are used in applied research to collect empirical evidence which is then subjected to experimentation to arrive at valid research results. 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 research subjects to collect relevant information that can serve as empirical data. It can be done with the use of an audio recorder, digital camera, or video camera.

Although time-consuming and expensive, interviews allow the researcher to collect the most relevant data that gives them in-depth knowledge about the research topics. An interview can be structured, semi-structured or unstructured; depending on the purpose of the research.

Surveys/Questionnaires

A questionnaire is an instrument that is typically used for quantitative data collection. Describes a series of questions related to the research context and requires research subjects to choose or provide answers that reflect their knowledge and experience.

Characteristics of Applied Research

Applied research is solution-specific and addresses practical problems. Unlike basic research that aims to theorize and expand knowledge, applied research focuses on tackling a particular problem using a variety of science-based approaches.

Applied research is descriptive in nature as it arrives at solutions by experimenting with empirical evidence and describing the results of the research.

Applied research generally tests theories arrived at through pure research to determine the usefulness of these theories in solving practical problems.

Describes the relationship between the research variables by measuring the characteristics of the dependent and independent variables.

1. Applied research relies on empirical evidence to arrive at valid research results.
2. It is not theoretical and is not directly related to the expansion of knowledge.
3. Applied research is synthetic in nature.
4. It is aimed at the profitable reduction of social problems.
5. Applied research is action-oriented.
6. basic-applied-research

Advantages of Applied Research

Validity: Applied research is impartial in nature because it tests empirical evidence to arrive at valid research results. It employs carefully laid out procedures, and this makes it a more valid research approach.

It is useful for solving specific problems. Help individuals and organizations find solutions to specific problems.

Disadvantages of applied research

It is not flexible in nature as it is restricted to a stipulated term.

Applied research is limited in nature and cannot be generalized. In other words, the findings of applied research cannot be generalized.

Examples of Research Topics for Applied Projects

Mobilities, Spaces and Cities

1. Livelihoods in protracted displacement: what really works?
2. Analysis of the situation of child begging in Senegal, focusing on Talibé children

Power, conflict and development

1. Prevention of Violent Extremism and Humanitarian Action: synergies, tensions and a space for action
2. Gender impact of artisanal and small-scale mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Environment, Resources and Sustainability

1. How has the collective response contributed to averting famine in South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and northeast Nigeria?
2. Sustainable subsidies for water and sanitation in the developing world

world security

1. The role of the armed forces in transitions: promoting or abusing human rights
2. Establishing the link between conflict prevention and security sector reform

International Trade and Finance

1. Selected impacts of digital technologies on manufacturing in LDCs
2. Making more of the digital economy in developing countries

Health

1. Interventions for aggressive behaviors in children
2. Ways to manage schizophrenia in adolescents
3. How to Cure Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
4. Is mercury poisoning affecting intellectual disorders?
5. Should vaccines be avoided to prevent autism?
6. What types of additives are acceptable and safe for manufacturers to use in human food products?
7. Is irradiation of beef healthy for consumers?
8. Do genetically modified foods harm health?
9. Does violence in the media and in video games harm the mental health of children?
10. How can obesity be prevented?
11. What effect does fast food have on overall health?
12. How can you overcome social anxiety?
13. Does marriage prevent certain mental or physical illnesses?
14. How can depression be controlled without medication?
15. How does tobacco use in its various forms affect human beings?
16. Does marijuana pose more or less of a health risk than tobacco when smoked?
17. Can marijuana cause the kind of impairment that requires it to be regulated like alcohol?

Education

1. How can bullying be prevented in primary schools?
2. How can the achievement gap of students from different socioeconomic backgrounds in education be closed?
3. What are ways to improve children’s school readiness?
4. How can graduation rates be improved in urban school settings that currently do not produce as many graduates as their suburban counterparts?
5. What can be done to increase the number of high school graduates who choose to attend college?
6. Is college tuition becoming prohibitive for young adults to succeed and support themselves?

Society

1. The effectiveness of abstinence programs in Kentucky
2. Should pilots be armed?
3. What is causing the increase in poverty in cities?
4. How do the media affect women’s body perceptions?
5. What changes are needed to create jobs in rural areas?
6. How does oil consumption in the United States affect its economy?
7. How would the legalization of some drugs affect various groups in society?
8. Is there a wage gap between men and women in the United States? If so, why?
9. Are children of working mothers at a long-term disadvantage compared to children of stay-at-home mothers?

Technology

1. How can cybersecurity be improved to prevent voter fraud?
2. Is the use of current technology for children useful or harmful?
3. Is modern technology creating a “dumbing down” of people?
4. How do social networks change the perception that individuals have of society and of themselves?

crimes

1. How to abolish hate crimes
2. What methods can be used to prevent offenders from reoffending?
3. Are there ways to prevent juvenile offenders from becoming lifelong offenders?

Business

1. Ways to Market Products to Millennials
2. What kinds of anti-smoking campaigns can reduce smoking among youth or adults?

Government

1. Has US foreign policy contributed to terrorism?
2. How does immigration affect the economy?
3. Do government-imposed regulations help or stigmatize those who belong to “oppressed” groups?
4. How can the government help reverse or manage climate change?
5. Would a change in welfare policy spur an increase in job seekers?

Additional Topics

Research on the global discourse on access/global health and supply chain and delivery challenges

Higher education on the spot: MOOC opportunities for developing countries

Applied research topics can cover a wide variety of topics, all addressing practical problems, rather than theoretical questions.

We hope that you have understood you the types of applied research.