10.

APPLIED RESEARCH
DESIGN

ASP FEB UNPAD - 2023

 Applied Research

• Applied research aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem

facing a society, or an industrial/business organization,

• Fundamental research is mainly concerned with generalizations and

with the formulation of a theory

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• In the applied study, the researcher uses qualitative and
quantitative methods to collect data, such as
• questionnaires
• Interviews
• observation methods.

• The applied study helps the researcher collect real-world

evidence, which is then tested, depending on the type of
applied research and the main focus.

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 Differences Between Applied And Basic Research
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 is 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.
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Three categories of Applied Research:

1. Evaluation research. This type of research focuses on analysing existing

information about the phenomenon in order to generate objective research
outcomes.
For example: A study into the ways of reducing supply-chain costs

2. Research and Development. It is a type of applied research that focuses on

the development of new products and services to satisfy needs and wants of
target customer segment.

3. Action research. This type of study aims to tackle specific business problems.
For example: a research into the ways of restoring Starbucks brand image in
UK after the tax scandal

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 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 organization may adopt evaluation research to

determine how to cut down overhead costs.

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 Evaluation Research

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.

For example;
Research 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.

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 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.

• Action research is a process of reflective inquiry that is limited to

specific contexts and situational in nature.

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 Differences Between Basic And Applied Research
• Curiosity-based Vs. Solutions-based
• Basic Research And Applied Research Have Different Goals. Basic Research Focuses On Previously Unknown
Knowledge And Advancing That Knowledge Rather Than Solving A Problem. Applied Research Seeks To Identify
Solutions To Current Problems. For Example, It Can Sometimes Attempt To Solve Problems For Companies To
Increase Their Profits And Reduce Costs. Companies Often Have Entire Departments Dedicated To Conducting
These Experiments And Studies.

• Expanding Existing Knowledge Vs. Finding New Knowledge

• Basic Research Attempts To Find And Investigate Unknown Knowledge. For Example, Astronomers Might Try And
Confirm The Existence Of Water On Venus. Applied Research Studies Might Then Perform Analysis Of The Water,
Where It May Have Come From, And If It's Similar To Earth's Water. This Is A Way That Basic And Applied
Research Work Together. Basic Research Finds New Knowledge, And Applied Research Expands That Knowledge
To Practical Use. 9
 Differences Between Basic And Applied Research

• Theoretical vs. practical

Basic research usually focuses on theories and ideas. For example, researchers working on complex mathematical problems

work with concepts that have no physical presence. Researchers can make theoretical discoveries using basic research that has

practical use. Different researchers can then begin to use applied research to expand the theoretical knowledge into practical

knowledge.

• Universal scope vs. specific scope

Basic research is often broader in scope because it operates alongside current knowledge and understanding. Researchers

conducting basic research often seek new knowledge across many different fields. Applied research often attempts to isolate

specific parts of the knowledge acquired by basic research to understand how it works.
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 Examples Of Applied Research

• a study trying to produce higher standardized test scores

• a study to increase encryption security on banking websites
• a study searching for ways to increase wind energy efficiency
• a study searching for ways to reduce ocean plastic
• a study to explore ways to reduce carbon emissions
• a study to increase productivity in a soap plant

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 When to use Applied Research

• 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.
• 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.

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 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:
o surveys
o Interviews
o Experiments
o observations,
o or a combination of methods.
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 Applied Research Methodology
• Analyzing data: Once the data has been collected, it needs to be analyzed
using appropriate data analysis methods. This can include:
o descriptive statistics,

o inferential statistics,

o content analysis,

o 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. 14
• Surveys: In this method, respondents are asked questions relating to the research topic
and are expected to record their responses which reflect their opinions. The questions can
be either close-ended (providing quantitative data) or open-ended (providing qualitative
data).
• Observation: In this method, the researcher observes subjects in their environment to
learn about their behavior and thoughts, though this is susceptible to his or her personal
biases.
• Focus Group: It involves gathering data about a certain issue from a group of individuals.
The researcher asks open-ended questions of a sample of people who have faced the issue.
• Interview: In this method, information is collected one-on-one from subjects. An
interviewer asks questions that relate to the research topic to the subjects.Although it is
time-consuming, it is the most accurate source of data for the research. It can be
conducted online or by video call, audio recorder, etc.
• Data Reporting: It’s a method of gathering information for a research topic that may
become a source of data for future studies. It can be published in a newspaper, magazine,
or report.
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