Applied Research Essentials: Types, examples, and writing tips
Commencing a research journey involves a distinct definition of the investigation’s purpose, guiding the selection of the research procedure or approach. In this context, researchers can opt for either basic or applied research, each with its unique characteristics and objectives.
Embarking on the journey of conducting applied research requires a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Understanding the nuances of applied research and its distinctions from basic research is crucial before delving into the intricacies of crafting an impactful paper.
What is Applied Research?
Applied research addresses specific problems with the goal of finding practical solutions. Distinguishing it from basic research, which primarily seeks to expand theoretical knowledge, applied research focuses on resolving real-world issues. It serves as a follow-up to basic or pure research, aiming to identify solutions to specific issues at individual, group, or societal levels.
Applied research encompasses various types, each tailored to address specific challenges and practical issues in different domains. The following are three common types of applied research with examples:
1. Evaluation Research:
• Purpose: Evaluation research aims to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and relevance of programs, policies, or interventions. It seeks to determine the impact and outcomes of specific actions and initiatives.
• Application: Often employed in business, government, and non-profit sectors, evaluation research helps organisations make informed decisions by providing data-driven insights into the success or shortcomings of their endeavors.
• Example: Evaluating the impact of a workplace training program on employee productivity and job satisfaction.
2. Research and Development (R&D):
• Purpose: Research and Development applied research focuses on creating or enhancing products, goods, or services to meet the needs of specific markets or industries. It involves innovation and design to improve existing offerings or introduce new solutions.
• Application: Commonly found in industries such as technology, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing, R&D applied research supports the creation of cutting-edge products and processes, contributing to market competitiveness.
• Example: Conducting R&D to develop a new pharmaceutical drug with improved efficacy and fewer side effects.
3. Action Research:
• Purpose: Action research aims to address real-world problems by actively engaging with and observing everyday life and organisational dynamics. It involves a cyclical process of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting to bring about positive change.
• Application: Widely used in fields like education, healthcare, and organisational development, action research empowers practitioners to collaboratively solve problems, improve processes, and enhance outcomes in their specific contexts.
• Example: Implementing action research in a primary school to integrate AI-driven personalised learning platforms. By actively observing the impact of AI on student engagement, understanding, and academic performance, the research aims to refine teaching strategies and optimise the integration of AI in the classroom.
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing an Applied Research Paper
Writing an applied research paper involves a systematic and purposeful approach to address practical issues in a specific field. The following steps provide a comprehensive guide for crafting an effective applied research paper:
1. Selecting a Relevant Topic:
• Identify a specific problem or question within your field of study that requires practical solutions.
• Ensure your topic aligns with the goals of applied research, focusing on real-world issues and challenges.
2. Conducting a Thorough Literature Review:
• Explore existing literature related to your chosen topic to understand the current state of knowledge.
• Identify gaps or areas where applied research can contribute valuable insights.
3. Defining Clear Objectives and Hypotheses:
• Clearly outline the goals and hypotheses of your research to guide the direction of your investigation.
• Ensure that your objectives align with the practical implications you aim to address.
4. Choosing an Appropriate Research Methodology:
• Select a methodology that aligns with your research objectives. This could involve qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods.
• Justify your choice of methodology and discuss how it will address the practical aspects of your research.
5. Collecting and Analysing Data:
• Implement your chosen methodology to collect relevant data. Ensure that your data collection methods are appropriate for the practical nature of your research.
• Thoroughly analyse the data using appropriate statistical or qualitative analysis techniques.
6. Presenting Results and Drawing Conclusions:
• Clearly present your findings, using tables, charts, or graphs if necessary.
• Connect your results back to your research objectives and draw meaningful conclusions that address the practical implications of your study.
7. Crafting a Well-structured Paper:
• Follow the specific format and guidelines provided by your university or institution.
• Typically, an applied research paper includes sections such as an abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion.
8. Providing Recommendations for Practice:
• Offer practical recommendations based on your research findings. Discuss how these recommendations can be implemented in real-world scenarios.
• Emphasise the actionable nature of your suggestions.
9. Acknowledging Limitations:
• Address any limitations or constraints in your research methodology or data collection.
• Acknowledge potential challenges and discuss their impact on the reliability and validity of your findings.
10. Citing Relevant Literature:
• Ensure proper citation of all sources used in your research. Follow the citation style recommended by your institution.
11. Reviewing and Revising:
• Proofread your paper for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy.
• Seek feedback from peers or mentors and be open to making revisions based on constructive input.
By following these steps, researchers can produce applied research papers that not only contribute to academic knowledge but also offer practical solutions to real-world challenges in their respective fields.
In conclusion, the significance of applied research cannot be understated. With their practical orientation and real-world solutions, they serve as invaluable assets across industries, academia, and societal sectors. They are instrumental in addressing pressing challenges, guiding informed decision-making, fostering innovation, and contributing to positive changes in various fields. Applied research papers bridge the gap between theory and practice, providing actionable insights that enhance efficiency, optimise processes, and lead to tangible improvements. As agents of continuous learning and development, these papers play a pivotal role in shaping the future landscape of industries, organisations, and communities. In a world that demands pragmatic solutions, the importance of applied research papers lies in their ability to make a lasting and meaningful impact on the way we approach and solve real-world problems.
