Applied Research
Applied research is a type of research that focuses on solving specific, real-world problems faced by organisations or society. It uses existing theories and methods to generate practical solutions and actionable recommendations.
On this page:
- What is Applied Research?
- Key Characteristics of Applied Research
- Types of Applied Research
- Applied Research vs Fundamental Research
- Examples in Business Studies
- Advantages and Disadvantages
- When to Use Applied Research
| Feature | Applied Research | Fundamental Research |
|---|---|---|
| Main objective | Solve specific real-world problems | Develop general theories and knowledge |
| Focus | Practical application | Theoretical understanding |
| Context | Often conducted within organizations | Usually conducted in academic environments |
| Outcomes | Practical recommendations | Conceptual or theoretical contributions |
| Time horizon | Short- to medium-term solutions | Long-term knowledge development |
Applied vs fundamental research at a glance
Applied research means:
- Identifying a real problem
- Analysing it using research methods
- Providing practical solutions
It answers the question:
“How can this problem be solved in practice?”
What is Applied Research?
Applied research “aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a society, or an industrial/business organisation, whereas fundamental research is mainly concerned with generalisations and with the formulation of a theory”[1]. Applied research is considered to be non-systematic inquiry and it is usually launched by a company, agency or an individual in order to address a specific problem.[2]
This type of research in a business dissertation plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application. It aims to address real-world business challenges and provide solutions that can be implemented in organizations.
Key Characteristics of Applied Research
Applied research has the following key characteristics:
- Focus on a specific problem or issue. This type of research typically focuses on a specific problem or issue faced by businesses. This could be anything from improving marketing strategies to increasing employee satisfaction.
- Practical relevance. The research findings must be relevant and applicable to the real world. They should provide actionable insights that businesses can use to improve their operations.
- Empirical evidence. Applied research relies on empirical evidence collected through various research methods, such as surveys, interviews, case studies, and experiments.
- Collaboration with practitioners. Often, such a research involves collaboration with practitioners from organizations, industry experts, or consultants. This helps ensure the research is grounded in practical experience and addresses the needs of businesses.
- Contribution to existing knowledge. While addressing a specific problem, applied research should also contribute to the existing body of knowledge in the field of business studies. This can be achieved by providing new insights, testing existing theories, or developing new frameworks.
Categories of Applied Research
Applied research can be divided into the following three types:
1. Evaluation research. This type of research focuses on analysing existing information about the phenomenon in order to generate objective research outcomes. A study into the ways of reducing supply-chain costs can be mentioned as an example for an evaluation research.
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. This type of applied research is the least relevant to a business dissertation.
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 can be classified as an action research.
Differences between Applied Research and Fundamental (Basic) Research
The difference between applied and fundamental or basic research is straightforward – findings of applied research can be applied to resolve problems, whereas fundamental studies are used simply to explore certain issues and elements. Applied research can be a follow-up to the findings of a fundamental research.
Moreover, differences between applied and basic research can be summarized into three points:
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.
Applied research solves problems, whereas fundamental research builds knowledge.
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 marketing strategies to appeal to the aspirations of millenials in China
- An investigation into the ways of improving employee motivation in Marriot Hotel, Hyde Park
- 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.
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 this type of research is limited to the research problem. Moreover, applied studies usually have tight deadlines which are not flexible.
You need to specify the type of your research in the earlier part of the research methodology chapter in about one short paragraph. Also, in this paragraph you will have to justify your choice of research type.
When to Use Applied Research
Applied research is most appropriate when your study aims to solve a practical problem or support decision-making.
You should use applied research if:
- Your research focuses on a real-world business issue
- You aim to produce actionable recommendations
- Your study is linked to a specific organisation or industry
- You want to apply existing theories in practice
Use applied research when your goal is to solve a real business problem, not just to develop theory.
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[1] Kothari, C.R. (2008) “Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques” New Age International
[2] Bajpai, N. (2011) “Business Research Methods” Pearson Education India