Applied Research
Applied research is the practical application of science.
It accesses and uses accumulated theories, knowledge, methods, and techniques, for a specific state-, business-, or client-driven purpose.
In contrast to engineering, applied research does not include analyses or optimization of business, economics, and costs.
Applied research can be better understood in any area when contrasting it with, basic, or pure, research.
Basic geography research strives to create new theories and methods that aid in the explanation of the processes that shape the spatial structure of physical or human environments.
Rather, applied research utilizes the already existing geographical theories and methods to comprehend and address particular empirical issues.
Applied research usually has specific commercial objectives related to products, procedures, or services.
The comparison of pure research and applied research provides a basic framework and direction for businesses to follow.
Applied research deals with solving practical problems and generally employs empirical methodologies.
Because applied research resides in the messy real world, strict research protocols may need to be relaxed.
For example, it may be impossible to use a random sample.
Thus, transparency in the methodology is crucial. Implications for interpretation of results brought about by relaxing an otherwise strict canon of methodology should also be considered.
Moreover, this type of research method applies natural sciences to human conditions:
- Action Research: aids firms in identifying workable solutions to issues influencing them.
- Evaluation Research: researchers examine available data to assist clients in making wise judgments.
- Industrial Research: create new goods/services that will satisfy the demands of a target market.
- (Industrial development would be scaling up production of the new goods/services for mass consumption to satisfy the economic demand of the customers while maximizing the ratio of the good/service output rate to resource input rate, the ratio of good/service revenue to material & energy costs, and the good/service quality.
- Industrial development would be considered engineering. Industrial development would fall outside the scope of applied research.)
Since applied research has a provisional close-to-the-problem and close-to-the-data orientation, it may also use a more provisional conceptual framework such as working hypotheses or pillar questions.
The OECD's Frascati Manualdescribes applied research as one of the three forms of research, along with basic research & experimental development.
Due to its practical focus, applied research information will be found in the literature associated with individual disciplines.