applied research paper example

25 Applied Research Examples

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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Applied research is research intended to solve specific and practical problems faced by the researcher and their shareholders.

Grimsgaard (2023) defines it below:

“Applied research tends to drill down more toward solving specific problems that affect people in the here and now.”

It is contrasted to basic research , which is research for its own sake. Bentley, Gulbrandsen and Kyvik (2015) define basic research as “research undertaken with a primary purpose of the advancement of knowledge for its own sake.”

The key benefit of applied research is that it helps solve problems in the real world – it is the embodiment of the concept of ‘invention is the mother of invention. But if we only did applied research, we wouldn’t achieve any of the blue skies breakthroughs that are achieved through basis research.

In fact, applied research often follows up from basic research, finding ways to apply that basic research to real-life needs in society.

Applied Research Examples

• Medicine: Development of a new vaccine to combat a specific viral strain.
• Computer Science: Creating an algorithm to enhance image recognition in smartphones.
• Agriculture: Introducing a genetically modified crop variety to improve yield and pest resistance.
• Psychology: Implementing cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques to treat anxiety disorders.
• Environmental Science: Designing a method to purify water using solar energy in remote areas.
• Engineering: Developing a more efficient and lightweight battery for electric cars.
• Education: Evaluating the effectiveness of online teaching methods on student performance.
• Economics: Assessing the impact of a new taxation policy on consumer spending.
• Sociology: Creating community programs based on studies of urban youth engagement.
• Architecture: Designing earthquake-resistant buildings based on geological research.
• Nutrition: Formulating a diet plan to mitigate the effects of type 2 diabetes.
• Linguistics: Developing language learning apps based on cognitive linguistics research.
• Sports Science: Designing a training regimen to enhance the performance of long-distance runners.
• Marketing: Analyzing consumer behavior to optimize product placement in retail stores.
• Geology: Creating risk assessment tools for communities near active volcanoes.
• Transportation: Designing an urban transportation system based on traffic flow research.
• Marine Biology: Establishing sustainable fishing guidelines based on studies of fish populations.
• Chemistry: Developing a new drug formulation for faster pain relief.
• Physics: Creating more efficient solar panels based on the study of photovoltaic materials.
• Communication Studies: Implementing crisis communication strategies for corporations based on media research.
• Aerospace Engineering: Designing a new airplane wing for reduced fuel consumption.
• Biotechnology: Producing biofuels from algae after studying their growth and energy properties.
• Musicology: Enhancing acoustics in concert halls based on sound wave research.
• Pharmacology: Testing a new drug to treat a rare form of cancer.
• Urban Planning: Designing green spaces in cities based on studies of residents’ mental well-being.

Case Studies

1. the invention of the internet.

One of the most celebrated examples of applied research leading to a groundbreaking invention is the development of the World Wide Web by Sir Tim Berners-Lee.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Tim Berners-Lee, a British engineer and computer scientist, was working at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research. His task was to find a way to allow scientists to share data and research results efficiently across the world. The challenge was significant because, at that time, there were no universally accepted and easy-to-use methods for data sharing and retrieval across different computer networks and platforms.

In solving this problem, Berners-Lee developed the three fundamental technologies that remain the foundation of today’s Web (and which you may recognize!):

• HTML : HyperText Markup Language
• URI : Uniform Resource Identifier
• HTTP : Hypertext Transfer Protocol

These technologies enabled the creation and retrieval of linked documents and multimedia across a network of computers. Berners-Lee also created the first web browser and web server to demonstrate and utilize these technologies.

The invention of the World Wide Web has had a profound and transformative impact on society, affecting almost every aspect of our daily lives, including communication, education, business, and entertainment. Berners-Lee’s applied research, initially aimed at solving a specific problem related to scientific data sharing, ended up unleashing a revolutionary tool that reshaped the world.

2. The Discovery of Penicillin

The discovery and development of penicillin, an antibiotic, by Alexander Fleming and its subsequent mass production shows how applied research can lead to revolutionary inventions.

In 1928, Alexander Fleming, a Scottish bacteriologist, observed that a mold called Penicillium notatum was able to kill bacteria in a petri dish. This discovery was quite accidental and came while Fleming was researching staphylococci, a type of bacteria. At this point, it was just basic research .

But in 1939, Howard Florey and Ernst Boris Chain took Fleming’s discovery from a useful laboratory finding to a life-saving drug through extensive research and development. They conducted systematic, applied research to figure out how to mass-produce and purify penicillin.

By 1941, the team had successfully treated its first patient with penicillin, marking a major milestone in medicinal history.

But it was in the years of World War II that penicillin really became a life safer – literally. During World War II, the production of penicillin was scaled up massively to treat wounded soldiers, saving countless lives that might have been lost to bacterial infections.

Fleming’s initial discovery and the subsequent applied research by Florey, Chain, and their team transformed penicillin into a practical, widely available antibiotic.

The development and mass production of penicillin marked the beginning of the antibiotic era, fundamentally altering medicine by providing an effective treatment for bacterial infections.

Applied vs Basic Research

Unlike applied research, basic research seeks to expand knowledge and understanding of fundamental principles and theories without immediate application in mind (Abeysekera, 2019; Bentley, Gulbrandsen & Kyvik, 2015).

Basic research is exploratory and often driven by curiosity or the academic interests of the researcher. The results may not have immediate practical implications but can form the foundation for future applied research (Grimsgaard, 2023).

Applied research , on the other hand, is aimed at addressing specific problems or questions, with the intent of applying the findings to practical solutions or actions (Abeysekera, 2019; Baimyrzaeva, 2018).

It is more structured, systematic, and focused on practical problem-solving or enhancing existing methods. The results are typically intended for immediate application, with direct, observable implications.

Benefits and Limitations of Applied Research

Applied research is specifically designed to address immediate problems, which is one of its greatest advantages.

It helps businesses, industries and policy makers improve operations, products, services or policies, thereby providing practical and immediate solutions (Baimyrzaeva, 2018).

Moreover, its impact can be quantified, making it easier to secure funding. However, the main disadvantage is that it is narrowly focused and its findings may not be universally applicable.

However, the desire for quick, practical results can constrain the methodology, perhaps limiting creativity or ignoring broader implications (Baimyrzaeva, 2018; Marotti de Mello & Wood 2019).

The pressure for immediate usability can also drive researchers towards safe, predictable projects rather than innovative or risky ones.

Abeysekera, A. (2019). Basic research and applied research.  Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka ,  47 (3).

Baimyrzaeva, M. (2018). Beginners’ guide for applied research process: What is it, and why and how to do it.  University of Central Asia ,  4 (8).

Bentley, P. J., Gulbrandsen, M., & Kyvik, S. (2015). The relationship between basic and applied research in universities.  Higher Education ,  70 , 689-709. ( Source )

Dunn, D. S. (2012). Research Methods for Social Psychology (2nd ed.). Wiley Global Education.

Grimsgaard, W. (2023). Design and strategy: a step by step guide . New York: Taylor & Francis.

Marotti de Mello, A., & Wood Jr, T. (2019). What is applied research anyway?.  Revista de Gestão ,  26 (4), 338-339. ( Source )

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School of City & Regional Planning

College of design.

Applied Research Papers & Master’s Theses

Applied research papers are completed by MCRP students as practice-oriented alternatives to theses. These papers utilize practical skills and draw conclusions related to professional planning practice.

This page showcases selected applied research papers and theses that were completed in recent years. For a complete archive, please visit the SMARTech collection hosted by the Georgia Tech Library.

Applied Research Papers

2023 Applied Research Papers

Brennan, Laurence. "America’s Gayborhoods: A Study in the Cultural Preservation of LGBTQ+ Communities" . 2023. Supervised by Brian Stone.

Xie, Yan. "Nihonbashi Retail Space and Shopping Activity Research: Daily and Pandemic" . 2023. Supervised by Perry Yang.

Ward, Jeremy. "The economy geography of assisted living homes: examining the locations, demographics, considerations, and trends of the assisted living home industry in Georgia" . 2023. Supervised by Nancy Green Leigh. 

Rawlins, Miles. "Finding a Nice Place to Sit: A Case Study of Midtown's Public Space" . 2023. Supervised by Perry Yang.

Knight-Scott, Ethan. "Commercial property undervaluation in Fulton County, Georgia: Determinants of appraisal error using ANOVA testing" . 2023. Supervised by Elora Raymond. 

Neaves, Thomas. "The Redevelopment of the Macon Mall Through a Social Infrastructure Lens" . 2023. Supervised by William Drummond.

Zhao, Yuxiang. "Tokyo Nihonbashi Visual Walkability Analysis" . 2023. Supervised by Perry Yang. 

Master, Michaela. " 1540 Northside Drive: Resilient, Redeveloped, Reimagined" . 2023. Supervised by Subhro Guhathakurta. 

Cena, Kortney. "Make Commercial Spaces Small Again: The Commercial Missing Middle and Strategies to Address It" . 2023. Supervised by Paige Clayton.

Jimenez, Miguel. "Cities and Placemaking in the Hispanic Monarchy: Theory, Case Studies, and Lessons for Contemporary Practice" . 2023. Supervised by Jennifer Hirsh, Mike Dobbins. 

Ruggles, Darien. " Now You've Got Broadband - What's Next? Strategies for Local Leaders to Increase Professional Digital Usage and Application in their Community". 2-23. Supervised by Paige Clayton. 

Raven, Roxanne. "The Environmental Impacts of Cityhood Movements in Atlanta: A Brookhaven Case Study" . 2023. Supervised by Brian Stone. 

2022 Applied Research Papers

Ling, Sharon . " An Atlanta-Based Analysis on the Feasibility of Employee Commute Options Programs and Switching from Driving Alone to Alternative Commute Modes ." 2022. Supervised by Kari Watkins .

Maurer, Colin . " Drawing Connections between Railway Station Ridership and Adjacent Urban Form ." 2022. Supervised by Paige Clayton .

Newman, Ian . " Evacuation with Efficiency: An Inland and Coastal Flood Based Emergency Evacuation Planning Scorecard Proposal . " 2022. Supervised by William J. Drummond .

White, Reginald Jr . " Preservation of African American Spaces: Case Study of Sweet Auburn Neighborhood of Atlanta,Georgia. " 2022. Supervised by Elora Raymond .

2021 Applied Research Papers

Chatman, Olivia E . "An Analysis of Covid-19, Air Quality, Race, and Socioeconomic Status in Georgia" . 2021. Supervised by Brian Stone, Jr.

2020 Applied Research Papers

As-Salaam, Kamau. " Neighborhood Security and Resiliency: Reviving East Washington ." 2020. Supervised by Catherine Ross.

Corrao, Laurel. " Perspective on Planning for Sea Level Rise . " 2020. Supervised by Nisha Botchwey.

Dervarics, Kelly. " Staying Afloat in Affordable Housing Production: An Initial Examination and Framework of Cost Savings for Mercy Housing Southeast. " 2020. Supervised by Michael Dobbins.

Ferreira, Andrea. " A Tale of Two (Modern) Cities: A Comparison of the Attempts to Regulate Airbnb in San Francisco and Boston. " 2020. Supervised by Michael Dobbins.

Haley, Victor. " The Impact of Eviction on Student Displacement: An Atlanta Case Study. " 2020. Supervised by Elora Raymond.

Hart, Haley. " Combating Food Insecurity within Universities ." 2020.  Supervised by Brian Stone.

Jerath, Shikha. " Racial Discrimination in the Atlanta Mortgage Market, 2012 - 2017 ." 2020.  Supervised by Elora Raymond.

Macbeth, Joshua. " Affordable Atlanta ." 2020.  Supervised by Michael Dobbins.

Martin, Katherine. " Leveraging Technology as a Community Engagement Strategy. " 2020.  Supervised by Nisha Botchwey.

Orsini, Callie. " In the Mix: Middle Housing and Income Diversity in Atlanta ." 2020.  Supervised by Elora Raymond.

Pimentel, Ruth. " Funding Parks for Community Interests ." 2020.  Supervised by Nisha Botchwey.

Prendergast, Kyla. " The Influence of Transit - Oriented Developments on Housing Cost and Ridership in Denver, Colorado ." 2020.  Supervised by Elora Raymond.

Jiang, Qian. " The Impact of Traffic Density on Lane-Changing Frequency ." 2020. 

Seidenberg, Alex. " Bridging the Affordability Gap: How Can Faith Based Organizations Leverage Their Real Estate Assets? " 2020.  Supervised by Nisha Botchwey.

Staley, Rachel. " Historic Preservation and Downtown Revitalization: How Does the Georgia Main Street Program Affect the Population Size, Racial Makeup, Median Household Income, and Retail Sales of Designated Cities? " 2020.  Supervised by Brian Stone.

Zakas, Chelsea. " Climate Mitigation Planning: Are Plans with Policy Tools Measurably More Effective? " 2020.  Supervised by Brian Stone.

Zhen, Shuhui. " Increasing Bicycles’ Share of Commuter Trips in Atlanta through Improved Trip Routing Methodologies. " 2020.  Supervised by Michael Dobbins.

2019 Applied Research Papers

Baggett, Anna. " Combatting the Urban Heat Island Effect: What Trees Are Suitable for Atlanta’s Current and Future Climate? " 2019. Supervised by Brian Stone.

Bleckley, Claire. " Georgia’s Regional Planning System: An Evaluation of the State’s 12 Regional Development Commissions .” 2019. Supervised by Nancey Green Leigh.

Brice, Paul-Emile. " Resort Towns: Making a Case Study of Montego Bay and Bavaro Punta Cana .” 2019. Supervised by Alberto Fuentes.

Carpenter, Sophia. " Planning for Blue and Green: A Case for Green Infrastructure .” 2019. Supervised by Michael Dobbins.

Carter, Melody. " Federal Opportunity Zones: The newest gentrification tool? ” 2019. Supervised by Nancey Green Leigh.

Cooper, Carson. " Does distributed green infrastructure or centralized green infrastructure have a greater effect on urban stormwater flow & pollutant loads? ” 2019. Supervised by Brian Stone.

Coyle, Tyler. " Houston Townhomes & Affordability: Relative townhome prices 2005-2018 .” 2019. Supervised by Timothy Welch.

Davison, Brianna. " A Case for Expanding Heritage Tourism in Atlanta, Georgia by Exploring Sites From the Negro Motorist Green Book .” 2019. Supervised by Nancey Green Leigh.

Denison, John. "  The Determinants and Implications of Local Minimum Wage Adoption .” 2019. Supervised by Nisha Botchwey.

Everhart, Justina. " Coastal Wetlands and Sea-Level Rise: A Case for Climate Adaptation Zones in Coastal Georgia .” 2019. Supervised by Brian Stone.

Friedman, Mirit. " Promoting the Economic Mobility of Clients Through Identifying Leverage Points in the Atlanta Community Food Bank Partner Network. ” 2019. Supervised by Nisha Botchwey​

Gao, Meng. " Bike Infrastructure Evaluation of Midtown Atlanta, A GIS and Statistics Based Study. ” 2019. Supervised by Timothy Welch.

Geronimo, Laura. " Sea Level Rise and Storm Surge: Incorporating Uncertainty and Equity into Transportation Planning for the San Juan Metropolitan Area, Puerto Rico. ” 2019. Supervised by Catherine Ross.

Graszer, Grace. " Closing Peachtree and Pine: Evaluating Homeless Strategies in Atlanta, Georgia .” 2019. Supervised by Nisha Botchwey.

Healy, Clare. " Middle Ground: Market Demand and the Housing Supply Mismatch for Middle Housing in the United States. ” 2019. Supervised by Michael Dobbins.

Huffman, Leigh. " The Impact of Urbanization on Biodiversity in the Asheville-Brevard Combined Statistical Area. ” 2019. Supervised by Brian Stone.

Johnson, Nicholas. " Expanding Equity in Sustainability Projects Through Community Engagement: Can Organizations Adapt? ” 2019. Supervised by Nisha Botchwey.

Johnson, Jennifer. " Using K-12 Schools to Promote Sustainable Communities. ” 2019. Supervised by Michael Dobbins.

McCoy, Trevor. “ Reallocating Food Waste: Evaluating Food Waste Management Options for Atlanta ” 2019. Supervised by Michael Elliott.

Pang, Jian. " A Review on The Concept of Transit-dependency And The Research on The Multidimensional Transit-dependency Index .” 2019. Supervised by Timothy Welch.

Schlom, Ryan. " How Has U+2 Enforcement Affected Housing Affordability in Fort Collins? Using the Synthetic Control Method to Analyze the Affordability Implications of Residential Occupancy Regulation .” 2019. Supervised by Thom Malone.

Scott, Eric. " Parking at Megachurches - Managing accessibility, hospitality and stewardship: A Case Study of Peachtree Presbyterian Church .” 2019. Supervised by Timothy Welch.

Sherman, Andrea. " Rural Mobility for Older Adults: Matching Georgia’s Future Needs with Potential Capacity for Volunteer Driver Programs .” 2019. Supervised by Timothy Welch.

Sherman, Jonathan. " A Flood Resilience Policy Analysis: New York City .” 2019. Supervised by Brian Stone.

Smith, Andrew. " Envisioning a Complete Streets Prioritization Scheme for Georgia’s Small and Medium-Sized Cities. ” 2019. Supervised by Timothy Welch.

Stephens, Nicholas. " Toward a Complete Park: Pursuing ideals of social equity, ecological enrichment and economic empowerment for the Westside Park at Bellwood Quarry, a regional-scale park in Atlanta, Georgia. ” 2019. Supervised by Michael Dobbins.

Tyger, Curtis. " Church-Based Transportation: A New Shared Mobility Service That Converts Church Parking Lots into Transportation Hubs for Metro Atlanta Communities .” 2019. Supervised by Nisha Botchwey.

2018 Applied Research Papers

Agnew, Darian. " Extending homeownership opportunities to prospective borrowers burdened by student loan debt. " 2018. Supervised by Anna Kim.

Browne, Samantha. "  The Causes and Effects of Environmental Gentrification: An Examination of the Impacts of the Trinity River Balanced Vision Plan on West Dallas, TX. " 2018. Supervised by Thomas Debo.

Dieg, Melanie. " Is Columbia a Different Neighbor? A Comparative Analysis of University Real Estate Acquisition Practices. " 2018. Supervised by Anna Kim.

Diwangkari, Andyan. " Urban Form and Neighborhood Vulnerability to Climate Change Case Study: Jakarta, Indonesia. " 2018. Supervised by Perry Yang.

Dodson, Christy. " Neighborhood Diversity and Middle Housing in an Atlanta Context. " 2018. Supervised by Michael Dobbins.

Duncan, Dorraine. " Participatory Solid Waste Management A Proposal for Jamaica's Informal Settlements. " 2018. Supervised by Michael Elliott.

Dutt, Florina. " Reclaiming Public Realm to Improve Human Heatlh and Enviornment in Indian Cities. " 2018. Supervised by Subhro Guhathakurta.

Erwin, Lexi. " Working Moms and Economic Development Policy: Are We Planning for Women? " 2018. Supervised by Anna Kim.

French, Megan. " Accuracy of a Heat Vulnerability Index for Estimating Heat Mortality in Dallas, Texas. " 2018. Supervised by Brian Stone.

Galloway, Allison. " Slow Urbanism as a Sprawl Antidote Winning the Race on Foot Borrowing from Slow Urbanism's Place-Based Sustainable Practices. " 2018. Supervised by Michael Dobbins.

Hirt, Mary. " Homeownership and Racial Wealth Disparity in the Southeast: Factor Ratio Reweighting Analysis of Homeownership in Six Southeast States and the Importance of Race-Conscious Housing Policies. " 2018. Supervised by Anna Kim.

Ijaz, Mishele. " Growth versus Development: The Case of China Pakistan Economic Corridor. " 2018. Supervised by Nancey Green Leigh.

Lancaster, Zachary. " Information Theory as a Measure of Sociodemographic Change. " 2018. Supervised by Perry Yang.

Marinelli, Abigail. " Curbing Zombie Cars: Implementing a VMT Tax on Zero-Occupant AVs to Discourage Unnecessary Trips. " 2018. Supervised by Catherine Ross.

Meng, Chao. " Evaluation of the Equity of Bikeshare System Accessibility: A Case Study of Chicago. " 2018. Supervised by Timothy Welch.

Mildner, Caitlin. " Planning for Local Agency Transportation Asset Management An Analysis of Knowledge and Resource Shortcomings within Local Georgia Agencies. " 2018. Supervised by Subhro Guhathakurta.

Morrison, Marc. " Atlanta's Urban Ecosystem Services: A Neighborhood Comparison Analysis. " 2018. Supervised by Brian Stone.

Rao, Pooja. " Transit fare structure and equity: Case of MARTA, Atlanta. " 2018. Supervised by Timothy Welch.

Rogers, Ian Michael. " Historic Preservation & Progress in Atlanta: Zoning Strategies for Adaptive Reuse and Revitalization ." 2018. Supervised by Michael Dobbins.

Saxton, John. " A High-Injury Network for Atlanta. " 2018. Supervised by Brian Stone.

Sepkowitz, Isabel. " The Great Retail Metamorphosis: How Americans Shop is How Americans Live Metro Atlanta Case Study. " 2018. Supervised by Subhro Guhathakurta.

Thayer, Chris. " Contesting Conventional Wisdom: The Link Between Subsidy Layering and Legal Expenses in the LIHTC Program. " 2018. Supervised by Anna Kim.

Van Dyke, Rebecca. " The Impact of Gender, Race, and Income on Transit Travel Behavior in Boston and Atlanta. " 2018. Supervised by Michael Elliott.

Veriah, Revathi. " Classification of Informal Settlements Based on their Susceptibility to Climate Change. " 2018. Supervised by Michael Elliott.

Waidhas, Kelsey. " An Academic Addendum for the Sandy Springs Wayfinding System: An Option Paper Report. " 2018. Supervised by William Drummond.

Woods, Gloria. " Resilient Black Neighborhoods in Urban Environments Through Effective Community Planning. " 2018. Supervised by Nisha Botchwey.

Wu, Yanlin. " Modifying and Extending the Geodesign Framework for Eco Campus Design Project. " 2018. Supervised by Perry Yang.

2017 Applied Research Papers

Anand, Spandana. " The Future of Transportation: Autonomous Vehicles. " 2017. Supervised by Tim Welch.

Barrow, Megan. " As Sea Level Rise in the Southeast, Are Transportation Planners on Board with Climate Justice? " 2017. Supervised by Tim Welch.

Bedsole, Matthew. " Developing a Charitable and Targeted Property Tax Relief Fund: An Anti-Displacement Initiative for Atlanta’s Westside Neighborhoods. " 2017. Supervised by Mike Dobbins. 

Boyd, Nicholas. " The Urban Forest and Environmental Justice: A Review of the Literature. " 2017. Supervised by Nisha Botchwey.

Bozarth, Ashley. " Permanent Supportive Housing in the City of Atlanta: Transitioning to a Comprehensive Housing First Approach. " 2017. Supervised by Dan Immergluck.

Burnette, Caroline. " Predicting Revitalization: a descriptive narrative and predictive analysis of neighborhood revitalization in Atlanta, Georgia. " 2017. Supervised by Subhro Guhathakurta.

Butler, Catherine. " Green Development Assessing Opportunities for the City of Atlanta. " 2017. Supervised by Dan Immergluck.

Day, Anna. " In Favor of Farm to Fork: An assessment of the local food system in metropolitan Atlanta. " 2017. Supervised by Michael Elliot.

De Leon, David. " Bridging the Gap: an Analysis of the Spatial Mismatch Hypothesis and Social Service and Affordable Housing Accessibility in Atlanta ." 2017. Supervised by Tim Welch.

Duckworth, Richard. " Preparing for Light Rail in the Purple Line Corridor. " 2017. Supervised by Alex Karner. 

Estes, Emily. " Do Young Children Affect Travel Behavior for Parents in Atlanta? " 2017. Supervised by Anna Kim.

Fleming, Ryan. " Strip Clubs in Portland, Oregon and Atlanta, Georgia: The Tension between First Amendment Free Speech & Crime-related Secondary Effects. " 2017. Supervised Nancey Green Leigh.

French, Emma. " People-centered Planning for Smart Cities: Exploring the Use of Smart Cities Technologies in Efforts to Engage the Public in Planning in and around Proctor Creek Watershed. " 2017. Supervised by Anna Kim.

Hanson, Alex. " Measuring the Impact of Complete Streets Projects on Bicyclist and Pedestrian Safety in Sacramento County, California. " 2017. Supervised by Nisha Botchwey.

Hashemi Toroghi, Shahaboddin. " Toward a Sustainable Neighborhood: Examining the Impact of the Mixed-use Development on Neighborhood Energy Consumption. " 2017. Supervised by Tim Welch.

Haston, Joshua. " Planning the Next BRAC: Redevelopment Alternatives for Dobbins Air Reserve Base and Air Force Plant No. 6. " 2017. Supervised by Brian Stone. 

Kent, Margaret. " Prioritizing Low-Stress Bicycle Accessibility in Baltimore. " 2017. Supervised by Alex Karner.

Kong, Jing. " Impact Analysis of the Built Environment on Quality of Life. " 2017. Supervised by Tim Welch.

Mara, Kevin. " Large-Scale Mixed-Use Developments as Catalytic Real Estate Projects: Evaluating the Narrative of Neighborhood Revitalization. " 2017. Supervised by Dan Immergluck.

Mayor, Phoebe. " Striking the Balance between Neighborhood Change and Income Diversity Lessons from Metropolitan Atlanta. " 2017. Supervised by Anna Kim.

Metal, Melanie. " Tailoring Green Stormwater Infrastructure to Hawiian Lansdcapes. " 2017. Supervised by William Drummond.

Patterson, Grant. " Arts-Based Neighborhood Revitalization Engaging Artists & Creative Entrepreneurs to Identify Policy Recommendations to Support Arts-Based Revitalization in South Downtown, Atlanta. " 2017. Supervised by Anna Kim.

Shelton, Austin. " This Place Matters: Exploring Rural Planning through Funding a Rail-Trail in Harris County, Georgia. " 2017. Supervised by William Drummond.

Yang, Wenhui. " Analysis on Social Impacts of Atlanta Streetcar Systems Emissions. " 2017. Supervised by TIm Welch.

Zeng, Tianran. " Transit as Solution for Spatial Mismatch. " 2017. Supervised by Tim Welch.

2016 Applied Research Papers

Bonn, Sara Jane. " Digital Media and the Built Environment: the Potential Impact of Digital Devices on Public Space ." 2016. Supervised by Nisha Botchwey.

Boyd, Joseph. " Walkability, Pedestrian Infrastructure, & Transit Access in Atlanta: A Case Study on Ashby, Inman Park/Reynoldstown, and Lindbergh MARTA Stations ." 2016. Supervised by Tim Welch.

Buker, Allison. " Mapping the Morphological History of Westside Savannah ." 2016. Supervised by Richard Dagenhart. 

Collot, Adeline. " A Culture of High Speeds and Accumulating Debt: A Case Study of French High-Speed Rail Financing Practices. " 2016. Supervised by Time Welch.

Date, Chirag. " Virtual and Fantastic Urban Perceptions through Cinema and Their Relation to Contemporary Cities ." 2016. Supervised by Mike Dobbins.

McKinney, Mia. " A Dream Deferred? Utilizing the Limited-Equity Housing Cooperative Model as a Solution to Atlanta's Affordable Housing Issue. " 2016. Supervised by Mike Dobbins.

Kao, Mindy. " Creating Fair Housing Metrics and Milestones Using Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) Data " 2016. Supervised by Dan Immergluck. .

Lueders, Abram. "J ane Jacobs, Quantified: Exploring the Legacy of the 20th Century’s Most Provocative Urban Theorist ." 2016. Supervised by Dan Immergluck.

Maines, Katherine. " How Observation Can Enhance Understanding of Walkability and Bikability around Transit Stations ." 2016. Supervised by Brian Stone. 

Martin, Tyler. " Assessing the Influence of Policy Factors on Alternative Fuel Vehicle Adoption in Georgia ." 2016. Supervised by Catherine Ross. 

Price, Shelley. " Enhancing National Parks for Visitors with Disabilities through Customer-Experience-Based Decision Making ." 2016. Supervised by Michael Elliott.

Reeves, William. " Activating the Alleys of Austin ." 2016. Supervised by Mike Dobbins.

Sanker, Rishi Raghav. " Urban Tourism and Transportation: A Lesson For Atlanta. " 2016. Supervised by Catherine Ross. 

Smith, Stephanie." An Evaluation of the Physical and Demographic Characteristics Contributing to On-Site Sewage Management System Failure in Metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia ." 2016. Supervised by Brian Stone.

Yanten, Angelica. " School Closures and Their Impact on Local Communities ." 2016. Supervised by Nisha Botchwey.

2015 Applied Research Papers

Ashdown, Marcus. “ Alternative Intersection Design Strategies: How Georgia and the US are Changing Outdated Transportation Design Techniques .” 2015. Supervised by Michael Dobbins.

Auguin, Corentin. " Toward Financially Sustainable Public Transportation Systems-Type of Service Impacts on Cost Efficiency. " 2015. Supervised by Tim Welch.

Bowman, Ryan. “ Planning and Policy Implementation Strategies for Green Stormwater Best Management Practices in the Proctor Creek Watershed, Atlanta, Ga .” 2015. Supervised by Brian Stone.

Bustin, Allison. “ Zoning For Obesity: Incorporating Context-Based Strategies For Improved Health In Municipal Zoning Codes.” 2015. Supervised by Michael Dobbins.

Cook, Kirsten.  “Planning Through the Shared Use of Resources: A Case Study of DeKalb County, Georgia.” 2015. Supervised by Nisha Botchwey.

Davis, Khaliff.  “Can Pop-Up Shops Improve My Community? An Analysis of the Linkages between Tactical Urbanism and Community Development.” 2015.  Supervised by Dan Immergluck.

Grimes, Jennifer.  “The Atlanta Beeline: Invertebrate Pollinator Corridor Suitability Analysis of the Metropolitan Atlanta Region.” 2015. Supervised by Bill Drummond.

Guthart, Robert.  “Analysis of Transportation Accessibility to Hospitals in Jacksonville, Florida.” 2015. Supervised by Perry Yang.

Ingram, Carlton.  “An Infill Station in Atlanta: Evaluating a MARTA rail stop at Hulsey Yard.”  2015. Supervised by Tim Welch.

Mingus, Charlene Deanne.  “Bicyclist Perceived Level of Traffic Stress: A Quality-of-Service Measure.” 2015. Supervised by Tim Welch.

Novsam, Jason.  “The Decline and Asymmetrical Resurgence of American Transit: A Case Study of Seattle.” 2015. Supervised by Tim Welch.

Perumbeti, Katherine.  “An Assessment of Social and Health Equity in Atlanta Streets Alive Events.” 2015. Supervised by Nisha Botchwey.

Plante, Jessica.  “LIHTC Developments in Atlanta and Neighborhood Effects .” 2015. Supervised by Dan Immergluck.

Rindge, Brianna.  “Sustainable Development for Professional Sports Stadiums.” 2015. Supervised by Bill Drummond.

Shields, Madelyn.  “Women's Participation in Seattle's High-Tech Economy.” 2015. Supervised by Anna Kim. 

Featured Applied Research Papers

Caledonia Orsini (MCRP '20)

Katherine Martin (MCRP+MS-PP '20)

2021 theses.

Kim, Ilsu. " Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Changed People’s Attitudes about Where to Live? Some Preliminary Answers from a Study of the of the Atlanta Housing Market ." 2021. Supervised by Subhrajit Guhathakurta.

Lee, Seolha. " The Shape of Discourse in Urban Movements through the Lens of Social Media: A Case Study of the Anti-Redevelopment Movement in South Korea ." 2021. Supervised by Clio Andris.

Miller, Bryce Curtis. " Cluster-based Delineation of Megaregions in the United States: Identifying administrative boundaries that reflect meta-communities to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of governments ." 2021. Supervised by Catherine Ross.

2020 Theses

Arias, Daniel Fernando. "Estimating the Effects of Vehicle Speeds on Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety on the Georgia Arterial Roadway Network." 2020.

Jiang, Qian. " Transit-Oriented Development Parking Demand Analysis: A Case Study of MARTA." 2020.

Rose, Jessica. " The Application of Ecosystem Services in Higher Education Planning ." 2020.

Postma, Deborah E. " The Future of Streets in an Age of Pandemics ." 2020.

Todd, Kara Grace. " Evaluating the Costs and Benefits of Implementing a MARTA Youth Fare ." 2020.

Tucker, William. " Measuring Climate Resilience in the Built Environment Around the Atlanta Beltline. " 2020.

2019 Theses

Boddupalli, Sreekar-Shashank. “Estimating Demand for an Electric Vertical Landing Takeoff (eVTOL) Air Taxi Service Using Discrete Choice Modeling” 2019. Supervised by Timothy Welch.

Borsch, Adam. “Analyzing the Difference Between Bike Share Trips Made on Regular and Electric Bicycles” 2019. Supervised by Catherine Ross.

Chang, Chia-Huai. “Estimating Managed Lanes Door-to-door Travel Timesavings using Shortest Path Algorithms” 2019. Supervised by Timothy Welch.

Greenwald, Jeremy. “It Takes Green to Go Green: An Atlanta-Based Evolution of Employer-Provided Commuting Incentives as a Method to Overcome  Worksite Car-Dependency” 2019. Supervised by Timothy Welch.

Patel, Deep. “Economic and Social Sustainability of Sidewalk Infrastructure” 2019. Supervised by Timothy Welch.

2018 Theses

Douglass, Sara. "Federal Transit Funding Implications of Urbanization: A Nationwide Assessment" 2018. Supervised by Timothy Welch.

Dyess, Chelsea. "An Assessment of Pedestrian Infrastructure Quality and the Effect on Travel Time and Mobility for Users with Physical Limitations." 2018. Supervised by Timothy Welch.

Nord, Anna. " A Statewide Assessment of Trending Urban Areas in Georgia and the Implications on Rural Public Transit Funding." 2018. Supervised by Catherine Ross.

Senthilkumar, Sanjay. "Making Bike Share Transit Compatible." 2018. Supervised by Timothy Welch.

Tobey, Michael. "Linking MPBN and System of Systems Thinking: To Improve Outcomes in Urban Environments." 2018. Supervised by Perry Yang.

2017 Theses

Koo, Bonwoo. "Spatio-temporal Patterns of Urban Tree Canopy and Environmental Equity in Atlanta." 2017. Supervised by Nisha Botchwey.

Sperling, Elliot. "Advancing Strategic Focuses through Performance-based Evaluation – the Growth of State DOT Approaches." 2017. Supervised by Catherine Ross.

2016 Theses

Martin, Tyler. "Assessing the Influence of Policy Factors on Alternative Fuel Vehicle Adoption in Georgia." 2016. Supervised by Catherine Ross.

Smith, Stephanie. "An Evaluation of the Physical and Demographic Characteristics Contributing to On-Site Sewage Management System Failure in Metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia." 2016. Supervised by Brian Stone.

2015 Theses

Bearn, Cary. "Measuring Low Stress Bike access to MARTA." 2015. Supervised by Catherine Ross.

Maier, George. "Forecasting Ridership Impacts of Transit Oriented Development at MARTA Rail Stations." 2015. Supervised by Tim Welch.

Plummer, Audrey. "Retroffiting Closed Golf Courses." 2015. Supervised by Richard Dagenhart.

Prabhakar, Niranjani. "Measuring Cost-Effectiveness of Idle Reduction Technologies in Heavy Duty Trucks." 2015. Supervised by Catherine Ross.

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Home » Applied Research – Types, Methods and Examples

Applied Research – Types, Methods and Examples

Table of Contents

Applied Research

Definition:

Applied research is a type of scientific inquiry that focuses on developing practical solutions to real-world problems. It involves the use of existing knowledge, theories, and techniques to address specific problems or challenges in a particular field or industry.

Applied research is often conducted in collaboration with industry or government partners, who provide funding and expertise to support the research. The results of applied research are typically intended to be directly applicable to the real world, and may involve the development of new products, technologies, or processes.

Types of Applied Research

Types of Applied Research are as follows:

Action Research

This type of research is designed to solve specific problems within an organization or community. The research involves collaboration between researchers and stakeholders to develop solutions to issues that affect the organization or community.

Evaluation Research

This type of research is used to assess the effectiveness of a particular program, policy, or intervention. Evaluation research is often used in government, healthcare, and social service settings to determine whether programs are meeting their intended goals.

Developmental Research

This type of research is used to develop new products, technologies, or processes. The research may involve the testing of prototypes or the development of new methods for production or delivery.

Diagnostic Research

This type of research is used to identify the causes of problems or issues. Diagnostic research is often used in healthcare, where researchers may investigate the causes of a particular disease or condition.

Policy Research

This type of research is used to inform policy decisions. Policy research may involve analyzing the impact of existing policies or evaluating the potential outcomes of proposed policies.

Predictive Research

This type of research is used to forecast future trends or events. Predictive research is often used in marketing, where researchers may use data analysis to predict consumer behavior or market trends.

Data Collection Methods

In applied research, data collection methods can be broadly classified into two categories: Quantitative and Qualitative methods:

Quantitative Data Collection

Quantitative research methods involve collecting numerical data that can be analyzed statistically. The most commonly used quantitative data collection methods in applied research include:

• Surveys : Surveys are questionnaires designed to collect data from a large sample of people. Surveys can be conducted face-to-face, over the phone, or online.
• Experiments : Experiments involve manipulating variables to test cause-and-effect relationships. Experiments can be conducted in the lab or in the field.
• Observations : Observations involve watching and recording behaviors or events in a systematic way. Observations can be conducted in the lab or in natural settings.
• Secondary data analysis: Secondary data analysis involves analyzing data that has already been collected by someone else. This can include data from government agencies, research institutes, or other sources.

Qualitative Data Collection

Qualitative research methods involve collecting non-numerical data that can be analyzed for themes and patterns. The most commonly used qualitative data collection methods in applied research include:

• Interviews : Interviews involve asking open-ended questions to individuals or groups. Interviews can be conducted in-person, over the phone, or online.
• Focus groups : Focus groups involve a group of people discussing a topic with a moderator. Focus groups can be conducted in-person or online.
• Case studies : Case studies involve in-depth analysis of a single individual, group, or organization.
• Document analysis : Document analysis involves analyzing written or recorded documents to extract data. This can include analyzing written records, audio recordings, or video recordings.

Data Analysis Methods

In applied research, data analysis methods can be broadly classified into two categories: Quantitative and Qualitative methods:

Quantitative Data Analysis

Quantitative data analysis methods involve analyzing numerical data to identify patterns and trends. The most commonly used quantitative data analysis methods in applied research include:

• Descriptive statistics: Descriptive statistics involve summarizing and presenting data using measures such as mean, median, mode, and standard deviation.
• Inferential statistics : Inferential statistics involve testing hypotheses and making predictions about a population based on a sample of data. This includes methods such as t-tests, ANOVA, regression analysis, and correlation analysis.
• Data mining: Data mining involves analyzing large datasets to identify patterns and relationships using machine learning algorithms.

Qualitative Data Analysis

Qualitative data analysis methods involve analyzing non-numerical data to identify themes and patterns. The most commonly used qualitative data analysis methods in applied research include:

• Content analysis: Content analysis involves analyzing written or recorded data to identify themes and patterns. This includes methods such as thematic analysis, discourse analysis, and narrative analysis.
• Grounded theory: Grounded theory involves developing theories and hypotheses based on the analysis of data.
• Interpretative phenomenological analysis: Interpretative phenomenological analysis involves analyzing data to identify the subjective experiences of individuals.
• Case study analysis: Case study analysis involves analyzing a single individual, group, or organization in-depth to identify patterns and themes.

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 surveys, interviews, experiments, observations, or a combination of methods.
• Analyzing data : Once the data has been collected, it needs to be analyzed using appropriate data analysis methods. This can include descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, content analysis, 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.

Applications of Applied Research

Some applications of applied research are as follows:

• Product development: Applied research can help companies develop new products or improve existing ones. For example, a company might conduct research to develop a new type of battery that lasts longer or a new type of software that is more efficient.
• Medical research : Applied research can be used to develop new treatments or drugs for diseases. For example, a pharmaceutical company might conduct research to develop a new cancer treatment.
• Environmental research : Applied research can be used to study and address environmental problems such as pollution and climate change. For example, research might be conducted to develop new technologies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Agriculture : Applied research can be used to improve crop yields, develop new varieties of plants, and study the impact of pests and diseases on crops.
• Education : Applied research can be used to study the effectiveness of teaching methods or to develop new teaching strategies.
• Transportation : Applied research can be used to develop new technologies for transportation, such as electric cars or high-speed trains.
• Communication : Applied research can be used to improve communication technologies, such as developing new methods for wireless communication or improving the quality of video calls.

Examples of Applied Research

Here are some real-time examples of applied research:

• COVID-19 Vaccine Development: The development of COVID-19 vaccines is a prime example of applied research. Researchers applied their knowledge of virology and immunology to develop vaccines that could prevent or reduce the severity of COVID-19.
• Autonomous Vehicles : The development of autonomous vehicles involves applied research in areas such as artificial intelligence, computer vision, and robotics. Companies like Tesla, Waymo, and Uber are conducting extensive research to improve their autonomous vehicle technology.
• Renewable Energy : Research is being conducted on renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro power to improve efficiency and reduce costs. This is an example of applied research that aims to solve environmental problems.
• Precision Agriculture : Applied research is being conducted in the field of precision agriculture, which involves using technology to optimize crop yields and reduce waste. This includes research on crop sensors, drones, and data analysis.
• Telemedicine : Telemedicine involves using technology to deliver healthcare remotely. Applied research is being conducted to improve the quality of telemedicine services, such as developing new technologies for remote diagnosis and treatment.
• Cybersecurity : Applied research is being conducted to improve cybersecurity measures and protect against cyber threats. This includes research on encryption, network security, and data protection.

Purpose of Applied Research

The purpose of applied research is to solve practical problems or improve existing products, technologies, or processes. Applied research is focused on specific goals and objectives and is designed to have direct practical applications in the real world. It seeks to address problems and challenges faced by individuals, organizations, or communities and aims to provide solutions that can be implemented in a practical manner.

The primary purpose of applied research is to generate new knowledge that can be used to solve real-world problems or improve the efficiency and effectiveness of existing products, technologies, or processes. Applied research is often conducted in collaboration with industry, government, or non-profit organizations to address practical problems and create innovative solutions.

Applied research is also used to inform policy decisions by providing evidence-based insights into the effectiveness of specific interventions or programs. By conducting research on the impact of policies and programs, decision-makers can make informed decisions about how to allocate resources and prioritize interventions.

Overall, the purpose of applied research is to improve people’s lives by developing practical solutions to real-world problems. It aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice, and to ensure that research findings are put into action to achieve tangible benefits.

When to use Applied Research

Here are some specific situations when applied research may be appropriate:

• 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.
• 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.

Characteristics of Applied Research

The following are some of the characteristics of applied research:

• Focus on solving real-world problems : Applied research focuses on addressing specific problems or needs in a practical setting, with the aim of developing solutions that can be implemented in the real world.
• Goal-oriented: A pplied research is goal-oriented, with a specific aim of solving a particular problem or meeting a specific need. The research is usually designed to achieve a specific outcome, such as developing a new product, improving an existing process, or solving a particular issue.
• Practical and relevant: Applied research is practical and relevant to the needs of the industry or field in which it is conducted. It aims to provide practical solutions that can be implemented to improve processes or solve problems.
• Collaborative : Applied research often involves collaboration between researchers and practitioners, such as engineers, scientists, and business professionals. Collaboration allows for the exchange of knowledge and expertise, which can lead to more effective solutions.
• Data-driven: Applied research is data-driven, relying on empirical evidence to support its findings and recommendations. Data collection and analysis are important components of applied research, as they help to identify patterns and trends that can inform decision-making.
• Results-oriented: Applied research is results-oriented, with an emphasis on achieving measurable outcomes. Research findings are often used to inform decisions about product development, process improvement, or policy changes.
• Time-bound : Applied research is often conducted within a specific timeframe, with deadlines for achieving specific outcomes. This helps to ensure that the research stays focused on its goals and that the results are timely and relevant to the needs of the industry or field.

Advantages of Applied Research

Some of the advantages of applied research are as follows:

• Practical solutions: Applied research is focused on developing practical solutions to real-world problems, making it highly relevant to the needs of the industry or field in which it is conducted. The solutions developed through applied research are often highly effective and can be implemented quickly to address specific issues.
• Improved processes: Applied research can help organizations to improve their processes, leading to increased efficiency and productivity. The research can identify areas for improvement, such as bottlenecks or inefficiencies, and provide recommendations for optimizing processes.
• Innovation: Applied research can lead to the development of new products, services, and technologies that can transform industries and create new opportunities for growth and innovation. The research can help organizations to identify unmet needs and develop new solutions to meet them.
• Collaboration : Applied research often involves collaboration between researchers and practitioners, leading to the exchange of knowledge and expertise. Collaboration can result in more effective solutions and can help to build partnerships between academia and industry.
• Increased competitiveness : Applied research can help organizations to stay competitive by enabling them to adapt to changing market conditions and customer needs. The research can provide insights into emerging trends and technologies, helping organizations to stay ahead of the curve.
• Economic growth: Applied research can contribute to economic growth by creating new industries and jobs. The research can lead to the development of new technologies and products that can drive economic growth and create new opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation.

Limitations of Applied Research

Some of the limitations of applied research are as follows:

• Limited generalizability: Applied research often focuses on specific contexts and may not be generalizable to other settings. This means that the findings of applied research may not be applicable to other industries, regions, or populations.
• Time and resource constraints: Applied research is often conducted within a specific timeframe and with limited resources. This can limit the scope and depth of the research and may prevent researchers from exploring all possible avenues.
• Potential for bias: Applied research may be influenced by the interests and perspectives of the organization or industry funding the research. This can lead to a bias in the research and potentially compromise the objectivity and validity of the findings.
• Ethical considerations: Applied research may raise ethical concerns, particularly if it involves human subjects or sensitive issues. Researchers must adhere to ethical standards and ensure that the research is conducted in a responsible and respectful manner.
• Limited theoretical development: Applied research tends to focus on practical solutions and may not contribute significantly to theoretical development in a particular field. This can limit the broader impact of the research and may hinder the development of new theories and frameworks.
• Limited focus on long-term impact: Applied research often focuses on short-term outcomes, such as developing a new product or improving a process. This may limit the focus on long-term impacts, such as the sustainability of the solution or its broader implications for the industry or society.

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Muhammad Hassan

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Applied Research Essentials: Types, examples, and writing tips

By charlesworth author services.

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.

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Applied Research Examples: Empowering Real-World Solutions

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Applied research plays a crucial role in various fields, providing practical solutions to real-world problems and driving advancements in technology, healthcare, business, and more. It bridges the gap between theory and practice by translating scientific knowledge into tangible outcomes that positively impact individuals, organizations, communities, or industries. Applied research enables us to develop innovative solutions, refine existing practices, and make informed decisions based on evidence. By focusing on practical applications, applied research contributes to advancements in various fields, ultimately leading to societal progress and improvement. It serves as a driving force for innovation, economic growth, and the overall betterment of individuals and communities. 

What is Applied Research and its purposes?

Applied research is a systematic and practical approach to investigating real-world problems and finding practical solutions. It makes application of scientific methods and techniques to gather and analyze data, conduct experiments, and make evidence-based recommendations. The primary purpose of applied research is to address specific issues or challenges in various fields. It aims to make better-existing practices, processes, or products, validate the effectiveness of interventions or programs, inform policy decisions, and contribute to the development and implementation of evidence-based strategies. 

When using Applied Research

Some common applications of applied research include:

Business and Marketing

Through the utilization of applied research, organizations can gain valuable insights into consumer behavior, evaluate marketing strategies, assess market trends, and identify opportunities for product development and innovation.

Healthcare and Medicine

Applied research is conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of medical treatments, interventions, and healthcare policies. It helps in the advancement of patient outcomes, optimizes healthcare delivery systems, and informs evidence-based medical practices.

In education, applied research informs curriculum development, evaluates program effectiveness, guides evidence-based instruction, informs policy decisions, supports professional development, and optimizes student assessment and evaluation.

Public Policy and Governance

Policymakers can leverage data-driven insights to inform decision-making, evaluate program effectiveness, and enhance governance practices. This approach fosters evidence-based policymaking, promotes transparency, and facilitates effective and equitable governance.

Environmental Studies

Applied research is used to address environmental challenges, such as climate change, pollution, and natural resource management. It helps develop sustainable practices, assess the environmental impact of policies and projects, and guide conservation efforts.

Technology and Engineering

Optimizing efficiency and advancing technology, applied research in technological and engineering fields develops and upgrades products, systems, and processes, addressing practical problems with innovative solutions.

Agriculture and Food Science

Applied research is conducted to raise agricultural practices and crop yields, ensure food safety, and develop sustainable farming methods. It addresses challenges related to food production, distribution, and environmental impact.

Types of Applied Research

Applied research includes various types tailored to address specific practical issues and inform decision-making. Some common types of applied research are:

Evaluation Research

This type of research focuses on assessing the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of programs, interventions, policies, or initiatives. It measures outcomes, identifies strengths and weaknesses, and provides recommendations for improvement.

Action Research

Action research involves collaborative inquiry and problem-solving in real-world settings. It emphasizes the active participation of stakeholders to identify and address practical challenges, often leading to immediate changes or interventions.

Research and Development

R&D is a type of applied research with the objective to create innovative products and services to meet market needs. It requires gathering market information, improving existing products, and developing new ones to fulfill customer demands and enhance organizational effectiveness.

Policy Research

Generating evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, policy research plays a crucial role in informing policy development, implementation, and evaluation. By analyzing existing policies and identifying areas for improvement, it aims to shape effective and informed decision-making processes.

Data Collection Methods

Data collection methods refer to the techniques and approaches used to gather information or data for research purposes. These methods vary depending on the nature of the research question, the type of data needed, and the resources available. Here are some common data collection methods:

This collects data through structured questionnaires or interviews. They can be administered in person, over the phone, through mail, or online. Surveys are useful for gathering information from a large number of participants and obtaining self-reported data on attitudes, opinions, behaviors, or demographics.

Interviews conduct one-on-one or group conversations with participants to gather detailed information. Interviews can be structured (with predetermined questions), semi-structured (with a set of guiding questions), or unstructured (allowing for open-ended discussion). Interviews are useful for exploring complex topics, capturing in-depth insights, and understanding participants’ perspectives.

Observations

The method of observation watches and records behaviors, actions, or events in their natural settings. Researchers can be participant observers (actively participating in the observed context) or non-participant observers (observing from a distance). Observations are valuable for studying social interactions, behaviors, and patterns in real-life contexts.

Experiments

Experiments manipulate variables under controlled conditions to determine cause-and-effect relationships. Participants are assigned to different experimental conditions, and data is collected to assess the impact of the manipulated variables. Experiments allow researchers to study causal relationships and test hypotheses.

Data Analysis Methods

Data analysis methods are the techniques and procedures used to analyze and interpret data collected during a research study. These methods help researchers make sense of the data, identify patterns, draw conclusions, and answer research questions. Data analysis plays a crucial role in research as it transforms raw data into meaningful insights and supports evidence-based decision-making. Some common data analysis methods are:

Descriptive Statistics

Descriptive statistics summarize and describe the main characteristics of the data. They include measures such as mean, median, mode, standard deviation, and frequency distributions. Descriptive statistics provide a snapshot of the data’s central tendency, dispersion, and distribution.

Inferential Statistics

Inferential statistics make inferences or draw conclusions about a population based on a sample. These methods help researchers test hypotheses, determine statistical significance, and make generalizations. Examples of inferential statistics include t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), regression analysis, and chi-square tests.

Data Mining

Data mining uses computational algorithms to discover patterns, trends, and relationships within large datasets. It helps identify hidden insights and generate predictive models. Data mining techniques include association rule mining, classification, clustering, and anomaly detection.

Applied Research Methodology

Applied research methodology refers to the systematic approach used to conduct applied research studies. It is a series of steps and procedures designed to gather relevant data, analyze it, and draw meaningful conclusions to address real-world problems or provide practical solutions. The methodology for applied research typically includes the following key components:

Problem Identification

Clearly defining and understanding the specific problem or issue to be addressed is the first step in applied research methodology. Conducting a thorough literature review, consulting with experts, and engaging stakeholders are essential steps to gain insights into the problem’s context, scope, and potential impact.

Research Design

Developing a research design involves determining the appropriate research approach, such as quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods, based on the research objectives and the nature of the problem. It also includes selecting the appropriate data collection methods, sampling techniques, and data analysis procedures.

Data Collection

Data collection methods are chosen based on the research design and the type of data required. Common data collection methods include surveys, interviews, observations, experiments, case studies, and document analysis. Rigorous data collection techniques ensure the collection of accurate and reliable data relevant to the research problem.

Data Analysis

Data analysis is about processing, organizing, and interpreting the collected data to derive meaningful insights. Depending on the nature of the data, quantitative analysis techniques such as statistical analysis, regression analysis, or data mining may be used. Qualitative analysis techniques, such as thematic analysis or content analysis, can be employed for textual or qualitative data.

Results and Conclusion

The analyzed data is used to draw conclusions, identify patterns, and make inferences related to the research problem. The results are presented in a clear and concise manner, often through tables, charts, or visualizations. Conclusions should be supported by evidence from the data analysis and aligned with the research objectives.

Examples of Applied Research

The applied research examples illustrate how this addresses real-world issues and aims to provide practical solutions that can be implemented and make a meaningful impact in various domains. Here are some applied research examples across different fields:

In healthcare, the focus is finding practical solutions to improve patient care and outcomes. For example, a study investigating the effectiveness of a new medical treatment or therapy for a specific condition would be considered applied research.

The primary objective is to increase teaching methods, curriculum development, and student learning outcomes. This involves evaluating the effectiveness of various instructional approaches and designing interventions to foster improved student engagement and achievement.

In the domain of business and marketing, the emphasis is on tackling practical issues encountered by organizations. This can include analyzing consumer behavior to devise impactful marketing strategies or conducting market research to evaluate the viability of introducing a new product. Such endeavors align with the principles of applied research.

Environmental Science

The objective is to devise practical solutions for addressing environmental challenges. This can encompass studying the effects of pollution on ecosystems, formulating sustainable practices, or assessing the efficacy of conservation initiatives. These pursuits align with the principles of applied research.

Engineering and Technology

The emphasis of applied research on engineering and technology is to create inventive solutions for real-world problems. This could entail research endeavors aimed at enhancing energy efficiency, refining manufacturing techniques, or pioneering novel materials.

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Applied Research: Definition, Types & Examples

Every research project begins with a clear definition of the investigation’s purpose, which helps to identify the research procedure or approach used. In this sense, a researcher can conduct either basic or applied research.

This research focuses on answering specific questions to solve a specific problem. It tries to identify a solution to a cultural or organizational problem and is often a follow-up research plan for basic or pure research.

In this blog, we will explain the types of applied research and give some examples. But before that, we will go through what it is.

What is applied research?

Applied research is a non-systematic way of finding solutions to specific research problems or issues. These problems or issues can be on an individual, group, or societal level. It is called “non-systematic” because it goes straight to finding solutions.

It is often called a “scientific process” because it uses the available scientific tools and puts them to use to find answers.

Like in regular research, the researcher identifies the problem, makes a hypothesis, and then experiments to test it. It goes deeper into the findings of true or basic research.

LEARN ABOUT:   Research Process Steps

Types of applied research

This research has three types: 

• Evaluation research, 
• Research and Development, and 
• Action research. 

The short versions of each type are explained below:

• Evaluation research

Evaluation research is one type of applied research. It looks at the information on a research subject. This kind of research leads to objective research or helps people make better decisions sooner. Most of the time, evaluation research is used in business settings. 

The organization uses this research to figure out how the overhead costs can be cut down or cut down a lot.

• Research and development

Research and Development is the second type of applied research. Its main goal is to create or design new products, goods, or services that meet the needs of certain markets in society. It finds out what the needs of the market are. It focuses on finding new ways to improve products that already meet an organization’s needs.

• Action research

Action research is the third type of applied research. Action research is a way to learn about things that happen in everyday life and nature. Its goal is to find real-world solutions to business problems by pointing the business in the right direction.

LEARN ABOUT: Action Research

Examples of applied research

Applied study is used in many areas of study and research, from the sciences to the social sciences. We also talk about how it’s used in those fields and give some examples:

• Applied study in business

Applied study in business sectors is fully dependent on their products and services. It helps organizations understand market needs and trends, and then shape their products to fit customers.

Businesses benefit from This research because it allows them to detect gaps in their findings and obtain primary information on target market preferences.

• It can improve hiring.
• It improves work and policy.
• It identifies workplace skill gaps.
• Applied study in education

The applied study is used in the education field to test different ways of teaching and to find better ways of teaching and learning. Before implementing new education policies, they are tested to see how well they work, how they affect teaching, and how the classroom works.

Applied education research uses quantitative and qualitative methods to collect data from first-hand sources. This information is then looked at and interpreted differently to generate valuable results or conclusions.

LEARN ABOUT: Qualitative Interview

Most applied research in this field is done to develop and test different ways of doing things by trying them out in different situations. It is based on accurate observations and descriptions of the real world.

• Applied study to understand the reach of online learning initiatives.
• Applied study to promote teacher-student classroom engagement.
• Applied study on the new math program.
• Applied study in science

As already said, applied study is often called a scientific process because it uses the available scientific tools to find answers. It can be used in physics, microbiology, thermodynamics, and other fields.

• The applied study is put into practice to cure a disease.
• The applied study is put into practice to improve agricultural practices.
• The applied study is applied to testing new laboratory equipment.
• Applied study in psychology

Researchers use this research in psychology to figure out how people act at work, how HR works, and how the organization is growing and changing so they can come up with solutions.

It is used a lot in areas where researchers try to figure out how people think and then come up with solutions that fit their behavior best.

• Applied study to figure out new ways to deal with depression.
• Applied study to improve students’ grades by emphasizing practical Education.
• Applied study to create a plan to keep employees coming to work regularly.
• Applied study in health

This research is used to examine new drugs in the medical industry. It combines scientific knowledge and procedures with health experiences to produce evidence-based results.

• Applied study in heart surgery.
• Applied study to determine a drug’s efficacy.
• Applied study on a medicine’s adverse effects.

LEARN ABOUT: Theoretical Research

Applied research is an important way to research because it helps organizations find real-world solutions to specific problems while also increasing their output and productivity. In contrast to basic research, which focuses on making theories that explain things, applied research focuses on describing evidence to find solutions.

In the applied study, the researcher uses qualitative and quantitative methods to collect data, such as questionnaires, interviews, and observation methods. Conducting interviews is one of the examples of qualitative data in education . It helps the researcher collect real-world evidence, which is then tested depending on the type of applied research and the main focus.

At QuestionPro, we give researchers access to a library of long-term research insights and tools for collecting data, like our survey software. Go to InsightHub if you want to see a demo or learn more about it.

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Applied Research Paper

Graduate students who are not completing a thesis must complete an applied research paper (sometimes called a “file paper” or “exit paper”). Whereas the thesis is a report of the outcome of the student’s own research, the applied research paper is formatted similarly to a case presentation, including a comprehensive biopsychosocial, relevant research literature (e.g., etiology, diagnosis, treatment), detailed theoretical case conceptualization, and a treatment summary (e.g. goals, methods, and course of treatment).

Applied Research Prospectus

Once a case is identified, students should prepare a 1-2 page prospectus for the Graduate Program Coordinator. The purpose of the prospectus is to verify that the selected case is appropriate for use in the applied research paper. To this end, students should provide the following information in the prospectus: brief summary of the presenting problem, nature and course of treatment, current treatment status, and a list of potential references for use in the paper. Furthermore, the prospectus should also indicate who the student would like to serve as Graduate Committee chair and committee member(s). The Graduate Program Coordinator will review the prospectus and circulate the document to the proposed committee chair and members for review. Should faculty feel there are significant concerns regarding the case, the student will be required to submit a revised prospectus or select another case for presentation and submit a new prospectus. Feedback will be provided to the student regarding faculty concerns by the Graduate Program Coordinator.

The applied research paper represents formal evidence of a student’s mastery in applying research and theory to case conceptualization and intervention. To this end, the applied research paper should not only present a summary of assessment and intervention with a client, the applied research paper should provide a summary of relevant research. For example, if an student were presenting a case in which one was treating a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder using an interpersonal theoretical orientation, then the applied research paper would necessarily provide a brief literature review of interpersonal theory and its usefulness in the treatment of major depressive disorder. A checklist of the typical sections and subsections of the applied research paper is provided below. Occasionally, the unique nature of a particular case may merit some deviation from this format. These deviations should be made with the approval of the graduate advisory chair.

Due to the confidential nature of an Applied Research Paper, all identifying information should be redacted and a pseudonym should be used for the client and other individuals in the Applied Paper. This document is to be treated as a case file-it should never be sent electronically. Please save it on the clinician thumb drive only and follow the rules for the clinic thumb drives.      

Applied paper is single spaced, with headers for each section, and written in a Biopsychosocial format. The following structure should be followed:

Background Information

            Presenting problem/history of the problem

            Individual/family history

            Medical/Psychological history

            Testing information (if available)

            Complete DSM-5 TR diagnosis or diagnoses

Case Formulation

            Diversity (RESPECTFUL or ADDRESSING)

            Life-Span Stages and Typical Issues

            Theory

This is the most important section of the applied research paper.  Not only are students expected to demonstrate a clear, theoretically based understanding of the client’s symptoms and the mechanisms causing these symptoms, this conceptualization should directly inform the treatment goals and structure both treatment summary and recommendations for the future.

Treatment Goals

            Based upon the case formulation

Treatment Summary

            Changes across treatment

                        Symptoms

                        Behaviors

                        Skills

Recommendations for the future

            Empirically Supported Treatments/Experimentally Based Treatments

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Applied Research for Students

• What is Applied Research?
• How to Conduct a Literature Review
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Writing Each Section of Your Applied Research Paper

• Writing Lab Reports from Trent U
• Writing the Experimental Report: Overview, Introduction and Lit Reviews (Purdue)
• Writing the Experimental Report: Methods, Results, and Discussion (Purdue)
• Organizing and Writing Your Research Paper (USC)
• Writing and Communicating Technical Information (Seneca Libraries)

eBooks about Writing the Research Paper

• eBook chapters about writing research papers
• eBook chapters about writing academic essays

Resources to Improve Your Writing

• Academic Phrasebank Select one of the categories along the top of the page for examples phrases and statements for writing methods and results.
• Seneca Polytechnic Learning Centre Review online resources and book a writing tutor.
• Academic Arguments Understanding Arguments Developing Arguments Comparing & Contrasting Avoiding Logical Fallacies Addressing Assumptions Responding to Counterarguments

Seneca Student Examples

• The Seneca Student Project Repository The Seneca Student Project Repository is a collection of selected projects from students.
• Knowledge Mobilization Hub Seneca's Knowledge Mobilization Hub (KMH) is a collaborative project between Seneca faculty and Seneca Libraries. It is a publicly accessible repository showcasing student capstone work and other special projects.
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• Next: Sharing Your Research >>
• Last Updated: May 30, 2024 9:22 AM
• URL: https://library.senecapolytechnic.ca/appliedresearch

What is Applied Research? Definition, Types, Examples

Appinio Research · 10.01.2024 · 35min read

Ever wondered how groundbreaking solutions to real-world challenges are developed, or how innovations come to life? Applied research holds the key. In this guide, we will delve deep into the world of applied research, uncovering its principles, methodologies, and real-world impact.  From harnessing cutting-edge technology to address healthcare crises to revolutionizing industries through data-driven insights, we'll explore the diverse domains where applied research thrives.

What is Applied Research?

Applied research is a systematic and organized inquiry aimed at solving specific real-world problems or improving existing practices, products, or services. Unlike basic research, which focuses on expanding general knowledge, applied research is all about using existing knowledge to address practical issues.

The primary purpose of applied research is to generate actionable insights and solutions that have a direct impact on practical situations. It seeks to bridge the gap between theory and practice by taking existing knowledge and applying it in real-world contexts. Applied research is driven by the need to address specific challenges, make informed decisions, and drive innovation in various domains.

Importance of Applied Research

Applied research holds immense significance across various fields and industries. Here's a list of reasons why applied research is crucial:

• Problem Solving:  Applied research provides effective solutions to real-world problems, improving processes, products, and services.
• Innovation:  It drives innovation by identifying opportunities for enhancement and developing practical solutions.
• Evidence-Based Decision-Making:  Policymakers and decision-makers rely on applied research findings to make informed choices and shape effective policies.
• Competitive Advantage:  In business, applied research can lead to improved products, increased efficiency, and a competitive edge in the market.
• Social Impact:  Applied research contributes to solving societal issues, from healthcare improvements to environmental sustainability.
• Technological Advancement:  In technology and engineering, it fuels advancements by applying scientific knowledge to practical applications.

Applied Research vs. Basic Research

Applied research differs from basic research in several key ways:

• Objectives:  Applied research aims to address specific practical problems or improve existing processes, while basic research seeks to expand general knowledge.
• Focus:  Applied research focuses on solving real-world challenges, whereas basic research explores fundamental principles and concepts.
• Applicability:  Applied research findings are directly applicable to practical situations, while basic research often lacks immediate practical applications.
• Immediate Impact:  Applied research has a more immediate impact on solving problems and improving practices, whereas basic research may have longer-term or indirect effects on knowledge and innovation.
• Research Questions:  Applied research formulates research questions related to practical issues, while basic research poses questions to explore theoretical or fundamental concepts.

Understanding these distinctions is essential for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders in various fields, as it guides the choice of research approach and the expected outcomes of a research endeavor.

Types of Applied Research

Applied research encompasses various types, each tailored to specific objectives and domains. Understanding these types is essential for choosing the right approach to address real-world problems effectively. Here are some common types of applied research, each with its distinct focus and methodologies.

Evaluation Research

Purpose:  Evaluation research assesses the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of programs, interventions, or policies. It aims to determine whether these initiatives meet their intended goals and objectives.

Methodology:  Researchers employ a range of quantitative and qualitative methods , including surveys, interviews, observations, and data analysis, to evaluate the outcomes and outcomes of programs or interventions.

Example:  Evaluating the impact of a public health campaign aimed at reducing smoking rates by analyzing pre- and post-campaign survey data on smoking habits and attitudes.

Action Research

Purpose:  Action research focuses on solving practical problems within a specific organizational or community context. It involves collaboration between researchers and practitioners to implement and assess solutions.

Methodology:  Action research is iterative and participatory, with researchers and stakeholders working together to identify problems, develop interventions, and assess their effectiveness. It often involves cycles of planning, action, reflection, and adjustment.

Example:  Teachers collaborating with researchers to improve classroom teaching methods and student outcomes by implementing and refining innovative teaching strategies.

Case Study Research

Purpose:   Case study research investigates a particular individual, organization, or situation in-depth to gain a comprehensive understanding of a specific phenomenon or issue.

Methodology:  Researchers collect and analyze a wealth of data, which may include interviews, documents, observations, and archival records. The goal is to provide a detailed and context-rich description of the case.

Example:  A detailed examination of a successful startup company's growth strategies and challenges, offering insights into factors contributing to its success.

Applied Experimental Research

Purpose:  Applied experimental research seeks to establish causal relationships between variables by manipulating one or more factors and observing their impact on outcomes. It helps determine cause-and-effect relationships in real-world settings.

Methodology:  Researchers conduct controlled experiments, similar to those in basic research, but within practical contexts. They manipulate variables and use statistical analysis to assess their effects on specific outcomes.

Example:  Testing the impact of different website designs on user engagement and conversion rates by randomly assigning visitors to various design versions and measuring their interactions.

Survey Research

Purpose:   Survey research involves collecting data from a sample of individuals or organizations to understand their opinions, attitudes, behaviors, or characteristics. It is commonly used to gather quantitative data on specific topics.

Methodology:  Researchers design surveys with carefully crafted questions and administer them to a representative sample of the target population . Statistical analysis is used to draw conclusions based on survey responses.

Example:  Conducting a national survey to assess public sentiment and preferences on environmental conservation initiatives and policies.

These types of applied research provide a framework for approaching real-world challenges systematically. Researchers can choose the most appropriate type based on their research goals, objectives, and the nature of the problem or phenomenon they seek to address. By selecting the right approach, applied researchers can generate valuable insights and practical solutions in various fields and disciplines.

How to Prepare for Applied Research?

In the preparatory phase of your applied research journey, you'll lay the groundwork for a successful study. This phase involves a series of crucial steps that will shape the direction and ethics of your research project.

Identifying Research Questions

One of the key starting points for any applied research endeavor is identifying the right research questions. Your research questions should be clear, specific, and directly related to the problem or issue you aim to address.

• Engage with Stakeholders:  Reach out to individuals or groups who are affected by or have an interest in the issue you're researching. Their perspectives can help you formulate relevant questions.
• Consider Feasibility:  Ensure that your research questions are feasible within your available resources, including time, budget, and access to data or participants.
• Prioritize Impact:  Focus on questions that have the potential to create meaningful change or provide valuable insights in your chosen field.

Formulating Hypotheses

Hypotheses serve as the guiding stars of your research, providing a clear direction for your investigation. Formulating hypotheses is a critical step that sets the stage for testing and validating your ideas.

• Testable Predictions:  Your hypotheses should be testable and capable of being proven or disproven through empirical research.
• Informed by Literature:  Base your hypotheses on existing knowledge and insights gained from the literature review. They should build upon what is already known and aim to expand that knowledge.
• Clarity and Precision:  Write your hypotheses in a clear and precise manner, specifying the expected relationship or outcome you intend to explore.

Literature Review

Conducting a thorough literature review is like embarking on a treasure hunt through existing knowledge in your field. It's a comprehensive exploration of what other researchers have already discovered and what gaps in knowledge still exist.

• Search Strategies:  Utilize academic databases, journals, books, and credible online sources to search for relevant literature.
• Analyze Existing Research:  Examine the findings, methodologies, and conclusions of previous studies related to your research topic.
• Identify Research Gaps:  Look for areas where current knowledge is insufficient or contradictory. These gaps will be the foundation for your own research.

Data Collection Methods

Selecting the proper data collection methods is crucial to gather the information needed to address your research questions. The choice of methods will depend on the nature of your research and the type of data you require.

• Quantitative vs. Qualitative:  Decide whether you will collect numerical data (quantitative) or focus on descriptive insights and narratives (qualitative).
• Survey Design :  If surveys are part of your data collection plan, carefully design questions that are clear, unbiased, and aligned with your research goals.
• Sampling Strategies:  Determine how you will select participants or data points to ensure representativeness and reliability.

Ethical Considerations

Ethical considerations are at the heart of responsible research. Ensuring that your study is conducted ethically and with integrity is paramount.

• Informed Consent:  Obtain informed consent from participants, ensuring they understand the purpose of the research, potential risks, and their right to withdraw at any time.
• Confidentiality:  Safeguard participants' personal information and ensure their anonymity when reporting findings.
• Minimizing Harm:  Take measures to mitigate any physical or emotional harm that participants may experience during the research process.
• Ethical Reporting:  Accurately represent your research findings, avoiding manipulation or selective reporting that may mislead readers or stakeholders.

By diligently addressing these aspects of research preparation, you are building a solid foundation for your applied research project, setting the stage for effective data collection and meaningful analysis in the subsequent phases of your study.

How to Design Your Research Study?

When it comes to applied research, the design of your study is paramount. It shapes the entire research process, from data collection to analysis and interpretation. In this section, we will explore the various elements that make up the foundation of your research design.

Research Design Types

Your choice of research design is like selecting the blueprint for your research project. Different research design types offer unique advantages and are suited for different research questions. Here are some common research design types:

• Experimental Design :  In this design, researchers manipulate one or more variables to observe their impact on outcomes. It allows for causal inference but may not always be feasible in applied research due to ethical or practical constraints.
• Descriptive Design:  This design aims to describe a phenomenon or population without manipulating variables. It is often used when researchers want to provide a snapshot of a situation or gain insights into a specific context.
• Correlational Design :  In this design, researchers examine relationships between variables without manipulating them. It helps identify associations but does not establish causation.
• Longitudinal Design :   Longitudinal studies involve collecting data from the same subjects over an extended period. They are valuable for tracking changes or developments over time.
• Cross-Sectional Design :  This design involves data collection from a diverse group of subjects at a single point in time. It's helpful in studying differences or variations among groups.

Sampling Methods

Sampling methods determine who or what will be included in your study. The choice of sampling method has a significant impact on the generalizability of your findings. Here are some standard sampling methods:

• Random Sampling:  This method involves selecting participants or data points entirely at random from the population. It ensures every element has an equal chance of being included, which enhances representativeness .
• Stratified Sampling:  In stratified sampling, the population is divided into subgroups or strata, and then random samples are drawn from each stratum. This method ensures that each subgroup is adequately represented.
• Convenience Sampling:  Researchers choose subjects or data points that are readily available and accessible. While convenient, this method may lead to sampling bias as it may not accurately represent the entire population.
• Purposive Sampling:  In purposive sampling, researchers deliberately select specific individuals or groups based on their expertise, experience, or relevance to the research topic. It is often used when seeking specialized knowledge.

Data Collection Tools

Selecting the right data collection tools is essential to gather accurate and relevant information. Your choice of tools will depend on the research design and objectives. Standard data collection tools include:

• Questionnaires and Surveys:  These structured instruments use standardized questions to gather data from participants. They are suitable for collecting large amounts of quantitative data.
• Interviews:   Interviews can be structured, semi-structured, or unstructured. They provide an opportunity to gather in-depth, qualitative insights from participants.
• Observation:  Direct observation involves systematically watching and recording behaviors or events. It's valuable for studying behaviors or phenomena in their natural context.
• Secondary Data :  Researchers can also utilize existing data sources, such as government reports, databases, or historical records, for their research.

Variables and Measurement

Defining variables and choosing appropriate measurement methods is crucial for ensuring the reliability and validity of your research. Variables are characteristics, phenomena, or factors that can change or vary in your study. They can be categorized into:

• Independent Variables:  These are the variables you manipulate or control in your study to observe their effects on other variables.
• Dependent Variables:  These are the variables you measure to assess the impact of the independent variables.

Choosing the right measurement techniques, scales, or instruments is essential to accurately quantify variables and collect valid data. It's crucial to establish clear operational definitions for each variable to ensure consistency in measurement.

Data Analysis Techniques

Once you have collected your data, the next step is to analyze it effectively. Data analysis involves:

• Data Cleaning:  Removing any errors, inconsistencies, or outliers from your dataset to ensure data quality.
• Statistical Analysis :  Depending on your research design and data type, you may use various statistical techniques such as regression analysis , t-tests, ANOVA, or chi-square tests.
• Qualitative Analysis:  For qualitative data, techniques like thematic analysis, content analysis, or discourse analysis help uncover patterns and themes.
• Data Visualization:  Using graphs, charts, and visual representations to present your data effectively.

Chi-Square Calculator :

t-Test Calculator :

One-way ANOVA Calculator :

Selecting the appropriate analysis techniques depends on your research questions, data type, and objectives. Proper data analysis is crucial for drawing meaningful conclusions and insights from your research.

With a solid understanding of research design, sampling methods, data collection tools, variables, and measurement, you are well-equipped to embark on your applied research journey. These elements lay the groundwork for collecting valuable data and conducting meaningful analyses in the subsequent phases of your study.

How to Conduct Applied Research?

Now that you've prepared and designed your research study, it's time to delve into the practical aspects of conducting applied research. This phase involves the execution of your research plan, from collecting data to drawing meaningful conclusions. Let's explore the critical components in this stage.

Data Collection Phase

The data collection phase is where your research plan comes to life. It's a crucial step that requires precision and attention to detail to ensure the quality and reliability of your data.

• Implement Data Collection Methods:   Execute the data collection methods you've chosen, whether they involve surveys, interviews, observations, or the analysis of existing datasets.
• Maintain Consistency:  Ensure that data collection is carried out consistently according to your research design and protocols. Minimize any variations or deviations that may introduce bias .
• Document the Process:  Keep thorough records of the data collection process. Note any challenges, unexpected occurrences, or deviations from your original plan. Documentation is essential for transparency and replication.
• Quality Assurance:  Continuously monitor the quality of the data you collect. Check for errors, missing information, or outliers. Implement data validation and cleaning procedures to address any issues promptly.
• Participant Engagement:  If your research involves human participants, maintain open and respectful communication with them. Address any questions or concerns and ensure participants' comfort and willingness to participate.

Data Analysis Phase

Once you've collected your data, it's time to make sense of the information you've gathered. The data analysis phase involves transforming raw data into meaningful insights and patterns.

• Data Preparation:  Start by organizing and cleaning your data. This includes dealing with missing values, outliers, and ensuring data consistency.
• Selecting Analysis Methods:  Depending on your research design and data type, choose the appropriate statistical or qualitative analysis methods. Common techniques include regression analysis , content analysis, or thematic coding .
• Conducting Analysis:  Perform the chosen analysis systematically and according to established protocols. Ensure that your analysis is reproducible by documenting every step.
• Interpreting Results:  Interpretation involves making sense of your findings in the context of your research questions and hypotheses. Consider the statistical significance of the results and any practical implications they may have.
• Visualization:  Create visual representations of your data, such as graphs, charts, or tables, to convey your findings effectively. Visualizations make complex data more accessible to a broader audience.

Interpretation of Results

Interpreting research results is a critical step that bridges the gap between data analysis and drawing conclusions. This process involves making sense of the patterns and insights that emerge from your analysis.

• Relate to Hypotheses:  Determine whether your results support or refute your hypotheses. Be prepared to explain any unexpected findings.
• Contextualize Findings:  Consider the broader context in which your research takes place. How do your results fit into the larger body of knowledge in your field?
• Identify Patterns :  Highlight significant trends, correlations, or relationships you've uncovered. Discuss their practical implications and relevance.
• Acknowledge Limitations:  Be transparent about any limitations in your study that may affect the interpretation of results. This includes sample size, data quality, and potential biases.

Drawing Conclusions

Drawing conclusions is the ultimate goal of your research. It involves synthesizing your findings and answering the research questions you initially posed.

• Answer Research Questions:  Explicitly address the research questions you formulated at the beginning of your study. State whether your findings confirm or challenge your initial hypotheses.
• Highlight Insights:  Emphasize the key insights and contributions of your research. Discuss the practical implications of your findings and their relevance to the field.
• Recommend Actions:  Based on your conclusions, suggest practical steps, recommendations, or future research directions. How can your research contribute to addressing the problem or challenge you investigated?
• Consider Implications:  Reflect on the broader implications of your research for stakeholders, policymakers, or practitioners in your field.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

During the data collection, analysis, interpretation, and conclusion-drawing phases, it's essential to be aware of common pitfalls that can affect the quality and integrity of your research.

• Sampling Bias :  Ensure that your sample is representative of the population you intend to study. Address any bias that may have been introduced during data collection.
• Data Manipulation:  Avoid manipulating or selectively reporting data to fit preconceived notions. Maintain transparency in your analysis and reporting.
• Overinterpretation:  Be cautious of drawing overly broad conclusions based on limited data. Acknowledge the limitations of your study.
• Ignoring Ethical Considerations:  Continuously uphold ethical standards in your research, from data collection to reporting. Protect participants' rights and privacy.
• Lack of Validation:  Ensure that the methods and tools you use for data collection and analysis are valid and reliable. Validation helps establish the credibility of your findings.

By navigating the data collection, analysis, interpretation, and conclusion-drawing phases with care and attention to detail, you'll be well-prepared to confidently share your research findings and contribute to advancing knowledge in your field.

How to Report Applied Research Results?

Now that you've conducted your applied research and drawn meaningful conclusions, it's time to share your insights with the world. Effective reporting and communication are crucial to ensure that your research has a real impact and contributes to the broader knowledge base.

Writing Research Reports

Writing a comprehensive research report is the cornerstone of communicating your findings. It provides a detailed account of your research process, results, and conclusions. Here's what you need to consider:

Structure of a Research Report

• Title:  Create a concise, informative title that reflects the essence of your research.
• Abstract:  Summarize your research in a clear and concise manner, highlighting key objectives, methods, results, and conclusions.
• Introduction:  Provide an overview of your research topic, objectives, significance, and research questions.
• Literature Review:  Summarize relevant literature and identify gaps in existing knowledge that your research addresses.
• Methodology:  Describe your research design, sampling methods, data collection tools, and data analysis techniques.
• Results:  Present your findings using tables, charts, and narratives. Be transparent and objective in reporting your results.
• Discussion:  Interpret your results, discuss their implications, and relate them to your research questions and hypotheses.
• Conclusion:  Summarize your main findings, their significance, and the implications for future research or practical applications.
• References:  Cite all sources and studies you referenced in your report using a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).

Writing Tips

• Use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon or overly technical terms.
• Organize your report logically, with headings and subheadings for easy navigation.
• Provide evidence and data to support your claims and conclusions.
• Consider your target audience and tailor the report to their level of expertise and interest.

Creating Visualizations

Visualizations are powerful tools for conveying complex data and making your research findings more accessible. Here are some types of visualizations commonly used in research reports:

Charts and Graphs

• Bar Charts:  Ideal for comparing categories or groups.
• Line Charts:  Effective for showing trends or changes over time.
• Pie Charts:  Useful for displaying proportions or percentages.
• Data Tables:  Present numerical data in an organized format.
• Cross-tabulations:  Show relationships between variables.

Diagrams and Maps

• Flowcharts:  Visualize processes or workflows.
• Concept Maps:  Illustrate connections between concepts.
• Geographic Maps:  Display spatial data and patterns.

When creating visualizations:

• Choose the correct type of visualization for your data and research questions.
• Ensure that visualizations are labeled, clear, and easy to understand.
• Provide context and explanations to help readers interpret the visuals.

Presenting Your Research

Presenting your research to an audience is an opportunity to engage, educate, and inspire. Whether it's through a conference presentation, seminar, or webinar, effective communication is vital.

• Know Your Audience:  Tailor your presentation to the interests and expertise of your audience.
• Practice:  Rehearse your presentation to ensure a smooth delivery and confident demeanor.
• Use Visual Aids:  Enhance your presentation with visual aids such as slides, images, or videos.
• Engage with Questions:  Encourage questions and discussions to foster interaction and clarify points.
• Stay within Time Limits:  Respect time constraints and stay on schedule.

Peer Review Process

Before your research is published, it typically undergoes a peer review process. This involves experts in your field evaluating the quality, validity, and significance of your work. The peer review process aims to ensure the integrity and credibility of your research.

• Submission:  Submit your research manuscript to a journal or conference for review.
• Editorial Review:  The editorial team assesses your submission's fit with the journal's scope and may conduct an initial review for quality and compliance.
• Peer Review:  Your manuscript is sent to peer reviewers who evaluate it for methodology, validity, significance, and adherence to ethical standards.
• Feedback and Revision:  Based on reviewers' feedback, you may be asked to revise and improve your research.
• Acceptance or Rejection:  After revisions, the manuscript is reevaluated, and a decision is made regarding publication.

Publishing Your Research

Publishing your research is the final step in sharing your findings with the broader scientific community. It allows others to access and build upon your work. Consider the following when choosing where to publish:

• Journal Selection:  Choose a reputable journal that aligns with your research field and target audience.
• Review Process:  Understand the journal's peer review process and requirements for submission.
• Open Access:  Consider whether you want your research to be open access, freely accessible to all.

Once published, actively promote your research through academic networks, conferences, and social media to maximize its reach and impact.

By effectively reporting and communicating your research findings, you contribute to the advancement of knowledge, inspire others, and ensure that your hard work has a meaningful impact on your field and beyond.

Applied Research Examples

To provide a deeper understanding of applied research's impact and relevance, let's delve into specific real-world examples that demonstrate how this type of research has addressed pressing challenges and improved our lives in tangible ways.

Applied Medical Research: mRNA Vaccines

Example:  mRNA (messenger RNA) vaccine technology, exemplified by the COVID-19 vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, is a remarkable achievement in the field of applied medical research.

Applied researchers in this domain utilized mRNA technology to create vaccines that provide immunity against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Unlike traditional vaccines, which use weakened or inactivated viruses, mRNA vaccines instruct cells to produce a harmless spike protein found on the virus's surface. The immune system then recognizes this protein and mounts a defense, preparing the body to combat the actual virus.

Impact:  The rapid development and deployment of mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic have been groundbreaking. They've played a crucial role in controlling the spread of the virus and saving countless lives worldwide. This example underscores how applied research can revolutionize healthcare and respond swiftly to global health crises.

Environmental Science and Applied Research: Ocean Cleanup

Example:  The Ocean Cleanup Project, founded by Boyan Slat, is an ambitious endeavor rooted in applied research to combat plastic pollution in the world's oceans.

This project employs innovative technology, such as large-scale floating barriers and autonomous systems, to collect and remove plastic debris from the ocean. Applied researchers have played a pivotal role in designing, testing, and optimizing these systems to make them efficient and environmentally friendly.

Impact:  The Ocean Cleanup Project is a testament to the power of applied research in addressing pressing environmental challenges. By removing plastic waste from the oceans, it mitigates harm to marine ecosystems and raises awareness about the urgent need for sustainable waste management.

Business and Applied Research: E-commerce Personalization

Example:   E-commerce giants like Amazon and Netflix use applied research to develop sophisticated personalization algorithms that tailor product recommendations and content to individual users.

Applied researchers in data science and machine learning analyze user behavior, preferences, and historical data to create recommendation systems. These algorithms utilize predictive analytics to suggest products, movies, or shows that align with a user's interests.

Impact:  The application of research-driven personalization has transformed the e-commerce and streaming industries. It enhances user experiences, increases customer engagement, and drives sales by presenting customers with products or content they are more likely to enjoy.

Agriculture and Applied Research: Precision Agriculture

Example:  Precision agriculture employs data-driven technology and applied research to optimize farming practices.

Farmers utilize satellite imagery, sensors, and data analytics to monitor crop conditions, soil health, and weather patterns. Applied research guides the development of precision farming techniques, enabling more efficient resource allocation and reducing environmental impact.

Impact:  Precision agriculture increases crop yields, conserves resources (such as water and fertilizer), and minimizes the ecological footprint of farming. This approach contributes to sustainable and economically viable agriculture.

These real-world examples underscore the versatility and impact of applied research across diverse domains. From healthcare and environmental conservation to business, education, and agriculture, applied research continually drives innovation, addresses critical challenges, and enhances the quality of life for individuals and communities worldwide.

Conclusion for Applied Research

Applied research is a powerful force for solving real-world problems and driving progress. By applying existing knowledge and innovative thinking, we can address healthcare challenges, protect our environment, improve businesses, enhance education, and revolutionize agriculture. Through this guide, you've gained valuable insights into the what, why, and how of applied research, unlocking the potential to make a positive impact in your field. So, go forth, conduct meaningful research, and be part of the solution to the world's most pressing issues. Remember, applied research is not just a concept; it's a practical approach that empowers individuals and teams to create solutions that matter. As you embark on your own applied research endeavors, keep the spirit of inquiry alive, remain open to new ideas, and never underestimate the transformative power of knowledge put into action.

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• What is Applied Research? + [Types, Examples & Method]

Every research begins with a clear delineation of the purpose of the investigation as this goes a long way to determine the research process or methodology adopted. In this sense, a researcher may choose to carry out basic research or applied research. 

Applied research is set on providing answers to specific questions in a bid to provide a solution to a defined problem. In this article, we will outline the features of this method of systematic investigation as well as how it differs from other approaches to research. 

What is Applied Research?

Applied research is a type of research design that seeks to solve a specific problem or provide innovative solutions to issues affecting an individual, group or society. It is often referred to as a scientific method of inquiry or contractual research because it involves the practical application of scientific methods to everyday problems. 

When conducting applied research, the researcher takes extra care to identify a problem, develop a research hypothesis and goes ahead to test these hypotheses via an experiment. In many cases, this research approach employs empirical methods in order to solve practical problems. 

Applied research is sometimes considered to be a non-systematic inquiry because  of its direct approach in  seeking a solution to a problem. It is typically a follow-up research design that further investigates the findings of pure or basic research in order to validate these findings and apply them to create innovative solutions.     

Types of Applied Research

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

• 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 organisation may adopt evaluation research to determine how to cut down  overhead costs.

• Research and Development

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. It 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.

• 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. Typically, action research is a process of reflective inquiry that is limited to specific contexts and situational in nature.

Examples of Applied Research 

Applied research is relevant in different fields of study; especially science and social science-related fields. Examples of applied research can be seen in medicine, education, business, engineering, psychology and health, and these would be further explicated below. 

Applied Research Example in Business

Applied research is used in business to build knowledge and develop product solutions. It enables organisations to identify the peculiar needs of target markets and this would help them to create different business strategies that would allow them to satisfy these needs. 

In addition, conducting contractual research would help business owners to get insightful feedback on product gaps that may have, otherwise, been ignored. This is a great way to get first-hand information on target market reactions which can inform brand decisions. 

Applied research also helps employers of labour to identify and address the productivity needs of their workforce. For instance, an organization may carry out applied research in order to measure the effectiveness of its recruitment practices or of its organisational structure. 

• Applied research to improve an organization’s hiring process.
• Applied research to improve workplace efficiency and organizational policies.
• Applied research to bridge skill gaps in the workplace.

Applied Research Examples in Education  

In education, applied research is used to test pedagogic processes in order to discover the best teaching and learning methods. It is also used to test educational policies before implementation and to address different issues associated with teaching paradigms and classroom dynamics for a better learning experience. 

Educational applied research attempts solving a problem by gathering data from primary sources using a combination of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. This data serves as empirical evidence which is then subjected to rigorous analysis and description in order to arrive at valid conclusions.

The goal of this research methodology is to determine the applicability of educational theory and principles by way of subjecting hypotheses to experimentation within specific settings. Applied research in education is also more utilitarian as it gathers practical evidence that can inform pragmatic solutions to problems. 

Characteristics of Applied Research in Education 

• It clearly highlights generalizations and hypotheses that inform the research findings.
• It relies on empirical evidence.
• It is set at providing solutions to a defined problem.
• It requires accurate observation and description.
• A study into the way to improve teacher-learner classroom engagements.
• A study into the way to improve a school’s readiness for its students.
• A study to build students’ interests in Mathematics.

Applied Research Example in Science

In itself, applied research is a scientific method of investigation because it applies existing scientific knowledge to practical situations. It is useful in different fields including thermodynamics, physics, material sciences and microbiology. 

Examples of applied research in science include the following: 

• Applied research to improve agricultural crop production
• Applied research to treat or cure a specific disease.

Applied Research Examples in Psychology  

There are different reasons psychologists would make use of applied research in the course of their work. In many cases, industrial-psychologists concerned with workplace behavior, human resources and organisational development combine psychological principles with applied research to proffer solutions. 

Examples of applied research in psychology include:

• Applied research to improve workplace commitment by arriving at practical worker-motivation strategies.
• Investigating treatment and management options for anxiety and panic attacks.
• Investigating factors that improve worker’s productivity.

Applied Research Example in Health   

In health and medical sciences, applied research serves as the background to evidence-based and solution-oriented medicine. It effectively merges scientific knowledge and methods with health experiences in order to arrive at accurate and verifiable results; using empirical research data or evidence. 

The adaptation of applied research to medicine is referred to as applied clinical research . Many health and medical practitioners use applied research to measure the extent to which the findings of basic or pure research can be adopted or modified into a solution-oriented approach.

Examples of applied research in health include:

• An investigation to identify the healing properties of a specific herb.
• An investigation to identify the side effects of using a particular drug.

APPLIED RESEARCH METHODS

Qualitative and quantitative data collection methods are used in applied research to gather empirical evidence that is further subjected to experimentation in order to arrive at valid research outcomes. The following are data collection methods in applied research:

An interview is a qualitative method of data collection that involves having a one-on-one interaction or discussion with the research subjects in order to gather relevant information that can serve as empirical data. It can be conducted with the use of an audio recorder, digital camera or camcorder.

Even though it is time-consuming and expensive, interviews allow the researcher to gather the most relevant data which gives him or her in-depth knowledge about the research subjects. An interview may be structured, semi-structured or unstructured; depending on the research purpose. 

• Surveys/Questionnaires

A questionnaire is an instrument that is typically used for quantitative data gathering . It outlines a series of questions relating to the research context and requires the research subjects to choose or provide responses that reflect their knowledge and experiences.

There are different types of questions that can be contained in a questionnaire including rating scale question s, close and open-ended questions and fixed alternatives. You can create and administer your applied research survey using data-collection platforms like Formplus . 

You can also start choosing from our over 200 online survey/questionnaire templates.

Here is a step-by-step guide on  how to create and administer questionnaires for applied research using Formplus

Sign in to Formplus

In the Formplus builder, you can easily create different questionnaires for applied research by dragging and dropping preferred fields into your form. To access the Formplus builder, you will need to create an account on Formplus. 

Once you do this, sign in to your account and click on “Create Form ” to begin.

Edit Form Title

Click on the field provided to input your form title, for example, “Applied Research Questionnaire”.

Click on the edit button to edit the form.

i. Add Fields: Drag and drop preferred form fields into your form in the Formplus builder inputs column. There are several field input options for questionnaires in the Formplus builder. 

ii. Edit fields

iii. Click on “Save”

iv. Preview form. 

Form Customization

With the form customization options in the form builder, you can easily improve on the appearance of your questionnaire and make it more unique and personalized. Formplus allows you to change your form theme, add background images and even change the font according to your needs. 

Multiple Sharing Options

Formplus also provides multiple form sharing options which enables you to easily share your questionnaire with respondents. With the direct social media sharing buttons, you can swiftly share your applied research questionnaire link to your organization’s social media pages. 

You can send out your questionnaire as email invitations to your research subjects too. Formplus also allows you to share your form’s QR code or embed it in your organization’s website for easy access. 

• Data Reporting

The process of gathering useful information about a research subject which can be used for further research. This can be done through not-for-profit reports, newspapers, website articles and hospital records.

It helps you  gather relevant data that results in more insightful decisions.  However, it is susceptible to bias because the information can easily be exaggerated by the individual or group collecting the data. 

• Observation

A type of data gathering method in applied research that requires the researcher to pay close attention to a subject (s) in order to gather useful information about it. Although bias may arise with this method, observation is widely considered as a universally accepted research practice.

Observation helps the researcher to gather empirical data and thus, it is the starting point for the formulation of a hypothesis. There are different techniques for observation including complete observer, complete participant, participant as observer and observer as participant. 

• Focus Groups

A focus group is a type of qualitative data collection process that allows the researcher to gather information about the disposition, feelings and opinions of the research subjects about a specific issue.

Here, the researcher engages a group comprising 6-10 individuals with a range of open-ended questions with the aim of gathering feedback about their emotional disposition to the issue at hand. This method is cost-effective compared to one-on-one interviews, and the information obtained is insightful and detailed. 

How is Applied Research Different from Basic Research?

Applied research and basic research are common methods of inquiry, based on purpose or utility. However, there are key differences between these 2 research approaches and these would be clearly outlined below: 

Applied research is a type of research that is aimed at the practical application of science in order to solve practical problems. On the other hand, basic research is a type of research that is aimed at expanding knowledge rather than solving problems. 

Basic research is theoretical in nature while applied research is practical and descriptive in nature. Basic research explores and generates theories that may be abstract while applied research tests these theories in order to solve a problem. 

Basic research is universal while applied research is limited. Basic research can focus on diverse or multiple contexts while applied research focuses on specific contexts with the aim of providing a solution to an identified problem. 

Applied research is focused on providing answers or solutions to a specific research question while basic research focuses on multiple concepts at the same time in its quest to expand knowledge. 

• Applied research pays attention to external validity while basic research is more focused on internal validity .

Characteristics of Applied Research 

• Applied research is solution-specific and it addresses practical problems. Unlike basic research that is aimed at theorizing and expanding knowledge, applied research focuses on addressing a particular problem using a range of science-based approaches.
• Applied research is descriptive in nature as it arrives at solutions by experimenting on empirical evidence and describing research outcomes.
• Usually, applied research tests theories arrived at by pure research in order to determine the usefulness of these theories in solving practical problems.
• It describes the relationship between research variables by measuring the characteristics of dependent and independent variables.
• Applied research relies on empirical evidence in order to arrive at valid research outcomes.
• It is not theoretical and it is not directly concerned with the expansion of knowledge.
• Applied research is synthetic in nature.
• It is aimed at the cost-effective reduction of social problems.
• Applied research is action-oriented.

Advantages of Applied Research

• Validity: Applied research is unbiased in nature because it tests empirical evidence in order to arrive at valid research outcomes. It employs carefully mapped-out procedures, and this makes it a more valid research approach.
• It is useful in solving specific problems. It helps individuals and organizations to find solutions to specific problems.

Disadvantages of Applied Research 

• It is not flexible in nature as it is restricted to a stipulated deadline.
• Applied research is limited in nature and it cannot be generalized. In other words, the findings from applied research cannot be generalized.

Conclusion 

Applied research is an important research approach because it helps organisations to arrive at practical solutions to specific problems while improving their productivity and output. Unlike basic research that focuses on generating theories that explain phenomena, applied research pays attention to describing empirical evidence with the aim of providing solutions. 

In carrying out applied research, the researcher combines a number of qualitative and quantitative data-gathering methods including questionnaires, observation methods, and interviews. This helps the researcher to gather empirical evidence that is then subjected to experimentation depending on the type of applied research and the overall focus. 

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Basic vs. applied research

• Coding qualitative data for valuable insights

What is the difference between applied research and basic research?

Examples of basic research vs. applied research, basic vs. applied research: a comparative analysis, the interplay between basic and applied research, introduction.

Basic and applied research look at existing knowledge and create new knowledge in different ways. They share the same basic principles of contributing to knowledge through research findings, but their aims and objectives are distinctly different.

In the vast realm of scientific inquiry, research stands as the cornerstone for advancement, driving our understanding of the world and fostering innovation. At its core, research can be bifurcated into two primary types: applied and basic research . While both serve pivotal roles in contributing to our collective knowledge, they operate with distinct objectives and outcomes.

Any approach that is called basic research delves into the foundational principles and theories of science. It is driven by a researcher's curiosity and the aspiration to expand the frontiers of understanding. The primary goal isn't to solve an immediate problem but to garner knowledge for the sake of understanding.

On the other hand, applied research focuses on analysis intended to solve practical problems. Conducting applied research means seeking solutions to specific, tangible challenges that society or industries face. Using the principles derived from basic research, applied research aims to bring about real-world impact and deliver pragmatic solutions.

Basic research

Basic research, often called "pure" or "fundamental" research , is characterized by its intrinsic quest to unravel the mysteries of nature and society. It is an investigation into the very core of phenomena, aiming to discover new principles, theories, or facts without an immediate application in mind. This kind of research is often propelled by the researcher's curiosity, a thirst to understand the "why" and "how" of things, rather than the "what can we do with it."

Basic research has a relatively broad scope and aims to enhance the existing body of knowledge in a particular field. It's not about creating a new product, improving a process, or solving a current societal problem. Instead, it's about laying the groundwork for future investigations, paving the way for applied research to build upon. Basic research poses questions like, "What are the fundamental principles of this phenomenon?" or "How does this process work at different levels?"

Such goals provide the essential framework upon which much of our modern understanding and technological advancement rests. Without the exploratory and explanatory nature of basic research, the foundational knowledge needed to drive innovation would be missing.

Applied research

While basic research focuses on curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, applied research takes a different approach by examining how real-world phenomena or outcomes can be altered. At its core, applied research is oriented towards identifying practical solutions to specific problems. Its primary objective is not just to add to the existing knowledge base but to leverage that knowledge to develop solutions, innovations, or interventions that can be directly applied in the real world.

Applied research is deeply rooted in real-world issues. Whether it's finding a cure for a specific disease, developing a new technological solution for environmental challenges, or creating strategies to improve education in underprivileged communities, the primary goal is to generate practical outcomes that can be directly implemented. Its relevance is often immediately apparent, as it's tailored to answer particular challenges faced by society, industries, or organizations.

The line between basic and applied research can sometimes blur, especially when foundational discoveries from basic research lead directly to tangible applications. However, the main distinction lies in the intent: while basic research seeks to understand the fundamental nature of phenomena, applied research aims to harness that understanding for tangible benefits.

Applied research is invaluable as it accelerates the transition of theoretical knowledge into practical, impactful solutions. Through applied research, the abstract findings of basic research are transformed into actionable insights, tools, and technologies that shape our daily lives and address pressing challenges.

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Research in the social sciences encompasses a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from understanding human behavior and societal structures to exploring the dynamics of interpersonal relationships. Basic and applied research methods in the social sciences offer unique insights into these areas. Let's delve into some examples to understand their distinct approaches.

Basic research examples

The social construction of reality

A classic area of investigation in sociology is understanding how societies construct reality. This kind of research delves deep into the ways cultures, languages, and institutions shape our understanding of the world. It doesn't immediately aim to solve societal problems but provides essential insights into how perceptions and beliefs are formed. Research methods often used for this type of study include in-depth interviews , participant observations , and ethnographic studies .

Attachment theory in psychology

Attachment theory seeks to understand the deep emotional and physical attachment between a child and at least one primary caregiver. It delves into the nature of attachment and its implications for personal development. The research often involves longitudinal studies that observe behaviors over extended periods.

Applied research examples

Interventions for at-risk youth

Applied researchers might design programs or interventions to help at-risk youth, building on the foundational knowledge of psychology, sociology, and education. The research might involve evaluating the effectiveness of a particular program, using methods like surveys , focus groups , and pre-and-post assessments.

Communication strategies for public health

Understanding human behavior is crucial for successful public health campaigns. Researchers might study the best ways to communicate vital health information to various populations, especially in times of crisis like pandemics. Methods often include A/B testing of messages, surveys to assess message efficacy, and observational studies to gauge real-world behavior following communication campaigns.

The distinction between basic and applied research is not just a matter of intent or outcome; it also encompasses differences in methodologies , scopes, and approaches. Let's undertake a comparative analysis to illuminate these distinctions further, particularly in the context of the social sciences.

Purpose and motivation

Basic research is motivated by the quest for knowledge. It seeks to answer fundamental questions about human behavior, societal structures, and the interplay between various social factors. The driving force here is curiosity. In contrast, applied research is driven by the need to address specific societal or practical problems. Its purpose is to take the theoretical knowledge derived from basic research and convert it into actionable solutions.

Methodological approaches

It's important to acknowledge that there is no one universal research method that can address all potential research inquiries. Moreover, the same research methods, such as conducting interviews or engaging in inductive and deductive reasoning , can be utilized in basic and applied research, but they will differ in their scope and objectives. While applied research is more experimental or confirmatory, a basic research approach is often exploratory or explanatory in nature. Basic research methods include ethnography , in-depth interviews , or longitudinal studies to gain a deep understanding of a topic. The focus is on generating theories and understanding patterns.

Applied research, on the other hand, often employs more structured and targeted methodologies. Surveys , experiments, and evaluations are commonly used to verify propositions, assess the efficacy of interventions, or gauge public opinion. The approach is more pragmatic, seeking results that can inform decisions and guide actions.

Outcomes and results

Basic research outcomes are usually theoretical contributions: new concepts, theories, or insights into existing phenomena. The results expand the academic literature and provide a foundation for future studies.

Applied research results in tangible solutions or recommendations. The outcomes might include a new social program, policy recommendations, interventions, or communication strategies. The results are geared towards immediate implementation and often have direct implications for organizations, governments, or communities.

The discourse on basic and applied research often sets them apart, emphasizing their distinct objectives and methodologies. However, it's crucial to recognize that these research types aren't isolated from each other. They coexist in a symbiotic relationship, where the findings from basic research often provide the foundational knowledge for applied research, and the results of applied research can inspire further basic investigations.

The transition of knowledge

One of the most notable instances of the interplay is how basic research's findings become the bedrock for applied research projects. For example, a basic research study on cognitive development in children might reveal specific patterns or stages. An applied researcher, recognizing the implications of these findings, could then design educational interventions tailored to these developmental stages.

How one complements the other

Basic research pushes the boundaries of our understanding, expanding the horizon of what we know. Applied research, on the other hand, can reframe this expansive knowledge and make it relevant and actionable for society's immediate needs.

But the relationship is reciprocal. Applied research can also highlight gaps in our understanding, pointing out areas where basic research is needed. For instance, if an intervention designed based on current knowledge fails to achieve its intended results, it signals to basic researchers that there might be underlying factors or dynamics not yet understood.

The dynamic continuum

Instead of viewing basic and applied research as two separate entities, it's more accurate to see them as points on a continuum. The knowledge generated by basic research flows towards applied projects, which in turn can inspire further basic investigations. This dynamic loop ensures that research in the social sciences remains both grounded in fundamental understanding and relevant to real-world challenges.

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Overcoming Barriers to Applied Research: A Guide for Practitioners

Amber l. valentino.

Trumpet Behavioral Health, 6475 Sierra Lane, Dublin, CA 94568 USA

Jessica F. Juanico

The research-to-practice gap is evident in many disciplines. This gap can be seen through practitioners failing to integrate the latest research findings into their work, and through the implementation of procedures that do not have empirical support. As the number of behavior-analytic practitioners grows, this gap is likely to become more salient. One solution to closing the gap is for practitioners to conduct applied research. This survey study aimed to identify specific barriers that practitioners face when conducting research, to identify how valuable conducting research is to practitioners, and to make recommendations to support research productivity in practice. We report results from survey questions about applied research and provide practical recommendations for practitioners to overcome barriers and to begin conducting research during their clinical work.

Many professions have long acknowledged a gap between research and practice, including education (McIntyre, 2006 ), human resources (HR; Rynes, Colbert, & Brown, 2002 ), and psychology (Wandersman et al., 2008 ). This research-to-practice gap can be bidirectional, consisting of practitioners failing to implement the latest research findings into their practice, or practitioners implementing treatments that lack empirical backing. The former is most commonly acknowledged. For example, HR research suggests that the field should rely on intelligence and personality tests as predictors of employee performance; however, Rynes et al. ( 2002 ) found that HR practitioners do not rely on these tests, suggesting a gap between research and practice. The field of behavior analysis is no exception. This gap can be problematic, resulting in outdated practices and irrelevant research, and can consist of many components. These components may include practitioners failing to read the latest research articles or researchers failing to examine applied issues that will allow them to conduct research relevant to clinical practice. Kelley et al. ( 2015 ) attributed this gap to a large increase in the demand for services, resulting in an increase in the number of practitioners certified as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), whereas the number of researchers in academic settings who are producing studies has remained very low. In the past 2 years, the number of BCBAs has grown exponentially. As of July 1, 2019, there were 34,471 BCBAs and 3,631 Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs; Behavior Analyst Certification Board [BACB], bacb.com , retrieved July 1, 2019).

Most studies on the research-to-practice gap have focused on how to encourage practitioners to more readily consume the research literature and implement findings. For example, Goodfellow ( 2004 ) proposed a structured journal club designed to reduce barriers to utilizing research in clinical settings to improve nursing students’ reliance on evidence-based practice. As an example, in the field of behavior analysis, Carr and Briggs ( 2010 ) proposed several resources in order for practitioners to make regular contact with the scholarly literature (e.g., organizing the bookmark panel on their web browser to minimize the effort associated with accessing important websites, creating a supportive social community). Efforts to support practitioners in consuming the literature should continue. However, another way to address the research-to-practice gap is to encourage practitioners to conduct research in the context of their clinical practice.

Kelley et al. ( 2015 ) proposed that for research to keep up with the issues faced in clinical practice, practitioners should readily conduct research during their daily clinical activities. To facilitate this productivity, Kelley et al. identified prolific practitioner-researchers in the field and interviewed them to create a list of recommendations. These recommendations included (a) arranging as much face-to-face contact with your peer researchers, collaborators, and research supervisees as possible; (b) using an economical, reliable, and safe method of data collection and, if possible, having staff members assist in data collection; (c) writing the results of your research collaboratively; (d) dedicating time to plan, conduct, or write the results of research on a regular basis (ideally each week); and (e) staying close to your project from the initial planning stage through article submission. The recommendations to practitioners by these authors are significant and represent the first of their kind in the field of behavior analysis; however, Kelley et al. noted that practitioners may still encounter barriers to conducting research, including limited resources, competing contingencies, the lack of a formal institutional review board, and rigorous methodology requirements that may not be feasible in clinical practice. Kelley et al. recommended that a next step in supporting practitioners to conduct research might be to survey practitioners “in a variety of applied organizations to inquire about the variables preventing research among employees and what could be done to increase research productivity among practitioners” (p. 206).

Therefore, the purposes of this study were to (a) identify specific barriers through a survey of practitioners in a wide variety of applied settings, (b) identify the value that practitioners place on conducting research, and (c) extend Kelley et al. ( 2015 ) by making additional recommendations for overcoming identified barriers and supporting research productivity among practitioners.

Participants

This study included BCaBAs, BCBAs, and doctoral-level BCBAs (BCBA-Ds) presently employed in a clinical setting. Participants were recruited through voluntary sampling (Remler & Van Ryzin, 2011 , p. 153). We recruited participants through the BACB’s e-mail service, which is an e-mail contact list of all registered certificants. The e-mail was sent directly through the BACB.

The number of individuals who received the invitation to participate is unknown, as data tracking was not available. Therefore, a corresponding response rate was not calculated. Only those responses that were fully completed were included in the data analysis. A total of 834 (99.88%) participants agreed to participate in the study. One (0.12%) individual chose not to participate. Of those who participated, 824 (99.52%) were board certified, 4 (0.48%) were not board certified and ended the survey, and 10 skipped this question. Of those certified, 46 (5.58%) were BCaBAs, 658 (79.85%) were BCBAs, and 120 (14.56%) were BCBA-Ds. The majority of practitioners reported being certified for 5 years or less (i.e., 31.50% between 0 and 2 years, and 35.16% between 3 and 5 years).

Nearly all practitioners (90.7%) reported that they serve individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A little over 85% of practitioners reported working with children 0–9 years old, and 71.9% reported working with adolescents 10–19 years old. Other practitioners reported working with individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (62.3%), adults (19+ years old; 34.4%), and other (8.5%). Finally, most practitioners indicated that they worked for an organization with less than 100 employees (i.e., 43.93% between 0 and 50, and 14.39% with 51–100 employees); however, many respondents also reported working for an organization with more than 100 employees (i.e., 16.34% between 101 and 250, 10.34% between 251 and 500, and 14.99% greater than 500).

Instrumentation

A survey was developed by the two authors, both with experience conducting research in applied settings. This survey was designed within SurveyMonkey™ and consisted of 18 questions. The first five questions were demographic or focused on practitioners’ work settings. We asked practitioners if they worked for a clinical organization. Those who responded yes moved on to complete the remainder of the survey. The survey stopped for those who responded no. The remaining 13 questions focused on experience with, motivation for, and barriers to conducting research. See Appendix 1 for the full survey.

Invitations with the web address link for the survey were distributed via e-mail listserv through the BACB™. We opened the survey on October 8, 2018, and closed it on December 19, 2018. The last response we received was on December 7, 2018. Thus, the survey was open for 73 days.

Characteristics of Organizations

Participants reported how their clinical organizations were organized, the research opportunities available to them, and how those opportunities influenced their job choice and commitment. These data are summarized in narrative form in what follows and are included in Table ​ Table1 1 .

Summary of Responses to Questions About Clinical Organizations

Opportunities provided by employers

Participants reported the specific types of opportunities for research provided by their employers. Many practitioners (79.28%) indicated their clinical organization provided them the opportunity to present at a conference. Other opportunities included research mentoring and supervision (71.05%), active research projects (54.28%), opportunities to write (50.33%), opportunities to publish (42.76%), regular research groups (27.96%), and writing projects (23.36%).

Research time provided by employers

We surveyed whether practitioners’ employers provided time for research outside of their clinical practice. A very high percentage (86.19%) of practitioners replied no. Of those who replied yes (13.81%), the number of hours their employers provided for research ranged from 0 to 10 (37.50%) to 20 or more hours (17.05%).

Institutional review boards / research review committees

We hypothesized that one barrier to conducting research outside of a university setting might be the absence of a structured institutional review board (IRB) or research review committee (RRC). Thus, practitioners reported whether their organization had an internal structure to support the ethical review of research projects. The majority of practitioners (71.59%) indicated they did not have this resource, and 28.41% indicated they did.

Research impact on long-term commitment to clinical organizations

One survey question examined the extent to which the opportunity to conduct research influenced a practitioner’s long-term commitment to an organization. The majority (62.83%) indicated that the opportunity did influence their long-term commitment, and 15.47% indicated it did not; 22.15% responded that they were indifferent about research opportunities.

Research impact on job choice

Another question asked whether the opportunity to conduct research had influenced practitioners to accept a position. Some practitioners indicated the opportunity to conduct research did influence their job choice (34.80%), whereas 65.20% indicated that the opportunity to conduct research had never influenced their job choice.

Characteristics of Respondents (Practitioners)

Participants also answered questions related to the interests, values, and barriers of practitioners. These data are summarized in narrative form in what follows and are included in Table ​ Table2 2 .

Summary of Responses to Questions About Practitioners

Respondents’ involvement in research

To obtain data on practitioners’ current involvement in research, participants reported whether they had conducted research in their clinical organization and the type of research they conducted. The majority (68.17%) indicated they had not participated in research, and 31.83% indicated they had. Practitioners who indicated they had not conducted research moved on to the next main question (Question 12). Practitioners who indicated they had conducted research were asked four additional questions about the type of research they conducted. Of the practitioners who participated in research, most had presented at a conference (71.03%). About one third of practitioners had published research (30.95%), some had time provided for research (34.95%), and some had compensation for conducting research (34.63%).

Respondents’ interest in research opportunities

Practitioners reported their interest in research—that is, if they were interested in participating in research, and if so, in what way. The majority of practitioners indicated they were interested in conducting research, with 69.63% stating they would like to present at a conference, and 71.86% stating they would like to publish articles.

Barriers preventing research

Our next question inquired about the primary barrier that kept practitioners from conducting research. Nearly half of all practitioners (47.58%) indicated a lack of time as the primary barrier. This barrier was followed by a lack of research mentorship available (12.58%) and a lack of opportunity (11.94%). Other barriers were noted by less than 10% of practitioners and included lack of interest (6.13%), lack of research community (5.32%), lack of knowledge (3.71%), lack of appropriate protections such as an IRB (3.39%), fear of making a mistake (1.29%), lack of research ideas (1.29%), and other (6.77%).

Practitioners identified the second barrier, and they also identified a lack of time (17.24%), followed by a lack of research community (15.93%) and a lack of opportunity (15.93%). The remaining secondary barriers included the same barriers identified as primary (e.g., fear of making a mistake), with approximately the same percentage of people identifying those as secondary barriers (i.e., 7.55%). Practitioners also had the opportunity to identify any other remaining barriers. These included competing contingencies (26.79%), lack of a research leader (13.21%), lack of support (12.14%), funding (7.86%), setting constraints (7.50%), trained staff/knowledge (5.71%), population constraints (4.64%), parent consent (3.57%), lack of appropriate protections (3.21%), lack of opportunities (1.79%), lack of access to a literature database (1.07%), personal barriers (1.07%), and new organizations (0.71%), and some noted no other barriers existed (10.71%). We also asked practitioners a simple question: Would you conduct research if no barriers existed? Most (83.87%) responded yes, and 7.90% responded no. The remaining practitioners (8.23%) indicated that no barriers existed.

Importance of conducting research

To gauge the overall value practitioners placed on conducting research, we asked one final question: How important is conducting research to you? Response options were along a 5-point Likert scale. The highest percentage of practitioners indicated it was important (36.38%), followed by somewhat important (34.26%), then very important (19.58%), and, finally, not at all important (9.79%).

Most practitioners indicated that conducting research is important on some level, and they reported interest in publishing and presenting at conferences. Yet the majority had never conducted research in their work settings, and 14% of employers offered time to participate in research activities. Of the percentage that had participated in research, presenting at a conference was the most common experience. Possibly, many practitioners presented a study conducted at their place of employment that they may have had a small role or no role in, or presented generally about their organization at conferences, as a lower number of practitioners indicated they had actually participated in active research projects. These data suggest that our practitioner workforce is eager to participate and contribute, but despite this motivation, they have been unable to do so, and when they do, those experiences are limited.

There are many barriers that keep practitioners from conducting research, such as competing contingencies. If these barriers did not exist, an overwhelming majority of practitioners would conduct research in their clinical settings. The profile of individuals sampled in this survey is representative of the primary workforce within the field of applied behavior analysis: early career, certified individuals working for small organizations, specializing in the treatment of young children with ASD. This profile lends itself well to the integration of research into practice for several reasons. First, there are several research questions within the ASD population, across a variety of areas, that remain unanswered. Second, individuals with ASD have a variety of presenting symptoms, and as such, a variety of research questions are likely to be applicable. Third, early career behavior analysts, having just completed degree requirements, will be freshly familiar with experimental design, research processes, and unanswered questions in the literature. An early career behavior analyst might, for example, decide to extend his or her capstone project or master’s thesis in an applied setting within the first year or two of graduation. In the following sections, we discuss the primary barriers that practitioners identified and propose recommendations to overcome them. All recommendations provided in this article can be found in Appendix 2 .

Barrier 1: Lack of Access to an IRB/RRC

One large barrier that we hypothesized would prevent research in applied settings was a lack of access to an IRB or RRC. Indeed, 71.59% of practitioners noted this as a barrier. Luckily, our field has offered recent guidance on this topic. The present article offered concrete guidelines for establishing and maintaining an RRC within a human-services organization. Practitioners wishing to conduct research at their place of employment can follow the guidance in this article and successfully set up their own RRC. Some of these recommendations include recruiting external members to fulfill various roles and clear communication from the RRC chair to the organization about its purpose and the research process. The authors in the LeBlanc study also offer several resources for organizations to establish operational procedures and maintain day-to-day operations.

Barrier 2: Lack of Time

In addition to a lack of an IRB or RRC, practitioners noted several barriers they would need to overcome to conduct research in their work settings. The first and most common barrier was a lack of time. A lack of time can be a major barrier for any initiative, especially for BCBAs working in the ASD industry, as there are many competing contingencies. Some of these competing contingencies include a lack of compensation for research, necessary clinical activities (e.g., report writing), supervision responsibilities (e.g., overlapping sessions and providing feedback to a Registered Behavior Technician), and leadership responsibilities (e.g., meetings, responding to e-mail). However, a lack of time as a barrier can be overcome, even with these competing contingencies.

Paul Silvia, in his book How to Write a Lot (2017), dedicated an entire chapter to barriers that academics face to writing and publishing. Interestingly, the first he identified is a lack of time. His recommendations are ones that the authors of this article have followed over the years, which has resulted in research productivity within a clinical setting. Silvia recommended allotting time to write, instead of “finding” it, and creating a writing schedule and sticking to it ( really sticking to it). Writing time should be treated like a meeting that cannot and does not get canceled. The primary author of this article began implementing an early morning waking schedule and wrote from 4:30 a.m. to at least 6:00 a.m., 5 days per week, for approximately 18 months. Although it took some initial training to transition to this schedule, the schedule resulted in a much higher level of productivity than her previous schedule of specifying “writing days” a few times per month. Although this schedule may not be feasible for everyone, the idea of setting aside time, regardless of what time, is of utmost importance. As Silvia noted, the key to this type of productivity is regularity, choosing small goals that can be accomplished during the writing time, and maintaining a master task analysis of tasks that need to be completed on various projects. The second author of this article breaks down all writing tasks into small, manageable goals and graphs the cumulative number of tasks completed weekly. For example, when writing a manuscript, she divides the manuscript into different tasks (e.g., completing data analysis, formatting graphs, writing results for Participant 1). When breaking the manuscript into smaller tasks, the goal of writing and completing a manuscript seems more feasible. Finally, Silvia asserted that it is also imperative to remove distractions—if an individual carves out writing time and then gets engrossed in managing their e-mail account or reviewing social media content, the writing time will not be productive.

Another time-related barrier that practitioners likely face is when to physically collect data with participants. Students may be accustomed to collecting data during very discrete times—participants may come into a center or research facility on a regular schedule for the allotted time to participate. This is unlikely in applied work. Thus, we recommend that applied research questions be integrated into clinical practice. If the question is truly applied, then data collection can easily be integrated into existing clinical activities, such as overlaps and observations. This minimizes the need to carve out extra time, other than organizing, writing, and editing, which can be accomplished with the aforementioned strategies. Having an RRC is of utmost importance to ensure projects are truly applied and can be conducted during clinical service delivery. This arrangement is indeed possible and is how the authors of this article have conducted most of their research involving human participants within a large clinical organization.

Barrier 3: Lack of Research Mentorship and Lack of Opportunity

The next primary barriers reported were a lack of research mentorship and a lack of opportunity. It is quite possible that a BCBA might find him- or herself as the most senior or experienced individual in the organization but may not feel equipped to conduct research independently.

If no internal mentor can be identified, we recommend reaching out to mentors in the field. First, conduct literature searches on topics of interest and find out who are well published in that area. Next, send them an e-mail and ask if they would be willing to meet with you at a conference or schedule a call for guidance. Most researchers in our field will be excited to respond and provide that guidance and their expertise. You can also consider reaching out to academics to ask if they have any research opportunities available. Many researchers in academic settings may have a very small participant pool from which to collect data. Thus, they may be willing to mentor you in exchange for collecting data on participants at your organization. Finally, the project would need to be approved by your organization’s RRC and the university’s IRB, but this arrangement is quite feasible. In fact, we have had several of these partnerships over the years, which has resulted in great learning opportunities and research publications (e.g., Heinicke et al., 2016 ). Access to participants and your willingness to collect data are often very appealing motivators in exchange for some research guidance, mentoring, and support. This may also increase the number of research opportunities available.

Barrier 4: Lack of a Research Community

This is a very legitimate barrier that practitioners may face. Particularly in a small organization, it may be difficult to identify others who are interested in or supportive of research efforts.

The main way to overcome this barrier is by creating your own community. You may start small with a collaborative project with a university and begin to integrate people into the project. The results of this study suggest that you are highly likely to have a community of practitioners interested in research that may experience the same barriers you do, even if they are not directly employed by the same organization. Thus, beginning to create a group of people who are supportive of research efforts and interested in learning could create a research culture where there had been none before. If your organization can support it, arrange for a volunteer research lab. It will be important, in most organizations, for individuals to fully understand the volunteer nature of the activity and to manage these extra tasks outside of their normal work responsibilities. However, many individuals might be willing to meet during off-hours to learn and contribute to the literature. Finally, if it is not possible to create this culture given your current work arrangement, explore other work settings that have an existing research culture and support.

Overcoming these barriers is clearly important, because nearly all practitioners indicated that they would conduct research if no barriers existed. Our research literature would grow significantly if even half of the practitioners currently not publishing would begin to publish. This increase in contributions to the literature would accelerate our knowledge at a rapid pace and help answer the many unanswered applied questions that currently exist and perhaps inform more basic and translational or bridge research (Carr, Coriaty, & Dozier, 2000 ).

With the strong desire to conduct research, we wondered how much this desire would impact practitioners’ long-term commitment to an organization, and most practitioners indicated it did influence their commitment. This type of response may mean that practitioners will transition to a new company if their organization does not afford them opportunities to conduct research, if they can find another organization that does. If the opportunity to conduct research has a strong influence over this decision, practitioners may wish to try to create opportunities at their organization or locate places of employment that do offer research opportunities. Employers may creatively seek ways to provide research opportunities to their workforce to positively impact recruitment and long-term retention. Although at first glance, it may seem to be a cost to employers in the form of nonbillable time, as outlined in this article, research can be integrated into clinical activities, and the other infrastructure (e.g., RRC) is of little to no cost to the organization. Interestingly, fewer individuals in our survey indicated that the opportunity to conduct research did not historically influence their decision whether to accept a position. This response could be indicative of the small number of organizations that offer research opportunities. Thus, the opportunity may not have influenced most because it likely did not exist among the organizations individuals were deciding among.

To conclude, we would like to make some other recommendations that we believe will help practitioners become productive researchers in applied settings. These recommendations are based on the authors’ own experiences and observations of others who have been productive research practitioners.

Expand Your Research Opportunities

Thus far, we have primarily discussed collecting data in the context of clinical work and conducting data-based research studies. Although this is a great category of research, practitioners should expand their array of options for contributing. For example, many journals have outlets for brief reviews, treatment models, and recommended practice guidelines. There are excellent models in the literature of these types of contributions, many of which were written by practitioners working in the field (see Aguirre, Valentino, & LeBlanc, 2016 , for an example of a literature review; Geiger, Carr, & LeBlanc, 2010 , for an example of a treatment model; and Sellers, Valentino, & LeBlanc, 2016 , for an example of recommended practice guidelines). Adding this kind of research to your agenda as a supplement to data-based studies or as a stand-alone focus can be helpful because it allows you the flexibility to work on it during your own time. You are not limited by participant availability, times for data collection, or participant dropout. Although this type of writing certainly requires a time commitment, practice, and focus, with the appropriate writing schedule and realistic goals, it absolutely can be accomplished.

Identify Clinical Problems and Ask Questions That Will Help You Solve Those Problems

Many of the problems that practitioners face in their daily clinical activities would make excellent research questions. For example, a client who has mastered mands for information using a variety of wh– forms but often makes errors—saying “where” when he should have said “when”—might lead a practitioner to ask the question “I wonder if there is a procedure I can implement to help him discriminate across establishing operations?” As another example, you might notice that when teaching intraverbal behavior and presenting a discriminative stimulus and an echoic prompt, a client repeats both the discriminative stimulus and the response (this clinical problem occurred for the first author and was answered in Valentino, Shillingsburg, Conine, & Powell, 2012 ). When you ask those questions, go to the literature and determine if there is existing literature that will give you the answer. If there is not a clear answer in the literature, conduct the study. If some literature exists, replicate and extend that literature. If you are a supervisor, help your supervisees see their clinical problems as areas for investigation. Several years ago, the primary author was consulting on a case with the primary referral concern being pace of eating. Her mentor helped her see this as an extension of the existing literature on the topic of pace of behavior, and a study was ultimately published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis on the case (Valentino, LeBlanc, & Raetz, 2018 ). What seemed to be a simple clinical consultation turned into a unique way to extend the literature while very effectively addressing the client’s primary clinical concern.

View Research in Practice as Different From Controlled Lab Work

Practitioners who have recently entered the workforce may have a very strict idea about how research should be conducted. This likely stems from experiences with master’s theses in graduate school, which often need to be very controlled and are focused on being an ideal learning opportunity for the student. In clinical practice, many variables influence data collection, participant enrollment, and completion. The data you collect may not be collected under perfectly controlled conditions. This does not mean the data are “bad” or cannot be used. It simply means you will need to control as many variables as you can, and for those you cannot control, you will need to describe the conditions for your readers. In many ways, research focuses on the story you tell about the data, and if the data demonstrate experimental control, it is up to you to describe the data in an interesting way that contributes to the literature. There will naturally be variability, and you will need to describe that variability, not avoid it or throw away a data set because it occurred. As an example, Veazey, Valentino, Low, McElroy, and LeBlanc ( 2016 ) published an article on teaching feminine care skills to females with ASD. There were several procedural changes that occurred over the course of that study, as the authors needed to be very flexible in their clinical approach. However, the last research article published on this topic had been published over 30 years ago, and the authors knew what they had done would be helpful to the behavior-analytic community. The contribution was truly in the writing and the story about the updated procedures, the connection to autonomy and independence for this population, and the unique modifications the authors made to ensure success.

When conducting research as part of your clinical practice, you will inevitably have incomplete data sets. Families may relocate unexpectedly mid-data collection, or you might find that the procedure was implemented incorrectly by a team member or that the participant no longer meets the criteria for the study because the skill developed more quickly than you intended and it is no longer a clinical need. These are natural parts of clinical service delivery. The good news is that you do not have a timeline. You are not trying to graduate by a specific date or turn in a paper by a deadline. Research takes time, and you have that time. Be patient and continue to collect data with other participants who meet the criteria, or if the question does not apply to any of your clients, ask a different question.

To conclude, practitioners are motivated to conduct research during practice. This motivation, however, is met with some barriers. This article offered solutions to some of the common barriers acknowledged. It is our hope that practitioners wishing to conduct applied research will use this article as a resource and source of motivation to begin doing so. It is also our job as a behavior-analytic community to support practitioners in their research endeavors. Organizations that employ behavior analysts should consider ways to allow opportunities for research, and senior leaders in our field should determine ways to mentor and support practitioners. Our field will greatly benefit from these contributions in the form of answers to applied questions, a more research-engaged and connected practitioner group, and overall long-term career satisfaction. Importantly, these efforts are likely to bridge the research-to-practice gap that exists in our field.

Survey of BCBAs’ Research Practices in Applied Settings

Introduction.

Amber Valentino and Jessica Juanico of Trumpet Behavioral Health invite you to participate in a research study. The purpose of this study is to gather information regarding research activities in applied settings. This form includes detailed information about the study to help you decide whether to participate. Please read it carefully and be sure you do not have any questions before you agree to participate.

You will complete a short survey about applied research. The survey is anonymous and it should take you less than 20 min to complete.

Risks and Benefits

There are minimal risks to participating in this survey study. Possible risks include discomfort completing a questionnaire that asks you about your experiences. Loss of confidentiality is also a risk in most research projects. To minimize those risks, no identifying information will be collected. If you have had a bad research-related experience, please contact the principal investigator of this study right away at [email protected]. There is no direct benefit to you for your participation in this research study. This study will help the researchers learn more about the barriers to and opportunities for practitioners to conduct research in applied settings.

Confidentiality

Every effort will be made to keep the information you provide as part of this study confidential. Your information will be collected through SurveyMonkey™, which will keep your responses confidential. The information collected in SurveyMonkey™ will be securely stored in a restricted-access folder on Box.com , an encrypted, cloud-based storage system.

Voluntary participation and withdrawal

Your participation in this research is completely voluntary. If you agree to participate now and change your mind later, you may withdraw at any time by not completing the questionnaire. If you choose to withdraw after you have already submitted the survey, withdrawal will not be possible as the questionnaire is anonymous. The research review committee (RRC) at Trumpet Behavioral Health has reviewed and approved this study. If you have questions about the research study itself, please contact the principal investigator at [email protected].

Informed consent

Informed consent will be obtained on the subsequent page. Please be sure to retain a copy of this form for your records; you can save or print the letter before completing the survey.

• I understand my participation is voluntary, all responses will be kept confidential, and I AGREE to participate.
• I choose not to participate. (Logic ➔ End of survey)
• No (Logic ➔ End of survey)
• 0–2 years
• 3–5 years
• 6–9 years
• Children (0–9 years old)
• Adolescents (10–19 years old)
• Adults (19+ years old)
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Other (please specify)
• 0–50 employees
• 51–100 employees
• 101–250 employees
• 251–500 employees
• 501+ employees
• No (Logic ➔ Question 12)
• No (Logic ➔ Question 14)
• Research mentoring/supervision
• Regular research groups
• Active research projects for employees to participate
• Writing projects for employees to join
• Opportunities to present at conferences
• Opportunities to write
• Opportunities to publish
• No (Logic ➔ Question 16)
• How much time does your organization provide its employees to conduct research (please report in hours per month)?
• Lack of time
• Lack of knowledge
• Lack of interest
• Lack of research community
• Lack of appropriate protections (e.g., IRB)
• Fear of making a mistake
• Lack of research mentorship available
• Lack of research ideas
• Lack of opportunity
• List any other barriers associated with conducting research in your applied setting.
• N/A (I already conduct research and there are no barriers to me doing so.)
• Indifferent
• Yes, it has influenced me to accept or not accept a position.
• No, opportunities for research have never influenced job choice.
• Very important
• Somewhat important

Summary of Recommendations

Compliance with Ethical Standards

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards (however, please note that given the discussion status of this article, it did not involve any human participants).

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

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Anthropology Research Paper

This sample applied anthropology research paper features: 6200 words (approx. 20 pages), an outline, and a bibliography with 33 sources. Browse other research paper examples for more inspiration. If you need a thorough research paper written according to all the academic standards, you can always turn to our experienced writers for help. This is how your paper can get an A! Feel free to contact our writing service for professional assistance. We offer high-quality assignments for reasonable rates.

Applied Anthropology Research Paper

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The paper commences with a brief definition of applied anthropology in both its broader and more restrictive senses. What follows then is an examination of the origins of applied anthropology within the matrix of anthropology, generally, in the 19th century. The early history of the discipline through the post–World War II, or mid-20th century, era is explored in the next section. The mid-20th-century era was dominated by three subjects: the Fox Project, the Peru Vicos Project, and Project Camelot, which is treated separately. The section on the later 20th century leads into applied anthropology today, which is followed by a section on areas for future research.

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What Is Applied Anthropology?

Origins of applied anthropology, early history, the fox project, project camelot, late 20th century, programs in applied anthropology, anthropologists and the military, forensic anthropology, ethnic cleansing, and political dissidents, future directions.

• Bibliography

Applied anthropology, in its broader sense, is distinguished primarily from academic anthropology as anthropological methods and data put to use outside of the classroom. This is not to say that all anthropological methods and data put to use outside of the classroom is applied anthropology; field research also is anthropological methods and data put to use outside of the classroom, but it can be used for academic purposes, as well as for practical application. Applied anthropology is used to solve practical problems outside of the academic world, and it has appeared under such names as action anthropology, development anthropology, practicing anthropology, and advocacy anthropology among others.

In its narrower sense, applied anthropology is distinguished from practicing anthropology. Practicing anthropology is the application of anthropology strictly outside of academia by nonacademics; applied anthropology can be practiced outside of academia or within academia by academics. To some, the differences are considered to be minimal, but to others they are of great importance.

Early in the 19th century, anthropology was a religious philosophy that examined how to view the place of humans in the cosmos. This began to change by the mid-19th century, and people who were to become the founders of what is called anthropology today began to look at the more earthly nature of humanity. One of these individuals was Lewis Henry Morgan. Morgan, who was an attorney, began to work with the Iroquois in the 1840s on legal issues involving railroad right of ways. This may have been one of the first, if not the first, application of the nascent but as yet still inchoate discipline.

Across the Atlantic, Sir Edward Burnett Tylor, the “father of anthropology” who defined “culture,” considered anthropology to be a “policy science” that should be implemented to ameliorate the problems of humanity. James Hunt, who founded the Anthropological Society of London, began to use the term practical anthropology by the 1860s, and in 1869, the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland (this was later to be titled the Royal Anthropological Institute) was formed.

In North America, the federal government formed the Bureau of American Ethnology (BAE) under John Wesley Powell in order to perform research that was intended to guide government policy toward Native Americans, and in 1879, Powell dispatched Frank Hamilton Cushing to the Zuñi pueblo to perform some of the first anthropological field research. By 1895, the BAE had hired anthropologist James Mooney to research a revitalization movement, the ghost dance. It also was in the 1890s that Franz Boas, the “father of American anthropology,” worked outside of academia with the Chicago Field Museum.

Boas developed a lifelong hatred of racism arising from anti-Semitic experiences he had had in school in Germany. This led him to attempt to dispel the prevailing racist notions of the day in anthropology. From 1910 to 1913, Boas applied anthropometry to disprove a basic racist assumption: Cranial shape was a factor of race. To accomplish this, he measured the heads of Jewish immigrants in New York City ghettos. Presumably, they were members of the dolichocephalic (longheaded) Mediterranean race, and indeed, the immigrants tended to fit that pattern. However, their children, born in America, were members of the brachicephalic (roundheaded) Alpine race. Apparently, they had changed race within one generation of having moved to America. Boas explained this anomaly as being the product of different diets between the parents and their children during their growth years and not the result of race at all.

Boas’s first PhD student, Alfred Louis Kroeber, and Kroeber’s students spent the first two decades of the 20th century conducting “salvage ethnology” to preserve cultures that were, or already had, become extinct. The most famous of these cases, both within and outside of anthropology, is the story of Ishi, the last member of the California Yahi tribe, whom Kroeber brought to Berkeley to serve as the key respondent from a vanished people. In 1919, Kroeber applied anthropological techniques to discover the rapprochement between fashion and economic cycles in his hem-length study. He demonstrated that one could determine (and perhaps predict) economic cycles by the rise or fall of women’s dress and skirt lengths. The 1920s also found Margaret Mead (1928/1973) making recommendations on sex education to the American educational establishment in the last two chapters of her doctoral dissertation, published as Coming of Age in Samoa.

In Europe, it was common during this time for anthropologists to seek employment in colonial governments: Anthropologists from the Netherlands were employed by their government to provide ethnographic data on its Indonesian colony; Northcote Thomas used anthropology to aid in administrating the British colony in Nigeria; and Alfred Reginald Radcliffe-Brown served as director of education on Tonga. Somewhat later, in the 1930s, Edward Evan Evans-Pritchard (1969), in the employment of the government of the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, spent several research periods among the Nuer to determine why they did not consider it necessary to uphold their treaty with the British government, among other projects. Also in the 1930s, Radcliffe-Brown first used the term applied anthropology in the article “Anthropology as Public Service and Malinowski’s Contribution to It” (although the term already had appeared in 1906 in a degree program at Oxford). Bronislaw Malinowski himself, had coined the term practicing anthropology for nonacademic anthropology.

In 1932, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt appointed the anthropologist John Collier to Commissioner of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Collier then employed fellow anthropologists Julian Steward, Clyde Kluckhohn, and others in the applied anthropology office to investigate Native American cultures and to counsel the BIA in regard to the Indian Reorganization Act. The anthropologists served as intermediaries between the BIA and Native Americans during the drawing of tribal constitutions and charters. Also in the 1930s, Edward Sapir’s student, Benjamin Lee Whorf, applied anthropological linguists to the analysis of fire insurance investigations, and anthropologist W. Lloyd Warner was hired by the Western Electric Company to study worker productivity in its bank-wiring facility. Warner employed qualitative ethnographic techniques, such as participant observation and informal interviewing, that previously had been used in nonindustrial, non-Western societies in one of the first applications of “industrial anthropology.”

The 1940s brought about the efflorescence of the field with the founding of the Society for Applied Anthropology (SfAA) by Margaret Mead, Conrad Arensberg, and Eliot Chapple. They published the journal Applied Anthropology to counter what they saw as academic bias against practical, nontheoretical work. In 1949, the name of the journal was changed to Human Organization, and the SfAA code of ethics was created. Despite this, Melville Herskovits taught in the late 1940s that applied anthropology was racist and should not be practiced, according to one of his former students.

Today, a variety of organizations specialize in applied anthropology. The Consortium of Practicing and Applied Anthropology Programs (COPAA), chaired by Linda A. Bennett of the University of Memphis, lists and gives a brief description of some of these organizations on its Web site, including the COPAA, the SfAA, and the National Association for the Practice of Anthropology within the American Anthropological Association.

The COPAA also lists regional organizations, which include the Washington Association of Professional Anthropologists; the High Plains Society for Applied Anthropology; the Chicago Association for Practicing Anthropologists; the Sun Coast Organization of Practicing Anthropologists; the California Alliance of Local Practitioner Organizations that embraces the Southern California Applied Anthropology Network, the Bay Area Association of Practicing Anthropologists, and the Central Valley Applied Anthropology Network; and the Mid-South Association of Professional Anthropologists. It was during World War II that Margaret Mead headed a group of anthropologists who served in the Office of Strategic Services. In addition to Mead, Ruth Benedict, Ralph Linton, Julian Steward, and Clyde Kluckhohn, among others (including such interdisciplinary notables as Erik Erikson), worked on the Committee on Food Habits, the Culture at a Distance national character project, the War Relocation Authority, and others, in order to aid in the U.S. war effort. A description of their work and methods was published (Mead & Rhoda, 1949) after the war as The Study of Culture at a Distance. Following the war, anthropologists also worked for the U.S. Pacific protectorates’ administrations.

Mid-20th Century

In the late 1940s, Sol Tax of the University of Chicago wanted to develop a program that would give field experience to anthropology students. To do this, he began the Fox Project in 1948 to look into social organization and leadership in the Fox/Tama settlement, which was facing acculturative pressures from the neighboring Euro-American community. Although they tried to become involved in the amelioration of the acculturative process, they had no authority to do so. Thus, they developed a theoretical agenda that became known as “action anthropology.” In 1953, the group consulted with the Fox project and developed a framework for action that was funded by a private foundation. University of Iowa students joined the University of Chicago group, and together they created the Fox Indian Educational Program and began the Tama Indian Crafts industry.

About the time that the Fox project was nearing its completion in 1952, Edward Spicer’s book, Human Problems in Technological Change, was published. That same year Allen Holmberg began Cornell University’s 14-year experiment: the “Peru Vicos Project.” Cornell University had rented Vicos, a feudal estate in Peru, as a living laboratory to study social engineering on the Quechua-speaking peasantry, to test theories of modernization, and to develop models for community advocacy and culture brokering.

Project Camelot had the potential to be a low point in the application of anthropology in the late 20th century. In December 1964, the Office of the Director of the Special Operations Research Office of the American University in Washington, D.C., announced a new program to be funded by the army and the Department of Defense. The program extensively would employ anthropological fieldworkers in government research for 3 to 4 years. In theory, it was a project that was intended to develop a systems model that would enable the prediction of social changes that in turn could develop into political movements in third world nations that might threaten the United States—specifically in Latin American countries (where a field office was planned) but with plans to expand globally. Its objectives were to formulate means to predict civil wars and revolutions; to identify means to prevent civil wars, insurgency, and counterinsurgency movements in particular societies; and to develop a system of field methods to collect the information to accomplish the two previous objectives. The budget was expected to be in the $1.5 million range annually.

Some anthropologists feared that applying anthropology to aid Latin American government’s repression of political movements was unethical and would hinder development of societies in those countries. A more horrific potential outcome to the field ethnographers was the possible executions of their field respondents. In response to the outcry from the social science community, Project Camelot was cancelled in July 1965.

Nonetheless, not all social scientists found Project Camelot to be totally objectionable. Beyond the satisfaction of the obvious and never-ending quest for research funding, which it would have provided, albeit from sources that are suspect to many in the academic community, there is the less obvious appeal of ethnography finally having some input into government international policy, something that had been called for over decades. Likewise, many anthropologists in that era had gotten their starts in the military by having had their first international experiences during the second World War and their educations financed by the government issue, or GI, Bill. Rather, it was the possible outcomes of their research that convinced the community to object to Project Camelot.

Also in the 1960s, medical anthropologists working with the Foré tribe of New Guinea traced the origins of a deadly neurological disease, kuru, to cannibalism by using traditional qualitative techniques, such as collecting life histories; Margaret Mead testified before Congress on birth control and marijuana, and she coined the term generation gap to describe a global phenomenon that had never occurred previously in human history; Jules Henry’s Culture Against Man described the Orwellian nature of popular advertising in American society; Jomo Kenyatta applied his PhD in anthropology from the London School of Economics under Malinowski to running the government of Kenya, with its diverse ethnic makeup, as its first president under the slogan Harambe, or “let us pull together” in Kiswahili. Oscar Lewis conducted his “family life histories” in Mexico City ( The Children of Sanchez ) and New York ( La Vida ) and described the poor as living in a selfperpetuating “culture of poverty.” Although this was criticized widely as an attempt to blame the poor for their condition, it also could be said that Lewis was acknowledging the wisdom of people who lived on the edge and their ability to survive and fully exploit their economic niches.

James P. Spradley conducted a Herculean application of ethnoscience to “tramp” culture in Seattle in the 1960s to determine the emic structure of the society in order to make recommendations for improved treatments to social workers, police, psychiatrists, and alcohol treatment centers. It was published as You Owe Yourself a Drunk: An Ethnography of Urban Nomads in 1970. In 1969, George Foster wrote the first textbook on development and change agency, Applied Anthropology, in which he cited changes in human behavior as a primary goal in order to solve social, economic, and technological problems. He followed this up in 1973 with Traditional Societies and Technological Change.

In 1974, the University of South Florida began the first master of arts degree program to focus specifically on training students for careers in applied anthropology. The options available to those students form a wide range of topics that define applied anthropology. Among them are archaeology, Cultural Resource Management, economic development, educational anthropology, immigration, medical anthropology, race, gender, ethnicity, and urban policy and community development. Among the reasons for such theoretical breadth is the realization that many master of arts students do not choose to pursue a doctor of philosophy degree, and this curriculum, then, qualifies them to work in specialized professions outside of academia. The reader will note that work outside of academia is known as practicing anthropology, and in 1978 the University of South Florida first published the journal Practicing Anthropology. Graduate programs in applied anthropology are becoming more widespread in the United States since that time; for example, the master’s program in applied anthropology at California State University, Long Beach, has three program options: communities/ organizations, health, and education. Northern Kentucky University’s anthropology program is long known for its award-winning Web site with information on where undergraduate anthropology majors, who cannot or do not choose to attend graduate programs, can find jobs outside of academia; currently, it is in the process of developing a master’s program in applied anthropology.

COPAA lists member programs on its Web site for those interested in pursuing a career in applied anthropology. The Web site notes that there are other programs that are not currently COPAA members. Among the universities in consortium are the University of Alaska, Anchorage; American University; University of Arizona; California State University, East Bay; California State University, Long Beach; University of Florida, Gainesville; The George Washington University; University of Georgia; Georgia State University; Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis; University of Kentucky; University of Maryland; University of Memphis; Mississippi State University; Montclair State University; University of North Carolina at Greensboro; University of North Texas; Northern Arizona University; Oregon State University; Santa Clara University; San Jose State University; the University of South Florida; the University of Texas at San Antonio; and Wayne State University.

The first doctoral program in applied anthropology was begun at the University of South Florida (USF) in 1984. Although the master of arts curriculum had been intended for nonacademic professions, the PhD curriculum trained students for university careers, as well as for practicing anthropology. USF’s Center for Applied Anthropology combines these two objectives in ventures such as the Human Services Information System database and the Alliance for Applied Research in Education and Anthropology.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Napoleon Chagnon and James Neel conducted genetics research for the American Atomic Energy Commission in an ethnographic setting. Chagnon was the ethnographer, and Neel was the geneticist. Their work was designed to determine the effects of the forces of evolution (such as the founder effect) on small populations in order to determine how genes might affect survival following a nuclear destruction of modern civilization. Their research took them to the Orinoco River basin in southeastern Venezuela where they established contact and conducted research among the Yanomamo, an isolated, horticultural, tribal society. Out of this research came Chagnon’s ethnography, The Yanomamo: The Fierce People. From its very early days, the project was heavily documented on film, and their classic documentary, The Yanomamo: A Multidisciplinary Study, became a standard in both cultural and physical anthropology classrooms. In the film, Chagnon and Neal become aware of a measles epidemic sweeping up the Orinoco Basin toward the Yanomamo. They acquire a vaccine that contains a weakened strain of the live virus and conduct mass inoculations of the Yanomamo against measles.

Although their work was met with criticism from the outset, none was quite as virulent as the later criticism contained in Patrick Tierney’s 2000 book, Darkness in El Dorado, and its aftermath. Tierney claimed that Chagnon and Neel had been conducting Josef Mengele-like genetics experiments on the Yanomamo by injecting them with the live measles virus to see who would live and who would die—not, as shown in the documentary, to protect them from an epidemic. The author of this chapter recalls sweeping condemnations of Chagnon and Neel from the anthropological community on several Internet electronic mailing lists originating throughout the United States at that time based on Darkness in El Dorado— although the book had not yet been released. By that time, Neel was dead, and although Chagnon was retired, he filed a lawsuit against Tierney in which he and Neel eventually were vindicated. Currently, calls are being made in anthropology to disband the “El Dorado Task Force” set up to investigate this case.

In the 1980s, Philippe Bourgois conducted field research among Hispanic crack (“rock” cocaine, which is smoked) dealers in the Harlem area of New York. This was not an update of Elliott Liebow’s Tally’s Corner nor of Oscar Lewis’s La Vida. Rather, it is what Bourgois refers to as a “culture of terror” that exploits an underground economy. Bourgois argues that this renders the crack dealers unexploitable by the larger, legal society as they pursue their interpretations of the “American dream.”

Across the Atlantic, anthropologists and other social scientists began to influence government policies in the Republic of Ireland in the late 1980s, according to Thomas Wilson and Hastings Donnan, via what are called the economic and social partnerships with government. This should not be confused with hegemony as may have been the case with the 1960s American “military-industrial complex.” Rather, in a country in which anthropology traditionally had been practiced by foreign scholars investigating semi-isolated rural communities, it was a remarkable innovation for anthropologists and other academics to have creative input, with their governmental partner, in the policies that led to the Celtic Tiger economy in what had been one of the poorest countries in Europe and the social structural transformations that allowed the “boom” to filter down to the public at large. Anthropologists also have been called on more recently in Ireland to assist the government with ethnic minority issues, especially those of the indigenous minority, the travelling community.

Since the beginning of the 1990s, nonacademic jobs for anthropologists have increased, and more anthropologists have found themselves involved in the business world, especially in marketing, although the irony of this may not be lost on those who were students when Jules Henry’s anti-Madison Avenue research, published as Culture Against Man, was a popular textbook in the 1960s and 1970s. Much of the new material centers around cultural miscues that corporations and individuals make in advertising— physical gestures, slang, and so on—when acting crossculturally (e.g., Chevrolet’s attempt to market the Nova automobile in Latin America where the homonym of the name means “does not go” or Gerber’s attempt to market baby food with an infant’s picture on the label in parts of Africa where labels routinely showed the containers’ contents for consumers who could not read). Other businessoriented approaches fall more along the lines of the Western Electric bank-wiring study (noted above) conducted by W. Lloyd Warner in the 1930s.

Nonetheless, some members of the anthropological community still consider business anthropology to be “colluding with the enemy,” according to Jason S. Parker of Youngstown State University in a recent article in the Society for Applied Anthropology Newsletter. Parker points out that these same critics, who stigmatize those applied anthropologists that work in business, are not offering any jobs to their recently minted bachelor’s degree graduates, who must then look elsewhere. Parker argues that the anthropological perspective can benefit the employees, as well as the corporations, through the inclusion of their input in the manufacturing processes.

Ann T. Jordan has written a persuasive argument for the use of anthropology in the business world in her book Business Anthropology. Jordan cites a number of cases in which anthropologists have ameliorated conditions that had the potential to lead to labor disharmony through managerial insensitivity to working conditions. Likewise, she explains that cross-cultural conflicts and misunderstandings on the job could easily be avoided with anthropological input.

Applied Anthropology Today

Louise Lamphere suggested a convergence of applied, practicing, and public anthropology in 2004. Lamphere argues that anthropologists in the 21st century should collaborate with each other, as well as with the groups that they are investigating, on archaeological research, health, urban, and environmental topics to unify their work on critical social, educational, and political issues. The traditional research populations increasingly want greater degrees of jurisdiction over what is written about them, and applied anthropologists, especially those influenced by the feminist critique, have advocated more collaboration with their respondents on ethnographic publications and museum exhibits in order to express more emic perspectives. This joint participation in the research and presentation process (whether by publication or museum display) fosters skills and generates capacities for indigenous change within communities.

Charles Menzies erects a paradigm to foster these joint ventures based on his work with the Gitkxaala Nation in British Columbia, which consists of four stages. First, the anthropologist opens a dialogue with the community that may suggest modifications to the research protocol. Then, research continues to grow and change in consultation with the respondents—who now are becoming “coethnographers.” Next, the research is conducted jointly between academics and members of the society. Finally, the data and results are analyzed by the joint team and the reports are coauthored. Lamphire advocates training students to conduct collaborative research of this nature as anthropologists increasingly find themselves employed by nonacademic public and private organizations.

21st-century anthropologists increasingly find themselves involved in policy-making jobs in areas as diverse as libraries and the army. The University of Rochester library hired anthropologist Nancy Fried Foster, under a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, to study undergraduates’ term paper research, to steer library renovations, and to make suggestions on the redesign of its Web site. Foster used traditional anthropological research methods to discover that not only are many students extremely uncomfortable with the increasing technological changes that universities are forcing on them but also that they use the libraries to escape from them.

A recent Society for Applied Anthropology Newsletter reports that anthropologists increasingly may become involved in work with the military via a program called the Human Terrain System under the Department of Defense (DoD). According to Susan L. Andreatta, president of the SfAA, the DoD wants to employ graduate-level anthropologists in Iraq and Afghanistan. Opinions on this are divided, but one may note that the Society was founded by anthropologists who worked for the war effort in the 1940s.

The anthropologist and senior consultant to the Human Terrain Systems project is Montgomery McFate. William Roberts of St. Mary’s College, Maryland, describes her argument as one in which a military that has greater understanding of indigenous civilians in war zones will reduce loss of life and cultural destruction.

Also, archaeologists may be involved with the military on sensitive issues. As of this writing, archaeologist Laurie Rush serves as a cultural resources manager at the United States Army’s Fort Drum, where she works with the Integrated Training Area Management unit of the DoD’s Legacy Program to develop a consciousness for archaeological treasures. This project arose out of a British Museum report that detailed the construction of a helicopter pad by U.S. Marines on the ruins of the ancient city of Babylon, the destruction of a 2.5-millenniaold brick road, and the filling of sandbags with artifacts. Part of Rush’s program involves building models of archaeological sites, mosques, and cemeteries for soldiers to train to avoid.

Television programs such as Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), CSI: Miami, CSI: New York, and Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) have sparked an international interest in forensics. This, in turn, has led to a student population interested in forensic anthropology. Cable television’s Discovery Health channel has created a true-life version of the CSI phenomenon with its Forensic Files program, which features cases solved by forensic anthropologists, such as Elizabeth Murray of the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati who works regularly with law enforcement agencies across the country.

The ABC News and Christian Science Monitor Web sites occasionally report on the applications of forensic science. They describe forensic anthropologists and archaeologists who have been involved in the identification of the remains of the nearly 3,000 victims of the September 11, 2001, attack; Jon Stereberg, a forensic archaeologist, has tried to trace the evidence of 1992 gas attacks in the clothing of victims in the Balkans; and Clyde Collins Snow, a retired forensic archaeologist, has investigated grave sites in Guatemala, Bosnia, and Iraq. Currently, forensic specialists, such as Ariana Fernandez, are examining the bodies of Kurdish people who were found in mass graves and who are believed to have been massacred in a genocide attack during the Saddam Hussein regime in Iraq.

The travel and tourism industry is in dire need of the services of anthropologists, and this is becoming an attractive employment option to anthropology graduates, according to Susan Banks, an anthropologist involved in the travel industry. Too often, tourists will go to exotic locales where they believe that they are seeing the actual types of lives lived in those places, unaware that they are being fed a fabricated culture designed, not to expose them to life in other places, but to screen them from the true ways of life found in those locations. Commonly, tourists are discouraged from visiting local towns and actually learning something about the countries that they have visited. Anthropology can offer a remedy to this problem and provide some much-needed income to the local economies. Exploitation and insensitivity to indigenous people by culturally uninformed tourists does little to change the image of the “ugly American.” Likewise, the international sex trade both exploits and victimizes indigenous peoples and furthers the spread of dangerous diseases, such as HIV/AIDS.

Environmental degradation of local ecologies is another problem of culturally ignorant tourism. For this reason, Susan Charnley, in an article in Human Organization in 2005, suggests a change from nature tourism to ecotourism. She cites the case of Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) in Tanzania. Nature tourism involves traveling to pristine locations where tourists can experience and enjoy nature; ecotourism involves traveling to natural areas that conserve the local ecology while respecting the rights of the local cultures and encouraging sustainable development. Charnley makes the case for the increasingly difficult position of the Massai people since the creation of the NCA and the negative effect it has had on their economy. Charnley argues for culturally appropriate involvement of local people in tourist destinations in ways that will provide actual benefits to their communities. These benefits would include social and political justice and involvement in decision-making processes that directly influence their lives.

A selection of articles from Human Organization from the first decade of the 21st century includes such topics as the administration of federally managed fisheries, including a discussion of the role of James A. Acheson who was the first applied anthropologist hired by the National Marine Fisheries Service in 1974 to conduct policy research and implementation through conservation and stewardship of marine ecosystems.

Another article described the importance of beer parties among Xhosa labor cooperatives on homesteads in South Africa. An article that has to do with changes in gender relations and commercial activities, as the global market expands to countries such as Mali, explores how the outside world can force local peoples to change the structure of their society by giving advantages to one gender over the other when that may not have been the case previously. Another article illustrates what the author of this chapter sees as a parallel between the popular use of family trusts in the United States in the 1980s and 1990s and a move from individual land tenure to collective, kinbased ownership on Mokil Atoll in Micronesia, as the region’s political, economic, and demographic transformation has imperiled the rights of absentee owners. By placing the land ownership in the kin group, it is protected from individual alienation.

A 2007 article by Kathryn Forbes is especially topical in the current social, economic, and political climate of the United States today. Forbes’s article examines how the regional land use of ideologies and popular images of farm workers has contributed to a housing crisis for Mexican agricultural laborers in Fresno County, California. Stereotypic descriptions of Mexican farm workers have resulted in the formulation of zoning codes that exacerbate demographic segregation in Fresno County. Most farm workers live in rural areas, which are more economical and more convenient to their sources of income but where there are fewer retail outlets—including groceries. The arrival of seasonal laborers, combined with a lack of affordable housing thanks to local policymakers, has engendered a regional overcrowding crisis for Mexican farm workers. Forbes’s role in this discussion is similar to the review of the roles that anthropology can play in public policy cited by Wilson and Donnan (2006) in Ireland.

Forbes’s article is especially relevant to the United States today as the influx of immigrant labor, thanks in part to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), has made the appearance of Hispanic laborers a topic of vituperative discussion on national radio talk shows and political campaigns. This is a point that falls clearly within the purview of social science rather than politics as anthropological demographers and gerontologists clearly can demonstrate that not only does the country require immigrant labor because of statistical “full employment,” but also it needs to save social security from the influx of baby boom retirees.

The bankruptcy of social security was predicted in university classes as long ago as the 1970s. The increase in life spans, coupled with the potentially disastrous demographic effect of a baby boom generation that will retire to be supported by a much smaller (thanks to the introduction of the birth control pill in the 1960s) birth dearth/baby bust cohort, has the potential to lead to economic disaster for the latter group as their increasing social security taxes erode their quality of life. The baby boom retirees’ social security taxes must be replaced from somewhere—if not by eroding the birth dearth/baby bust cohort’s quality of life, then by an influx of tax contributors, for example, immigrant laborers.

Anthropologists are in a unique position to act as the social partners of policymakers on this issue not only by means of their demographic and gerontological expertise but also by their ethnographic contributions to allay the concerns of the extant non-Hispanic population of the United States over its possible perception of cultural drowning by immersion in a neo-Hispanic society del Norte (“land of the north”).

Likewise, anthropological expertise in indigenous Latin American medical beliefs, such as hot and cold, wet and dry bodily conditions derived from the ancient Mediterranean medical concept of humors where illnesses were believed to be caused by an imbalance of humors; folk illnesses, such as susto (“fright”), a culture bound syndrome found in southern Mexico in which an individual who does not recover from an illness is believed to have had a terrible fright in the past that prevents recovery from the unrelated illness (Rubel, O’Nell, & Collado-Ardon, 1991); and cultural sensitivities to variations in conceptions of sexual modesty and familial responsibilities will form a necessary component in the rapprochement of the two larger cultures although this may be difficult in cases of smaller subcultures.

Other areas for future research in applied anthropology include human trafficking (briefly cited in the discussion of tourism); indigenous rights (e.g., salmon fishing among the native Northwest coast peoples in North America, cattle grazing in the Burren in County Clare, Ireland, or the effects of water control on the Marsh Arabs of southern Iraq); anthropometry and gender (in the cultural sense, not the linguistic sense) stereotypes and gender rearing roles; cultural relativism versus cultural interference, including whether or not Muslim women need to be “saved” or if Western hegemonists even have the right to do so; genital mutilation (male as well as female); the role of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in distributing information and treatment of HIV/AIDS; food waste, diet and health, and body image; intelligent design, globalization and hightech industry; and the role of biology and culture in psychiatric illnesses, to name but a few of the possibilities open to applied research in anthropology.

In an article titled “Making Our Voices Heard—Ethical Dilemmas and Opportunities,” in the November 2007 Society for Applied Anthropology Newsletter, Mark Schuller of Vassar College gives a good review of the future of applied research in anthropology. Schuller writes that many anthropologists believe that their contributions are considered marginal and irrelevant and are passed over in policy making based on a review of the leading anthropological journals and newsletters. He argues that applied anthropologists with a holistic viewpoint can inform policymakers regarding the integrated structural correlation among debt and poverty, education, health care, and local welfare via their engagement with local communities. Schuller calls for local, global, and ethical analysis of current concerns to make anthropology applicable in the “real” world. He suggests that a good way to apply anthropology is through teaching; his students investigate public policies and then send letters to the editors of newspapers in order to introduce anthropological viewpoints into current policy discussions.

Schuller has been keyword-searching “anthropology” on Google and reports that he has found at least two stories a day in which anthropologists are interviewed or have authored stories in media outlets. Among the included issues that his students or other anthropologists have written about in daily news publications is the part played by anthropologists in clandestine activities, inequalities of globalization, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) health care bill, the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, No Child Left Behind, prison reform, disclosure of hormone content in milk, Hurricane Katrina “fatigue,” and the cancellation of international debt in impoverished nations of South America.

In the same issue, Amanda Stronza of Texas A&M University describes a new program in applied biodiversity science, which also will tackle poverty and cultural inequality. The interdisciplinary research program integrates cooperation between social and biological sciences and conservation organizations at the applied level. Research topics are to incorporate biodiversity with local legislative policy in partnership among academia, governments, NGOs, and local societies in four regions of the Americas.

This research paper has explored the subject of applied anthropology. It was done from a historical perspective in order to gain a processual understanding of how it arrived at the state in which it is found in early 21st-century anthropology.

A brief definition of applied anthropology was followed by a review of the origins of applied anthropology in the 19th century and a history of the field through World War II, the Fox Project, the Peru Vicos Project, and Project Camelot. The section on the later 20th century led into applied anthropology today and topics for future research.

Bibliography:

• Boas, (1903). Heredity in      head          form.      American Anthropologist, 5 (3), 530–538.
• Bourgois, P. (1995). In search of respect: Selling crack in El Barrio. NewYork: Cambridge University Press.
• Carlson, S. (2007). An anthropologist in the library. Chronicle of Higher Education, 53 (50), A26.
• Chagnon, N. (1997). Yanomamo (5th ed.). Fort Worth, TX: Harcourt Brace College.
• Colburn, L. L., Abbott-Jamieson, S., & Clay, P. M. (2006). Anthropological applications in the management of federally managed fisheries: Context, institutional history, and prospectus. Human Organization, 65 (3), 231–239.
• Dobyns, H. F., Doughty, P. L., & Lasswell, H. D. (Eds.). (1971). Peasants, power, and applied social change: Vicos as a model. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage.
• Evans-Pritchard, E. E. (1969). The Nuer: A description of the modes of livelihood and political institutions of a Nilotic people. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.
• Forbes, K. (2007). Bureaucratic strategies of exclusion: Land use ideology and images of Mexican farm workers in housing policy. Human Organization, 66 (2), 196–209.
• Foster, G. M. (1973). Traditional societies and technological change. New York: Harper & Row.
• Harris, M. (1968). The rise of anthropological theory. NewYork: Harper & Row.
• Henry, J. (1963). Culture against man. New York: Vintage Books.
• Horowitz, I. L. (Ed.). (1967). The rise and fall of project Camelot: Studies in the relationship between social science and practical politics. Cambridge: MIT Press.
• Jordan, A. T. (2003). Business anthropology. Long Grove, IL: Waveland Press.
• Kroeber, A. L. (1919). On the principle of order in civilization as exemplified by changes of fashion. American Anthropologist, 21 (3), 253–263.
• Lamphere, L. (2004). The convergence of applied, practicing and public anthropology in the 21st century. Human Organization, 63 (4), 431–443.
• Lewis, O. (1963). The children of Sanchez: Autobiography of a Mexican family. New York: Vintage Books.
• Lewis, O. (1966). La vida: A Puerto Rican family in the culture of poverty—San Juan and New York. New York: Random House.
• Liebow, E. (1967). Tally’s corner. Boston: Little, Brown.
• Madian, L., & Oppenheim, A. N. (1969). Knowledge for what? The Camelot legacy: The dangers of sponsored research in the social sciences. British Journal of Sociology, 20 (3), 326–336.
• McAlister, P. (2004). Labor and beer in the Transeki, South Africa: Xhosa work parties in historical and contemporary perspective. Human Organization, 63 (1), 100–111.
• Mead, M. (1973). Coming of age in Samoa: A psychological study of primitive youth for Western civilization. New York: American Museum of Natural History. (Original work published 1928)
• Mead, M., & Rhoda M. (Eds.). (1949). The study of culture at a distance. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
• Oles, B. (2007). Access and alienation: The promise and threat of stewardship on Mokil Atoll. Human Organization, 66 (1), 78–89.
• Rubel, A. J., O’Nell, C. W., & Collado-Ardón, R. (1991). Susto: A folk illness. Berkeley: University of California Press.
• Schuller, M. (2007). Making our voices heard: Ethical dilemmas and opportunities. Society for Applied Anthropology Newsletter, 18 (4), 15–17.
• Spradley, J. P. (1970). You owe yourself a drunk: An ethnography of urban nomads. Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland Press.
• Stronza,A. (2007). New graduate research opportunity in applied biodiversity science. Society for Applied Anthropology Newsletter, 18 (4), 43–44.
• Tax, S. (1975). Action anthropology. Current Anthropology, 16 (4), 514–517.
• Tierney, P. (2000). Darkness in El Dorado: How scientists and journalists devastated the Amazon. NewYork: W. W. Norton.
• van Willigen, J. (1993). Applied anthropology (Rev. ed). Westport, CT: Bergin & Garvey.
• Whorf, B. L. (1964). Language, thought, and reality: Selected writings of Benjamin Lee Whorf (J. B. Carroll, Ed.). Cambridge: MIT Press.
• Wilson, T. M., & Donnan, H. (2006). The anthropology of Ireland. Oxford, UK: Berg.
• Wooten, S. (2003). Women, men and market gardens: Gender relations and income generation in rural Mali. Human Organization, 62 (2), 166–177.

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How to Write a Research Proposal: (with Examples & Templates)

Table of Contents

Before conducting a study, a research proposal should be created that outlines researchers’ plans and methodology and is submitted to the concerned evaluating organization or person. Creating a research proposal is an important step to ensure that researchers are on track and are moving forward as intended. A research proposal can be defined as a detailed plan or blueprint for the proposed research that you intend to undertake. It provides readers with a snapshot of your project by describing what you will investigate, why it is needed, and how you will conduct the research.  

Your research proposal should aim to explain to the readers why your research is relevant and original, that you understand the context and current scenario in the field, have the appropriate resources to conduct the research, and that the research is feasible given the usual constraints.  

This article will describe in detail the purpose and typical structure of a research proposal , along with examples and templates to help you ace this step in your research journey.  

What is a Research Proposal ?  

A research proposal¹ ,²  can be defined as a formal report that describes your proposed research, its objectives, methodology, implications, and other important details. Research proposals are the framework of your research and are used to obtain approvals or grants to conduct the study from various committees or organizations. Consequently, research proposals should convince readers of your study’s credibility, accuracy, achievability, practicality, and reproducibility.   

With research proposals , researchers usually aim to persuade the readers, funding agencies, educational institutions, and supervisors to approve the proposal. To achieve this, the report should be well structured with the objectives written in clear, understandable language devoid of jargon. A well-organized research proposal conveys to the readers or evaluators that the writer has thought out the research plan meticulously and has the resources to ensure timely completion.  

Purpose of Research Proposals  

A research proposal is a sales pitch and therefore should be detailed enough to convince your readers, who could be supervisors, ethics committees, universities, etc., that what you’re proposing has merit and is feasible . Research proposals can help students discuss their dissertation with their faculty or fulfill course requirements and also help researchers obtain funding. A well-structured proposal instills confidence among readers about your ability to conduct and complete the study as proposed.  

Research proposals can be written for several reasons:³  

• To describe the importance of research in the specific topic  
• Address any potential challenges you may encounter  
• Showcase knowledge in the field and your ability to conduct a study  
• Apply for a role at a research institute  
• Convince a research supervisor or university that your research can satisfy the requirements of a degree program  
• Highlight the importance of your research to organizations that may sponsor your project  
• Identify implications of your project and how it can benefit the audience  

What Goes in a Research Proposal?    

Research proposals should aim to answer the three basic questions—what, why, and how.  

The What question should be answered by describing the specific subject being researched. It should typically include the objectives, the cohort details, and the location or setting.  

The Why question should be answered by describing the existing scenario of the subject, listing unanswered questions, identifying gaps in the existing research, and describing how your study can address these gaps, along with the implications and significance.  

The How question should be answered by describing the proposed research methodology, data analysis tools expected to be used, and other details to describe your proposed methodology.   

Research Proposal Example  

Here is a research proposal sample template (with examples) from the University of Rochester Medical Center. 4 The sections in all research proposals are essentially the same although different terminology and other specific sections may be used depending on the subject.  

Structure of a Research Proposal  

If you want to know how to make a research proposal impactful, include the following components:¹  

1. Introduction  

This section provides a background of the study, including the research topic, what is already known about it and the gaps, and the significance of the proposed research.  

2. Literature review  

This section contains descriptions of all the previous relevant studies pertaining to the research topic. Every study cited should be described in a few sentences, starting with the general studies to the more specific ones. This section builds on the understanding gained by readers in the Introduction section and supports it by citing relevant prior literature, indicating to readers that you have thoroughly researched your subject.  

3. Objectives  

Once the background and gaps in the research topic have been established, authors must now state the aims of the research clearly. Hypotheses should be mentioned here. This section further helps readers understand what your study’s specific goals are.  

4. Research design and methodology  

Here, authors should clearly describe the methods they intend to use to achieve their proposed objectives. Important components of this section include the population and sample size, data collection and analysis methods and duration, statistical analysis software, measures to avoid bias (randomization, blinding), etc.  

5. Ethical considerations  

This refers to the protection of participants’ rights, such as the right to privacy, right to confidentiality, etc. Researchers need to obtain informed consent and institutional review approval by the required authorities and mention this clearly for transparency.  

6. Budget/funding  

Researchers should prepare their budget and include all expected expenditures. An additional allowance for contingencies such as delays should also be factored in.  

7. Appendices  

This section typically includes information that supports the research proposal and may include informed consent forms, questionnaires, participant information, measurement tools, etc.  

8. Citations  

Important Tips for Writing a Research Proposal  

Writing a research proposal begins much before the actual task of writing. Planning the research proposal structure and content is an important stage, which if done efficiently, can help you seamlessly transition into the writing stage. 3,5  

The Planning Stage  

• Manage your time efficiently. Plan to have the draft version ready at least two weeks before your deadline and the final version at least two to three days before the deadline.
• What is the primary objective of your research?  
• Will your research address any existing gap?  
• What is the impact of your proposed research?  
• Do people outside your field find your research applicable in other areas?  
• If your research is unsuccessful, would there still be other useful research outcomes?  

  The Writing Stage  

• Create an outline with main section headings that are typically used.  
• Focus only on writing and getting your points across without worrying about the format of the research proposal , grammar, punctuation, etc. These can be fixed during the subsequent passes. Add details to each section heading you created in the beginning.   
• Ensure your sentences are concise and use plain language. A research proposal usually contains about 2,000 to 4,000 words or four to seven pages.  
• Don’t use too many technical terms and abbreviations assuming that the readers would know them. Define the abbreviations and technical terms.  
• Ensure that the entire content is readable. Avoid using long paragraphs because they affect the continuity in reading. Break them into shorter paragraphs and introduce some white space for readability.  
• Focus on only the major research issues and cite sources accordingly. Don’t include generic information or their sources in the literature review.  
• Proofread your final document to ensure there are no grammatical errors so readers can enjoy a seamless, uninterrupted read.  
• Use academic, scholarly language because it brings formality into a document.  
• Ensure that your title is created using the keywords in the document and is neither too long and specific nor too short and general.  
• Cite all sources appropriately to avoid plagiarism.  
• Make sure that you follow guidelines, if provided. This includes rules as simple as using a specific font or a hyphen or en dash between numerical ranges.  
• Ensure that you’ve answered all questions requested by the evaluating authority.  

Key Takeaways   

Here’s a summary of the main points about research proposals discussed in the previous sections:  

• A research proposal is a document that outlines the details of a proposed study and is created by researchers to submit to evaluators who could be research institutions, universities, faculty, etc.  
• Research proposals are usually about 2,000-4,000 words long, but this depends on the evaluating authority’s guidelines.  
• A good research proposal ensures that you’ve done your background research and assessed the feasibility of the research.  
• Research proposals have the following main sections—introduction, literature review, objectives, methodology, ethical considerations, and budget.  

Frequently Asked Questions  

Q1. How is a research proposal evaluated?  

A1. In general, most evaluators, including universities, broadly use the following criteria to evaluate research proposals . 6  

• Significance —Does the research address any important subject or issue, which may or may not be specific to the evaluator or university?  
• Content and design —Is the proposed methodology appropriate to answer the research question? Are the objectives clear and well aligned with the proposed methodology?  
• Sample size and selection —Is the target population or cohort size clearly mentioned? Is the sampling process used to select participants randomized, appropriate, and free of bias?  
• Timing —Are the proposed data collection dates mentioned clearly? Is the project feasible given the specified resources and timeline?  
• Data management and dissemination —Who will have access to the data? What is the plan for data analysis?  

Q2. What is the difference between the Introduction and Literature Review sections in a research proposal ?  

A2. The Introduction or Background section in a research proposal sets the context of the study by describing the current scenario of the subject and identifying the gaps and need for the research. A Literature Review, on the other hand, provides references to all prior relevant literature to help corroborate the gaps identified and the research need.  

Q3. How long should a research proposal be?  

A3. Research proposal lengths vary with the evaluating authority like universities or committees and also the subject. Here’s a table that lists the typical research proposal lengths for a few universities.  

Q4. What are the common mistakes to avoid in a research proposal ?  

A4. Here are a few common mistakes that you must avoid while writing a research proposal . 7  

• No clear objectives: Objectives should be clear, specific, and measurable for the easy understanding among readers.  
• Incomplete or unconvincing background research: Background research usually includes a review of the current scenario of the particular industry and also a review of the previous literature on the subject. This helps readers understand your reasons for undertaking this research because you identified gaps in the existing research.  
• Overlooking project feasibility: The project scope and estimates should be realistic considering the resources and time available.   
• Neglecting the impact and significance of the study: In a research proposal , readers and evaluators look for the implications or significance of your research and how it contributes to the existing research. This information should always be included.  
• Unstructured format of a research proposal : A well-structured document gives confidence to evaluators that you have read the guidelines carefully and are well organized in your approach, consequently affirming that you will be able to undertake the research as mentioned in your proposal.  
• Ineffective writing style: The language used should be formal and grammatically correct. If required, editors could be consulted, including AI-based tools such as Paperpal , to refine the research proposal structure and language.  

Thus, a research proposal is an essential document that can help you promote your research and secure funds and grants for conducting your research. Consequently, it should be well written in clear language and include all essential details to convince the evaluators of your ability to conduct the research as proposed.  

This article has described all the important components of a research proposal and has also provided tips to improve your writing style. We hope all these tips will help you write a well-structured research proposal to ensure receipt of grants or any other purpose.  

References  

• Sudheesh K, Duggappa DR, Nethra SS. How to write a research proposal? Indian J Anaesth. 2016;60(9):631-634. Accessed July 15, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5037942/  
• Writing research proposals. Harvard College Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships. Harvard University. Accessed July 14, 2024. https://uraf.harvard.edu/apply-opportunities/app-components/essays/research-proposals  
• What is a research proposal? Plus how to write one. Indeed website. Accessed July 17, 2024. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/research-proposal  
• Research proposal template. University of Rochester Medical Center. Accessed July 16, 2024. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/MediaLibraries/URMCMedia/pediatrics/research/documents/Research-proposal-Template.pdf  
• Tips for successful proposal writing. Johns Hopkins University. Accessed July 17, 2024. https://research.jhu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Tips-for-Successful-Proposal-Writing.pdf  
• Formal review of research proposals. Cornell University. Accessed July 18, 2024. https://irp.dpb.cornell.edu/surveys/survey-assessment-review-group/research-proposals  
• 7 Mistakes you must avoid in your research proposal. Aveksana (via LinkedIn). Accessed July 17, 2024. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/7-mistakes-you-must-avoid-your-research-proposal-aveksana-cmtwf/  

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Get accurate academic translations, rewriting support, grammar checks, vocabulary suggestions, and generative AI assistance that delivers human precision at machine speed. Try for free or upgrade to Paperpal Prime starting at US$19 a month to access premium features, including consistency, plagiarism, and 30+ submission readiness checks to help you succeed.  

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Topology optimization with explicit components considering stress constraints.

1. Introduction

2. mmc topology optimization framework and geometrical description, 2.1. mmc topology optimization method, 2.2. a new topology description function, 3. problem formulation, 3.1. problem statement and mathematical formulation, 3.2. global stress control, 4. sensitivity analysis, 5. numerical solution aspects, 5.1. l-shaped beam, 5.2. t-shaped beam, 6. conclusions, author contributions, institutional review board statement, informed consent statement, data availability statement, conflicts of interest, abbreviations.

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Ma, Y.; Li, Z.; Wei, Y.; Yang, K. Topology Optimization with Explicit Components Considering Stress Constraints. Appl. Sci. 2024 , 14 , 7171. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14167171

Ma Y, Li Z, Wei Y, Yang K. Topology Optimization with Explicit Components Considering Stress Constraints. Applied Sciences . 2024; 14(16):7171. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14167171

Ma, Yubao, Zhiguo Li, Yuxuan Wei, and Kai Yang. 2024. "Topology Optimization with Explicit Components Considering Stress Constraints" Applied Sciences 14, no. 16: 7171. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14167171

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How to Write a Research Paper [Steps & Examples]

As a student, you are often required to complete numerous academic tasks, which can demand a lot of extra effort. Writing a research paper is one of these tasks. If researching for the topic isn't challenging enough, writing it down in a specific format adds another layer of difficulty. Having gone through this myself, I want to help you have a smoother journey in writing your research paper. I'll guide you through everything you need to know about writing a research paper, including how to write a research paper and all the necessary factors you need to consider while writing one.

Order for Preparation of your research paper

Before beginning your research paper, start planning how you will organize your paper. Follow the specific order I have laid out to ensure you assemble everything correctly, cover all necessary components, and write more effectively. This method will help you avoid missing important elements and improve the overall quality of your paper.

Figures and Tables

Assemble all necessary visual aids to support your data and findings. Ensure they are labeled correctly and referenced appropriately in your text.

Detail the procedures and techniques used in your research. This section should be thorough enough to allow others to replicate your study.

Summarize the findings of your research without interpretation. Use figures and tables to illustrate your data clearly.

Interpret the results, discussing their implications and how they relate to your research question. Address any limitations and suggest areas for future research.

Summarize the key points of your research, restating the significance of your findings and their broader impact.

Introduction

Introduce the topic, provide background information, and state the research problem or hypothesis. Explain the purpose and scope of your study.

Write a concise summary of your research, including the objective, methods, results, and conclusion. Keep it brief and to the point.

Create a clear and informative title that accurately reflects the content and focus of your research paper.

Identify key terms related to your research that will help others find your paper in searches.

Acknowledgements

Thank those who contributed to your research, including funding sources, advisors, and any other significant supporters.

Compile a complete list of all sources cited in your paper, formatted according to the required citation style. Ensure every reference is accurate and complete.

Types of Research Papers

There are multiple types of research papers, each with distinct characteristics, purposes, and structures. Knowing which type of research paper is required for your assignment is crucial, as each demands different preparation and writing strategies. Here, we will delve into three prominent types: argumentative, analytical, and compare and contrast papers. We will discuss their characteristics, suitability, and provide detailed examples to illustrate their application.

A.Argumentative Papers

Characteristics:

An argumentative or persuasive paper is designed to present a balanced view of a controversial issue, but ultimately aims to persuade the reader to adopt the writer's perspective. The key characteristics of this type of paper include:

Purpose: The primary goal is to convince the reader to support a particular stance on an issue. This is achieved by presenting arguments, evidence, and refuting opposing viewpoints.

Structure: Typically structured into an introduction, a presentation of both sides of the issue, a refutation of the opposing arguments, and a conclusion that reinforces the writer’s position.

Tone: While the tone should be logical and factual, it should not be overly emotional. Arguments must be supported with solid evidence, such as statistics, expert opinions, and factual data.

Suitability:

Argumentative papers are suitable for topics that have clear, opposing viewpoints. They are often used in debates, policy discussions, and essays aimed at influencing public opinion or academic discourse.

Topic: "Should governments implement universal basic income?"

Pro Side: Universal basic income provides financial security, reduces poverty, and can lead to a more equitable society.

Con Side: It could discourage work, lead to higher government expenditure, and might not be a sustainable long-term solution.

Argument: After presenting both sides, the paper would argue that the benefits of reducing poverty and financial insecurity outweigh the potential drawbacks, using evidence from various studies and real-world examples.

Writing Tips:

Clearly articulate your position on the issue from the beginning.

Present balanced arguments by including credible sources that support both sides.

Refute counterarguments effectively with logical reasoning and evidence.

Maintain a factual and logical tone, avoiding excessive emotional appeals.

B.Analytical Papers

An analytical research paper is focused on breaking down a topic into its core components, examining various perspectives, and drawing conclusions based on this analysis. The main characteristics include:

Purpose: To pose a research question, collect data from various sources, analyze different viewpoints, and synthesize the information to arrive at a personal conclusion.

Structure: Includes an introduction with a clear research question, a literature review that summarizes existing research, a detailed analysis, and a conclusion that summarizes findings.

Tone: Objective and neutral, avoiding personal bias or opinion. The focus is on data and logical analysis.

Analytical research papers are ideal for topics that require detailed examination and evaluation of various aspects. They are common in disciplines such as social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences, where deep analysis of existing research is crucial.

Topic: "The impact of social media on mental health."

Research Question: How does social media usage affect mental well-being among teenagers?

Analysis: Examine studies that show both positive (e.g., social support) and negative (e.g., anxiety and depression) impacts of social media. Analyze the methodologies and findings of these studies.

Conclusion: Based on the analysis, conclude whether the overall impact is more beneficial or harmful, remaining neutral and presenting evidence without personal bias.

Maintain an objective and neutral tone throughout the paper.

Synthesize information from multiple sources, ensuring a comprehensive analysis.

Develop a clear thesis based on the findings from your analysis.

Avoid inserting personal opinions or biases.

C.Compare and Contrast Papers

Compare and contrast papers are used to analyze the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. The key characteristics include:

Purpose: To identify and examine the similarities and differences between two or more subjects, providing a comprehensive understanding of their relationship.

Structure: Can be organized in two ways:

Point-by-Point: Each paragraph covers a specific point of comparison or contrast.

Subject-by-Subject: Each subject is discussed separately, followed by a comparison or contrast.

Tone: Informative and balanced, aiming to provide a thorough and unbiased comparison.

Compare and contrast papers are suitable for topics where it is important to understand the distinctions and similarities between elements. They are commonly used in literature, history, and various comparative studies.

Topic: "Compare and contrast the leadership styles of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X."

Comparison Points: Philosophies (non-violence vs. militant activism), methods (peaceful protests vs. more radical approaches), and impacts on the Civil Rights Movement.

Analysis: Describe each leader's philosophy and method, then analyze how these influenced their effectiveness and legacy.

Conclusion: Summarize the key similarities and differences, and discuss how both leaders contributed uniquely to the movement.

Provide equal and balanced coverage to each subject.

Use clear criteria for comparison, ensuring logical and coherent analysis.

Highlight both similarities and differences, ensuring a nuanced understanding of the subjects.

Maintain an informative tone, focusing on objective analysis rather than personal preference.

How to Write A Research Paper [Higher Efficiency & Better Results]

Conduct Preliminary Research

Before we get started with the research, it's important to gather relevant information related to it. This process, also known as the primary research method, helps researchers gain preliminary knowledge about the topic and identify research gaps. Whenever I begin researching a topic, I usually utilize Google and Google Scholar. Another excellent resource for conducting primary research is campus libraries, as they provide a wealth of great articles that can assist with your research.

Now, let's see how WPS Office and AIPal can be great research partners:

Let's say that I have some PDFs which I have gathered from different sources. With WPS Office, these PDFs can be directly uploaded not just to extract key points but also to interact with the PDF with special help from WPS AI.

Step 1: Let's open the PDF article or research paper that we have downloaded on WPS Office.

Step 2: Now, click on the WPS AI widget at the top right corner of the screen.

Step 3: This will open the WPS PDF AI pane on the right side of the screen. Click on "Upload".

Step 4: Once the upload is complete, WPS PDF AI will return with the key points from the PDF article, which can then be copied to a fresh new document on WPS Writer.

Step 5: To interact further with the document, click on the "Inquiry" tab to talk with WPS AI and get more information on the contents of the PDF.

Research is incomplete without a Google search, but what exactly should you search for? AIPal can help you with these answers. AIPal is a Chrome extension that can help researchers make their Google searches and interactions with Chrome more effective and efficient. If you haven't installed AIPal on Chrome yet, go ahead and download the extension; it's completely free to use:

Step 1: Let's search for a term on Google related to our research.

Step 2: An AIPal widget will appear right next to the Google search bar, click on it.

Step 3: Upon clicking it, an AIPal window will pop up. In this window, you will find a more refined answer for your searched term, along with links most relevant to your search, providing a more refined search experience.

WPS AI can also be used to extract more information with the help of WPS Writer.

Step 1: We might have some information saved in a Word document, either from lectures or during preliminary research. We can use WPS AI within Writer to gain more insights.

Step 2: Select the entire text you want to summarize or understand better.

Step 3: Once the text is selected, a hover menu will appear. Click on the "WPS AI" icon in this menu.

Step 4: From the list of options, click on "Explain" to understand the content more deeply, or click on "Summarize" to shorten the paragraph.

Step 5: The results will be displayed in a small WPS AI window.

Develop the Thesis statement

To develop a strong thesis statement, start by formulating a central question your paper will address. For example, if your topic is about the impact of social media on mental health, your thesis statement might be:

"Social media use has a detrimental effect on mental health by increasing anxiety, depression, and loneliness among teenagers."

This statement is concise, contentious, and sets the stage for your research. With WPS AI, you can use the "Improve" feature to refine your thesis statement, ensuring it is clear, coherent, and impactful.

Write the First draft

Begin your first draft by focusing on maintaining forward momentum and clearly organizing your thoughts. Follow your outline as a guide, but be flexible if new ideas emerge. Here's a brief outline to get you started:

Using WPS AI’s "Make Longer" feature, you can quickly elaborate key ideas and points of your studies and articles into a descriptive format to include in your draft, saving time and ensuring clarity.

Compose Introduction, Body and Conclusion paragraphs

When writing a research paper, it’s essential to transform your key points into detailed, descriptive paragraphs. WPS AI can help you streamline this process by enhancing your key points, ensuring each section of your paper is well-developed and coherent. Here’s how you can use WPS AI to compose your introduction, body, and conclusion paragraphs:

Let's return to the draft and start composing our introduction. The introduction should provide the background of the research paper and introduce readers to what the research paper will explore.

If your introduction feels too brief or lacks depth, use WPS AI’s "Make Longer" feature to expand on key points, adding necessary details and enhancing the overall narrative.

Once the introduction is completed, the next step is to start writing the body paragraphs and the conclusion of our research paper. Remember, the body paragraphs will incorporate everything about your research: methodologies, challenges, results, and takeaways.

If this paragraph is too lengthy or repetitive, WPS AI’s "Make Shorter" feature can help you condense it without losing essential information.

Write the Second Draft

In the second draft, refine your arguments, ensure logical flow, and check for clarity. Focus on eliminating any unnecessary information, ensuring each paragraph supports your thesis statement, and improving transitions between ideas. Incorporate feedback from peers or advisors, and ensure all citations are accurate and properly formatted. The second draft should be more polished and coherent, presenting your research in a clear and compelling manner.

WPS AI’s "Improve Writing" feature can be particularly useful here to enhance the overall quality and readability of your paper.

WPS Spellcheck can assist you in correcting spelling and grammatical errors, ensuring your paper is polished and professional. This tool helps you avoid common mistakes and enhances the readability of your paper, making a significant difference in the overall quality.

Bonus Tips: How to Get Inspiration for your Research Paper- WPS AI

WPS Office is a phenomenal office suite that students find to be a major blessing. Not only is it a free office suite equipped with advanced features that make it competitive in the market, but it also includes a powerful AI that automates and enhances many tasks, including writing a research paper. In addition to improving readability with its AI Proofreader tool, WPS AI offers two features, "Insight" and "Inquiry", that can help you gather information and inspiration for your research paper:

Insight Feature:

The Insight feature provides deep insights and information on various topics and fields. It analyzes literature to extract key viewpoints, trends, and research directions. For instance, if you're writing a research paper on the impact of social media on mental health, you can use the Insight feature to gather a comprehensive overview of the latest studies, key arguments, and emerging trends in this field. This helps you build a solid foundation for your paper and ensure you are covering all relevant aspects.

Inquiry Feature:

The Inquiry feature allows you to ask specific questions related to your research topic. This helps you gather necessary background information and refine your research focus effectively. For example, if you need detailed information on how social media usage affects teenagers' self-esteem, you can use the Inquiry feature to ask targeted questions and receive relevant answers based on the latest research.

FAQs about writing a research paper

1. can any source be used for academic research.

No, it's essential to use credible and relevant sources. Here is why:

Developing a Strong Argument: Your research paper relies on evidence to substantiate its claims. Using unreliable sources can undermine your argument and harm the credibility of your paper.

Avoiding Inaccurate Information: The internet is abundant with data, but not all sources can be considered reliable. Credible sources guarantee accuracy.

2. How can I avoid plagiarism?

To avoid plagiarism, follow these steps:

Keep Records of Your Sources: Maintain a record of all the sources you use while researching. This helps you remember where you found specific ideas or phrases and ensures proper attribution.

Quote and Paraphrase Correctly: When writing a paper, use quotation marks for exact words from a source and cite them properly. When paraphrasing, restate the idea in your own words and include a citation to acknowledge the original source.

Utilize a Plagiarism Checker: Use a plagiarism detection tool before submitting your paper. This will help identify unintentional plagiarism, ensuring your paper is original and properly referenced.

3. How can I cite sources properly?

Adhere to the citation style guide (e.g., APA, MLA) specified by your instructor or journal. Properly citing all sources both within the text and in the bibliography or references section is essential for maintaining academic integrity and providing clear credit to the original authors. This practice also helps readers locate and verify the sources you've used in your research.

4. How long should a research paper be?

The length of a research paper depends on its topic and specific requirements. Generally, research papers vary between 4,000 to 6,000 words, with shorter papers around 2,000 words and longer ones exceeding 10,000 words. Adhering to the length requirements provided for academic assignments is essential. More intricate subjects or extensive research often require more thorough explanations, which can impact the overall length of the paper.

Write Your Research Paper with the Comfort of Using WPS Office

Writing a research paper involves managing numerous complicated tasks, such as ensuring the correct formatting, not missing any crucial information, and having all your data ready. The process of how to write a research paper is inherently challenging. However, if you are a student using WPS Office, the task becomes significantly simpler. WPS Office, especially with the introduction of WPS AI, provides all the resources you need to write the perfect research paper. Download WPS Office today and discover how it can transform your research paper writing experience for the better.

• 1. How to Write an Abstract - Steps with Examples
• 2. How to Write a Conclusion - Steps with Examples
• 3. How to Use WPS AI/Chatgpt to Write Research Papers: Guide for Beginners
• 4. How to Write a Proposal [ Steps & Examples]
• 5. How to Write a Hook- Steps With Examples
• 6. Free Graph Paper: Easy Steps to Make Printable Graph Paper PDF

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Research on Permanent Magnet Brushless DC Motor Based on Bonded Magnets

• Original Article
• Published: 15 August 2024

Cite this article

• Yinan Wang 1 ,
• Baichuan Liu 1 ,
• Yang Luo 2 ,
• Yuanfei Yang 2 ,
• Chunsheng Guo 1 ,
• Tingting Wang 1 ,
• Juntao Yu   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-0632-7560 1 &
• Li Wang 1  

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The ring-shaped bonded magnet has the advantages of low cost, simple molding, easy assembly, and low eddy current loss, but it has weak magnetic performance. To improve the comprehensive performance of the motor, the motor structure needs to be optimized. In this paper, the ring-shaped bonded magnet is applied to the permanent magnet brushless DC(PMBLDC) motor. According to the characteristics of ring-shaped bonded magnet, a multi-parameter and multi-objective optimization method is proposed to shorten the design time and improve the optimization effect. Based on the equivalent magnetic circuit model, the key parameters affecting the motor performance are derived, then the requirements of permanent magnet demagnetization and motor stability are used as constraints to determine the range of parameter values. The sample data sets of the relationship between the structural parameters and the motor performance are established by the Taguchi method. The quadratic response surface regression model is used to fit the sample data set. Then the modified ant colony algorithm is used to search the optimal target. According to the optimized motor structure parameters, the motor prototype is processed. The results show that the optimized structure can effectively improve the output torque and reduce the cogging torque, torque ripple and operating noise without reducing the efficiency. The research results provide a basis for further development of the application of ring-shaped bonded magnet in micro-motors, and drive the development of motors with lightweight, miniaturization and low cost.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the the National Key Research and Development Program of China (No. 2021YFB3500205), the Key Research and Development Plan of Shandong Province (No. 2022CXGC020307, 2023JMRH0303).

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College of Electromechanical and Information Engineering, Shandong University, Weihai, China

Yinan Wang, Baichuan Liu, Chunsheng Guo, Tingting Wang, Juntao Yu & Li Wang

GRIREM Advanced Materials Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100088, China

Yang Luo & Yuanfei Yang

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Wang, Y., Liu, B., Luo, Y. et al. Research on Permanent Magnet Brushless DC Motor Based on Bonded Magnets. J. Electr. Eng. Technol. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42835-024-02007-2

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Received : 04 January 2022

Revised : 28 April 2024

Accepted : 26 May 2024

Published : 15 August 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s42835-024-02007-2

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How it all began

Certifications can improve your ability to do your job

My dad is a systems administrator, so I grew up around computers. Just watching him tinker with them was cool. However, when I went to college, I earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. Next, I got a teaching credential, then taught elementary school for a few years. But when I turned 24, I decided I wanted a career change. So, I picked up a book on TCP/IP networking, started studying it, and realized that I really enjoyed it. My dad wasn’t into networking that much, so I didn’t know much about it, and got into it more organically. I considered pursuing Cisco certifications right away since the idea of learning about networking led straight to these credentials. I took a networking class at a local community college, then obtained my Cisco CCNA certification.

I enjoy system administration, I’ve gained communications skills, and I’ve learned tech skills, in Microsoft active directory systems, administration, and networking virtualization. General troubleshooting is a big part of my job, too. Most importantly, I’ve gained the flexibility to work around difficulties and learn new technologies. Just being able to keep up with the constant change in technologies is incredibly valuable.

Certifications

Columbus, OH

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What does having a Cisco Certification mean to you?

"I’ve gained more knowledge and different skill sets. I’ve opened myself up for more opportunities. And it’s a validation of me and what I’ve learned."

The biggest challenge was where to start, there where a lot of options. A lot of them involved going back to school or spending a lot of money. CCNA was the most cost-effective, and it would put me in the best position to start a career. Cisco is a leader in that. I took a bootcamp course at the local community college that lasted 8 weeks in total.

I was already in my job in IT in tier 1 support, help desk and the CCNA Certification was a catalyst for my first promotion as a second tier support security.

What would you tell your younger self?

Definitely try different things and go all in on whatever interests you the most.

What would you tell a friend?

I’d tell them to go for it. It will open up a lot of opportunities for them. They’ll have all the knowledge they need to go forward in their career.

Ben's journey

Career path.

Current role

Configuration engineers work on systems and network administration.

Previous role

IT Help Desk Support Primary School Educator

Certification path

Most recent certification

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is the first step toward a career in IT Networking. The CCNA exam covers networking fundamentals, IP services, security fundamentals, automation and programmability.

Read more certification success stories

"The guidance I gained from earning the certification helped— in near real time—to determine what was happening on the job, when I became an SOC operator."

Network security analyst CyberOps Associate

Yasser Auda

"You can do anything. You just need to decide to do it, have the will to do it, and never give up. Be confident in yourself and stop the barriers in your mind."

Network security architect CCNA, CCNP Enterprise, CCNP Security, CyberOps Associate, CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure, Cisco Certified DevNet Associate, Cisco Certified DevNet Professional

Olivia Wolf

"The knowledge that I’ve got from studying for those certifications gave me the confidence that I’ll always be able to get a job if I need to."

Systems engineer CCNA, CCNP Enterprise, DevNet Associate

Share your Cisco Certification Success Story

Has earning a Cisco certification positively changed your life or career, or both? Do you think your Cisco certification story would help encourage other people to earn their Cisco certification? If so, we want to talk to you!