Applied research “aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a society, or an industrial/business organisation, whereas fundamental research is mainly concerned with generalisations and with the formulation of a theory”[1]. Applied research is considered to be non-systematic inquiry and it is usually launched by a company, agency or an individual in order to address a specific problem.[2]
Applied research can be divided into the following three categories:
1. Evaluation research. This type of research focuses on analysing existing information about the phenomenon in order to generate objective research outcomes. A study into the ways of reducing supply-chain costs can be mentioned as an example for an evaluation research.
2. Research and Development. It is a type of applied research that focuses on the development of new products and services to satisfy needs and wants of target customer segment. This type of applied research is the least relevant to a business dissertation.
3. Action research. This type of study aims to tackle specific business problems. For example, a research into the ways of restoring Starbucks brand image in UK after the tax scandal can be classified as an action research.
The difference between applied and fundamental or basic research is straightforward – findings of applied research can be applied to resolve problems, whereas fundamental studies are used simply to explore certain issues and elements. Applied research can be a follow-up to the findings of a fundamental research.
Moreover, differences between applied and basic research can be summarized into three points:
1. Differences in purpose. Purpose of applied studies is closely associated with the solution of specific problems, while the purpose of fundamental studies relate to creation of new knowledge or expansion of the current knowledge without any concerns to applicability.
2. Differences in context. In applied studies, research objectives are set by clients or sponsors as a solution to specific problems they are facing. Fundamental studies, on the other hand, are usually self-initiated in order to expand the levels of knowledge in certain areas.
3. Differences in methods. Research validity is an important point to be addressed in all types of studies. Nevertheless, applied studies are usually more concerned with external validity, whereas internal validity can be specified as the main point of concern for fundamental researchers.
The following are examples for applied research. You can notice that each of these studies aim to resolve a specific and an immediate problem.
The advantages and disadvantages of applied and fundamental research mirror and contrast each other. On the positive side, applied research can be helpful in solving specific problems in business and other settings.
On the negative side, findings of applied research cannot be usually generalized. In other words, applicability of the new knowledge generated as a result of this type of research is limited to the research problem. Moreover, applied studies usually have tight deadlines which are not flexible.
You need to specify the type of your research in the earlier part of the research methodology chapter in about one short paragraph. Also, in this paragraph you will have to justify your choice of research type.
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[1] Kothari, C.R. (2008) “Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques” New Age International
[2] Bajpai, N. (2011) “Business Research Methods” Pearson Education India
Quantitative Research gathers numerical data which can be ranked, measured or categorised through statistical analysis. It assists with uncovering patterns or relationships, and for making generalisations. This type of research is useful for finding out how many, how much, how often, or to what extent.
General strategies for finding quantitative research
When searching for Quantitative Research it is important that you search across a range of databases, as no single database covers all the literature. The decision regarding which databases to search depends largely upon your research topic. Journal databases also provide search hints and tips in the help menu - start there if you aren't familiar with the database.
Developing a robust search strategy will help reduce irrelevant results. It is good practice to plan a strategy before you start to search.
Qualitative Research gathers data about lived experiences, emotions or behaviours, and the meanings individuals attach to them. It assists in enabling researchers to gain a better understanding of complex concepts, social interactions or cultural phenomena. This type of research is useful in the exploration of how or why things have occurred, interpreting events and describing actions.
General strategies
When searching for qualitative research it is important that you search across a range of databases, as no single database covers all the literature. The decision regarding which databases to search depends largely upon your research topic. Journal databases also provide search hints and tips in the help menu - start there if you are not familiar with the database.
Developing a robust search strategy will help reduce irrelevant results. It is good practice to plan a strategy before you start to search.
Mixed Methods Research integrates both Qualitative and Quantitative Research. It provides a holistic approach combining and analysing the statistical data with deeper contextualised insights. Using Mixed Methods also enables Triangulation, or verification, of the data from two or more sources.
Finding Mixed Methods research in the Databases
“mixed model*” OR “mixed design*” OR “multiple method*” OR multimethod* OR triangulat*
CINAHL Open Access Journals - the following Subject Headings may be of use: Multimethod Studies or Triangulation. You can also include in your search the following fSageree text keywords: mixed model*, mixed design*, multiple method*, multimethod*, or triangulat*.What is a Literature Review?
A literature review is different to an essay. It provides a snapshot of what we know about the research on a particular topic. The author is required to do a comprehensive search of relevant and recent literature (journal articles, text books, websites) to identify what is known about a topic. The main themes are then identified and crtically analysed. A literature review should cover:
Techniques or tools used for gathering research data include:
| Qualitative Techniques or Tools | Quantitative Techniques or Tools |
|---|---|
| Interviews: these can be structured, semi-structured or unstructured in-depth sessions with the researcher and a participant. | Surveys or questionnaires: which ask the same questions to large numbers of participants or use Likert scales which measure opinions as numerical data. |
| Focus groups: with several participants discussing a particular topic or a set of questions. Researchers can be facilitators or observers. | Observation: which can either involve counting the number of times a specific phenomenon occurs, or the coding of observational data in order to translate it into numbers. |
| Observations: On-site, in-context or role-play options. | Document screening: sourcing numerical data from financial reports or counting word occurrences. |
| Document analysis: Interrogation of correspondence (letters, diaries, emails etc) or reports. | Experiments: testing hypotheses in laboratories, testing cause and effect relationships, through field experiments, or via quasi- or natural experiments. |
| Oral history or life stories: Remembrances or memories of experiences told to the researcher. |