What is Applied Research?
Applied research produces results that actively try to solve a real-world problem. The focus is on an actionable outcome.
Examples:
As students, the majority of research you may have done up until now is basic research (also called "pure" or "fundamental" research).
Basic / Pure research is different from applied research. It is used to expand theoretical knowledge on a topic.
Examples:
When you take on an applied research project, the focus of your question and answer is more practical.
Five-Step Framework for the Applied Research Process
Clarify your research focus
Scan existing information
Plan your research tasks and methods
Collect, analyze and interpret data
Share your work
from p.18 of PDF