HSS 366 Applied Research Methods requires all students to design, conduct, and present an individual research project. The culmination of this project is an original research paper.
HSS 366 Applied Research Methods
The final paper should be 10-12 pages. It should include five or more academic sources.
Structure: The paper should contain the following sections:
Abstract
Introduction
Literature review
Methodology
Findings and discussion
Conclusion
Bibliography
Format your work correctly: Double-space your paper. Write in a plain, 12-point font (e.g. Times New Roman, Helvetica, Arial, Cambria). Use a 1-inch margin. Number all pages. Do not include a cover page or a contents page. Title your work. Title, explain, and cite, if necessary, all figures you include – diagrams, tables, graphs, maps, images, and charts.
References should be cited in the paper and in a bibliography using APA referencing system.
Avoid plagiarism, all submitted work will be through safe assign.
Sources must be reliable. This means you should only use peer-reviewed journal articles and scholarly books distributed by reputable academic publishers. (You may still cite websites and other publications in your paper if they support your project and the argument, but these will not be counted. Such additional sources should also be cited and referenced appropriately).
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.
Examples
- 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.
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