From Bachelor of Communication Honours Wiki

Contents 1 Definition 2 Comparison 3 Disciplines 4 Process 5 Methodologies 6 Groups / Journals 7 References

Definition

Research is a dynamic process in which we acquire new knowledge through systematic inquiry to discover and interpret facts, theories, events, behaviors or social systems, or to make practical applications using such knowledge. Applied research seeks to solve basic problems. It is problem based research that seeks to find a solution. The solution has a greater purpose that ultimately relates back to the context. It is research toward a specific need, rather than research without a clear goal or outcome. Research with purpose.

Comparison

Pure research increases our knowledge base for its own sake but applied research informs decision makers at every level. Often Applied Research is seen as opposed to Pure Research . This research explores problems in real contexts with the goal of finding practical solutions. Applied research often builds upon basic research, thus it often uses both qualitative (uses statistics to prove or disprove a hypothesis) and quantitative (asks questions about ‘why’) methods.

Disciplines

Applied research is used across a range of disciplines, with research toward practical outcomes being a key goal for many parts of Academia and industry. Because of the nature of Applied Research it is often employed by companies and firms toward a marketable product or goal.

Process

Applied research can be broken into 4 categories:

• Context
• Questions
• Findings
• Future Recommendations

Methodologies

Some methods and measurements of applied research are:

• Surveys
• Case Studies
• Focus Groups
• Action research (involving participant observation)
• Product Testing
• Literature Review
• Interview

You need to regroup the key information from the above methods, hence making it more accessible, digestible and applicable to the real context of the research problem. Most of these methods apply to the various other forms of research researched as well as applied research.

Groups / Journals

• Journal Of Applied Communication Research [1]
• Southern Review [2]

References

• Fannon, Kate. Australian Flexible Learning Framework. 8/9/2004. http://community.flexiblelearning.net.au/GlobalPerspectives/content/article_6204.htm
• Krueger & Casey. Focus Groups: A Practical Guide for Applied Research. 2000 (3rd Edition). Sage Publications.
• Sellnow, Tim (Editor). Journal Of Applied Communication Research. 2006-2008. http://www.ndsu.edu/ndsu/JACR/