The abc’S of applied research By Trent L. Butcher Hello, my name is Trent Butcher and today I will discuss the ABC’s of Applied Research

AGENDA Applied Research Defined Approaches to Applied Research Methods Applied Research Process Outcomes I will start with a working definition of applied research, review two research approaches and methods, process and lastly, review the outcomes

Definition Applied Research: The careful study of a given subject, field, or problem undertaken to discover facts or principles (thefreedictionary.com, n.d) Krishnaswami and Satyaprasad (2010, p. 2), defined it as a search for facts – answers to questions and solutions to problems Here are two simple definitions of Applied Research. First it is the careful study of a given subject, field, or problem undertaken to discover facts or principles. Secondly it is a search for facts – answers to questions and solutions to problems. Now let’s take a look at some of the approaches to Applied Research.

Approaches to applied research Quantitative Research Qualitative Research Although there are several different approaches to Applied Research, I will only focus on two: Quantitative & Qualitative Research because they represent the Yin and Yang of Applied Research.

Approaches to applied research Individually, they each represent a unique half of a problem or situation. Together they represent a conclusive whole or the entirety of an event. Individually, they each represent a unique half of a problem or situation but together they represent a conclusive whole or the entirety of an event.

Approaches to applied research Quantitative analysis is presented through monetary or numerical terms whereas qualitative analysis may be written because it is used to find the behavior of the people under study (Krishnaswami and Satyaprasad 2010, p. 5) Quantitative analysis is presented through monetary or numerical terms whereas qualitative analysis may be written because it is used to find the behavior of the people under study

Approaches to applied research Quantitative Research: A formal, objective, systematic process for obtaining information used to describe test relationships, and examine cause and effect relationships (umsl.edu, n.d). Quantitative Research is a formal objective systematic process for obtaining information used to describe test relationships, and examine cause and effect relationships.

Approaches to applied research Qualitative Research: A systematic subjective approach used to describe life experiences and give them meaning (umsl.edu, n.d). Whereas qualitative research is a systematic subjective approach used to describe life experiences and give them meaning.

Approaches to applied research Quantitative and qualitative measures can form a symbiotic relationship when they are used in conjunction with one another. Quantitative and qualitative measures can form a symbiotic relationship when they are used in conjunction with one another. Together they provide the text and numerical statistics needed to fully understand and solve a problem.

Methods Quantitative Research Methods include the following: Surveys with closed questions Structured Interviews Historical Data (orau.gov, n.d, n.p) Now let’s look at a few tools associated with each approach. Quantitative Research Methods include the following: surveys, structured interviews and historical data

methods Qualitative Research Methods include: Surveys/Questionnaires with open-ended questions Focus Groups Interviews (orau.gov, n.d, n.p) While effective qualitative research methods include surveys/questionnaires, focus groups and interviews.

Methods Quantitative Research is structured and objective Qualitative Research is unstructured and subjective Although both share some of the same methods, they are used differently because quantitative analysis is structured and objective while qualitative analysis tend to be unstructured and subjective.

Applied Research Process 1. Research the problem: Is it internal, external or feasible? 2. Design your research plan Is it concrete or abstract? 3. Choose your sample group 4. Collect and analyze your data based on the approach you chose (Krishnaswami and Satyaprasad 2010, pp.23-145). The following steps are useful to complete an Applied Research project. 1. Research the problem is it internal, external or feasible? 2. Design your research plan Is it concrete or abstract? 3. Choose your sample group. 4. Collect and analyze your data based on the approach you chose

outcomes Viewers should be: Able to define Applied Research Able to Understand the differences between quantitative and qualitative research Familiar with some of the methods used to conduct quantitative & qualitative research Able to identify the 4-step process of Applied Research Now let’s review the outcomes.

References Krishnaswami, O., & Satyaprasad, B. (2010). Business Research Methods. Mumbai, IND: Himalaya Publishing House. Retrieved from http://www.ebrary.com Orau.gov. (n.d). Differences Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods. Retrieved from http://www.orau.gov/cdcynergy/soc2web/Content/phase 05/phase05_step03_deeper_qualitative_and_quantitative. htm umsl.edu. (n.d). Qualitative Research Designs. Retrieved from http://www.umsl.edu/~lindquists/qualdsgn.html Lastly, here are my references.