applied research notes

1. Course outline

Topic 1: Introduction to Applied Research

• What is Applied Research?
• Differences Between Basic & Applied Research
• Real-World Applications in Business, Healthcare, Engineering, and Social Sciences

Topic 2: Identifying Research Problems

• Problem-Solving Through Research
• Industry & Community-Based Research Needs
• Developing Research Questions and Objectives

Topic 3: Research Design & Methodology

• Case Studies, Surveys, and Action Research
• Mixed Methods Approach (Qualitative & Quantitative)
• Experimental vs. Non-Experimental Research

Topic 4: Data Collection Techniques

• Interviews, Surveys, and Observational Research
• Using Secondary Data and Industry Reports
• Ethical Considerations in Data Collection

Topic 5: Data Analysis & Interpretation

• Statistical Tools (Excel, SPSS, R, Python)
• Qualitative Data Analysis (Thematic Analysis, NVivo)
• Data Visualization and Reporting

Topic 6: Applying Research to Real-World Problems

• Translating Research into Policy and Practice
• Communicating Findings to Non-Technical Audiences
• Writing Reports, White Papers, and Business Proposals

Assessment & Evaluation

📌 Assignments: Research proposal, case study analysis, data collection tasks
📌 Mid-term Exam: Multiple-choice and application-based questions
📌 Final Project: Conduct and present an applied research study
📌 Participation: Discussions, peer reviews, group collaborations

Teaching Methods

• Lectures & Case Studies: Real-world research applications
• Hands-on Workshops: Data collection, analysis, and software training
• Guest Speakers: Industry professionals & researchers
• Collaborative Projects: Team-based research on real challenges

2. topic 1: introduction to applied research

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this module, students will be able to:
✅ Define applied research and distinguish it from basic research.
✅ Understand the role of applied research in solving real-world problems.
✅ Identify key fields and industries that use applied research.
✅ Recognize ethical considerations in applied research.

1.1 What is Applied Research?

• Definition and Characteristics of Applied Research
• Applied vs. Basic Research: Key Differences
• Role of Applied Research in Decision-Making

Discussion Question:

How does applied research impact businesses, healthcare, or public policy?

1.2 Real-World Applications of Applied Research

• Business & Marketing: Consumer behavior, market trends, product testing
• Healthcare & Medicine: Evidence-based treatments, public health strategies
• Technology & Engineering: UX research, AI applications, process optimization
• Social Sciences & Education: Community development, education policies 

Case study                                              

Choose an industry and analyze a real-world applied research study that led to innovation or policy change.

1.3 Research Problem Identification

• Understanding Real-World Problems
• Translating Problems into Research Questions
• Setting Clear Research Objectives

Activity:

Pick a current challenge in an industry of your choice and frame a research question for it.

1.4 Ethical Considerations in Applied Research

• Informed Consent and Privacy
• Avoiding Bias and Ensuring Validity
• Research Ethics in Industry and Academia

Mini-Case:

Discuss a controversial research study and its ethical implications.

Assessment & Activities for Topic 1

📌 Discussion Post: Write about a real-world problem that can be solved through applied research.
📌 Case Study Analysis: Review a published applied research study.
📌 Quiz: Key concepts, real-world applications, and ethical considerations.

2.1. video of types of research

3. Topic 2: Identifying Research Problems

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this module, students will be able to:
✅ Identify real-world problems that require applied research.
✅ Formulate clear and researchable questions.
✅ Develop research objectives and hypotheses.
✅ Conduct a preliminary literature review to refine research problems.

2.1 Understanding Real-World Problems

• What Makes a Problem Suitable for Research?
• Identifying Industry, Community, and Organizational Challenges
• Stakeholder Perspectives: Businesses, Governments, and Communities

Activity:

Brainstorm current industry or societal challenges that could benefit from applied research.

2.2 From Problem to Research Question

• Characteristics of a Good Research Question (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound - SMART)
• Narrowing Down Broad Problems into Researchable Questions
• Examples of Effective vs. Poor Research Questions

Exercise:

Rewrite the following broad topics into specific research questions:

1. Climate change and business.
2. Employee productivity.
3. Social media and mental health.

2.3 Developing Research Objectives & Hypotheses

• What Are Research Objectives?
• Difference Between Research Objectives & Hypotheses
• Types of Hypotheses (Null vs. Alternative)
• Examples from Business, Healthcare, and Technology

Case Study:

Analyze a research study and identify its objectives and hypotheses.

2.4 Conducting a Preliminary Literature Review

• Why Literature Reviews Matter in Applied Research
• Identifying Gaps in Existing Research
• Finding Credible Sources (Journals, Reports, Industry Publications)

Activity:

Find and summarize one research article relevant to your chosen topic.

Assessment & Activities for Topic 2

📌 Discussion Post: Share a real-world problem and draft a research question.
📌 Assignment: Develop research objectives and hypotheses for a chosen topic.
📌 Quiz: Identifying research problems, forming research questions, and hypotheses.

4. Topic 4: Data Collection Techniques in Applied Research

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this topic, students will be able to:
✅ Understand different data collection methods used in applied research.
✅ Select the most appropriate data collection technique for their research.
✅ Design surveys, interviews, and observational studies.
✅ Ensure reliability, validity, and ethical considerations in data collection.

4.1 Introduction to Data Collection

• Primary vs. Secondary Data
• Importance of Data Accuracy and Reliability
• Ethical Considerations in Data Collection (Informed Consent, Privacy, Bias)

Discussion Question:

Why is data integrity crucial in applied research? Share an example of a research study where poor data collection led to misleading results.

4.2 Primary Data Collection Methods

1.      Surveys & Questionnaires

• Designing Effective Surveys (Open vs. Closed-Ended Questions)
• Sampling Strategies (Random, Stratified, Convenience)
• Common Survey Tools (Google Forms, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey)

2.      Interviews & Focus Groups

• Structured, Semi-Structured, and Unstructured Interviews
• Conducting Focus Groups for Deep Insights
• Transcription and Thematic Analysis

3.      Observational Research

• Participant vs. Non-Participant Observation
• Recording and Coding Observations
• Real-World Applications (UX Research, Behavioral Studies)

Activity:

Create a short survey (5-10 questions) for a chosen research topic.

4.3 Secondary Data Collection

• Using Existing Data Sources (Industry Reports, Government Databases, Research Journals)
• Benefits and Limitations of Secondary Data
• Data Cleaning and Preprocessing

Exercise:

Find and analyze an existing dataset relevant to your research topic.

4.4 Ensuring Reliability and Validity in Data Collection

• Reliability: Ensuring Consistency in Results
• Validity: Measuring What You Intend to Measure
• Methods to Improve Reliability & Validity

Case Study:

Analyze a study where poor reliability or validity led to flawed conclusions.

Assessment & Activities for Topic 4

📌 Discussion Post: Compare primary and secondary data collection methods.
📌 Assignment: Design a data collection plan for a research project.
📌 Quiz: Testing knowledge on data collection methods, reliability, and validity.

4.1. data collection video

5. Topic 3: Research Design & Methodology

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this module, students will be able to:
✅ Understand different types of research designs and their applications.
✅ Choose an appropriate research methodology based on the problem.
✅ Differentiate between qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research.
✅ Develop a research framework for an applied research study.

3.1 Understanding Research Design

• What is Research Design?
• Importance of Research Design in Applied Research
• Factors Influencing Research Design Choice (Time, Resources, Scope)

Case Study:

Analyze a real-world applied research study and identify its research design.

3.2 Types of Research Designs

1.      Experimental Research

• Control vs. Treatment Groups
• Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
• Examples: Drug testing, A/B testing in business

2.      Non-Experimental Research

• Case Studies
• Surveys & Questionnaires
• Observational Research

3.      Longitudinal vs. Cross-Sectional Studies

• Studying Trends Over Time vs. One-Time Data Collection
• Examples: Market research, consumer behavior studies

Activity:

Match different real-world problems with the most suitable research design.

3.3 Choosing the Right Research Methodology

• Qualitative Research (Interviews, Focus Groups, Content Analysis)
• Quantitative Research (Surveys, Experiments, Statistical Analysis)
• Mixed-Methods Research (Combining Qualitative & Quantitative)

Discussion Question:

When should researchers use mixed-methods research instead of purely qualitative or quantitative approaches?

3.4 Developing a Research Framework

• Identifying Variables (Independent vs. Dependent)
• Conceptual & Theoretical Frameworks
• Justifying Methodological Choices

Exercise:

Choose a topic and outline a basic research framework, including variables and methodology.

Assessment & Activities for Topic 3

📌 Discussion Post: Compare two research designs used in applied research.
📌 Assignment: Develop a research design and framework for an applied research problem.
📌 Quiz: Research design types, methodologies, and framework components.

6. Topic 5: Data Analysis and Interpretation in Applied Research

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this topic, students will be able to:
✅ Understand different data analysis techniques for qualitative and quantitative research.
✅ Use statistical tools to analyze numerical data.
✅ Interpret qualitative data using coding and thematic analysis.
✅ Visualize and present research findings effectively.

5.1 Introduction to Data Analysis

• Importance of Data Analysis in Applied Research
• Differences Between Qualitative and Quantitative Data Analysis
• Ethical Considerations in Data Handling and Interpretation

Discussion Question:

Why is data analysis critical in applied research? Share an example of how data misinterpretation could lead to poor decision-making.

5.2 Quantitative Data Analysis

1.      Descriptive Statistics

• Mean, Median, Mode, Standard Deviation
• Data Distribution and Normality

2.      Inferential Statistics

• Hypothesis Testing (T-tests, Chi-Square, ANOVA)
• Regression Analysis and Correlation
• Statistical Significance (p-values, Confidence Intervals)

3.      Using Statistical Software

• Introduction to SPSS, Excel, R, or Python for Data Analysis

Exercise:

Analyze a sample dataset using Excel or an online statistical tool and interpret the results.

5.3 Qualitative Data Analysis

1.      Thematic Analysis

• Identifying Patterns and Themes in Text Data
• Coding and Categorization

2.      Content Analysis

• Analyzing Documents, Interviews, and Open-Ended Survey Responses

3.      Using Qualitative Analysis Software

• Introduction to NVivo or ATLAS.ti for Coding and Analysis

Activity:

Conduct a short interview or focus group, transcribe the responses, and identify key themes.

5.4 Data Visualization & Interpretation

• Creating Graphs, Charts, and Tables (Excel, Tableau, Power BI)
• Best Practices for Presenting Data Clearly
• Avoiding Misleading Visual Representations

Case Study:

Analyze a published research study and evaluate how the data is visualized and interpreted.

Assessment & Activities for Topic 5

📌 Discussion Post: Compare quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods.
📌 Assignment: Perform a small data analysis using either statistical or thematic methods.
📌 Quiz: Test knowledge on data analysis techniques and tools.

7. Topic 6: Applying Research Findings to Real-World Problems

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this module, students will be able to:
✅ Translate research findings into actionable insights.
✅ Communicate research results effectively to stakeholders.
✅ Develop recommendations based on data analysis.
✅ Apply research findings to industry-specific challenges.

6.1 From Data to Decision-Making

• The Role of Research in Problem-Solving
• Bridging the Gap Between Research and Practice
• Understanding Stakeholder Needs (Businesses, Policymakers, Communities)

Discussion Question:

How can research findings influence business strategies or public policies? Share an example.

6.2 Communicating Research Findings

1.      Writing Research Reports

• Structuring a Report (Abstract, Introduction, Methodology, Results, Discussion, Conclusion)
• Making Reports Concise and Accessible for Different Audiences

2.      Presenting Findings Visually

• Effective Use of Charts, Graphs, and Dashboards
• Storytelling with Data

3.      Stakeholder Presentations

• Tailoring Messages for Decision-Makers
• Engaging Non-Technical Audiences

Activity:

Summarize a research study into a one-page executive summary.

6.3 Developing Recommendations & Action Plans

• How to Turn Findings into Practical Recommendations?
• Prioritizing Actions Based on Research Evidence
• Implementing Research-Based Solutions in Real-World Scenarios

Case Study:

Analyze a research study and evaluate how its recommendations were applied in an industry setting.

6.4 Research Impact and Continuous Improvement

• Monitoring and Evaluating the Effectiveness of Research-Based Decisions
• The Role of Applied Research in Innovation and Continuous Improvement
• Future Trends in Applied Research and Data-Driven Decision-Making

Discussion Question:

How can organizations ensure that research findings lead to long-term improvements?

Assessment & Activities for Topic 6

📌 Discussion Post: Share a research finding that had a significant real-world impact.
📌 Assignment: Prepare a short presentation summarizing research findings and recommendations.
📌 Quiz: Test knowledge on research communication, recommendations, and implementation.