(PURE AND APPLIED RESEARCH)

(QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH)

Introduction
This module aims to classify research into different categories such as qualitative
and quantitative and mixed, pure and applied. This module will also explain why this types of
research are based on the type of data and methods used while pure and applied classification
is based on the aim and objectives of the research.
Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

 Understand the different categories of research.
 Differentiate pure to applied research.
 Differentiate qualitative to quantitative research.
Lesson

Pure research has no specific goal. It is also known as basic research and is
conducted without any exact goal in mind. The main objective of pure research is to develop
knowledge and to identify and be able to explain the relationship between different variables.
It also improved fundamental knowledge about the topic and present new theories, concepts,
ideas, and principles as well as new ways of thinking. It is also the source of new information
and ways of thinking in the world.
Interest, intuition and curiosity are the driving force of a pure research, and is
more experimental in nature than applied research. At times pure research can also be a basis
for applied research.
Pure Research
Pure Research (Examples)

 You could be a university professor studying crystal structure of some metal or metallic
compound just to gain a greater understanding. We could call that pure research. But a paid
researcher could be doing exactly the same thing, with the hope of developing a better
material for some commercial application e.g. aircraft structures. We’d call that applied
research.
 A researcher could be researching the biochemistry of certain plants just to gain greater
understanding, whereas a pharmaceutical company could be researching the same topic
with the hope of finding a cure for some disease. (Or a drug dealer could be trying to
create a more powerful drug!)
 A mathematician could publish a new theory or theorem with no application in mind; An
economist or rocket scientist could do something similar in order to describe some real
world phenomenon or to solve a pressing technical problem.
Basic Research (Examples)

 An investigation looking at whether stress levels influence how often students engage in
academic cheating
 A study looking at how caffeine consumption impacts the brain
 A study assessing whether men or women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression
 A study looking at how attachment styles among children of divorced parents compare to
those raised by married parents
Applied Research

 Applied research has an exact goal. Applied research, unlike pure research, leads in
solving a specific and practical problem. Thus, it is also a descriptive type in nature.
Also, applied research is often based pure research. Since it involves solving practical
problems, it often includes experimental methods.
 Applied research is used in different fields such as education, medicine, agriculture, or
technology. From observing the behavior of children to identify the effectiveness of
various interventions, to studying the relationship between genetics and cancer are some
examples of applied research studies. Such studies always have a specific goal.
Furthermore, the results of applied research are usually intended for contemporary use.
Also, applied research studies are always based on the information or theories discovered
through basic research.
Applied Research
Applied Research (Examples)

Health
 Interventions for aggressive child behaviors
 Ways to manage schizophrenia in teenagers
 How to cure Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
 Is mercury poisoning affecting intellectual disorders?
 Should vaccinations be avoided to prevent autism?
 What types of additives are acceptable and healthy for manufacturers to use in human food
products?
 Is irradiation of beef healthy for consumers?
Applied Research (Examples)

Education
 How can bullying be prevented in elementary schools?
 How can the achievement gap of students from different socio-economic backgrounds be
bridged in education?
 What are ways to improve school readiness for children?
 How can graduation rates be improved in urban school environments that are currently not
producing as many graduates as their suburban counterparts?
 What can be done to increase the amount of graduating high school students choosing to
attend college?
 Is college tuition becoming prohibitive to young adults being successful and able to
support themselves?
Applied Research (Examples)

Society
 The effectiveness of abstinence programs in Kentucky
 Should pilots be armed?
 What is causing increased poverty in cities?
 How is the media affecting females' body perceptions?
 What changes are necessary to create jobs in rural areas?
 How does the consumption of oil in the United States affect its economy?
 How would the legalization of some drugs affect various groups within society?
Applied Research (Examples)

Technology
 How can cybersecurity be improved to prevent election fraud?
 Is current technology use for children helpful or harmful?
 Is modern technology creating a "dumbing down" of individuals?
 How does social media change individual's perception of society and themselves?
 Applied Research (Examples)

Electronics
 power electronics and power source engineering applications
 power electronics solutions in distributed electricity production
 analogue and digital signal processing
 EMC and interference shielding technology
 analogue electronics
 sensor and measurement technology
 efficiency coefficient and reliability of power electronics
 systemic competence in electronics
Research Method

 Research methods refers to the tools that is being used in undergoing research. These can
be qualitative or quantitative or mixed. Quantitative methods look at the numerical data
and often needs the use of statistical tools to analyze data collected. Measurement of
variables and relationships between them can then be established in the research method.
Data in a quantitative methods can be represented using graphs and tables.
Qualitative data is non-numerical and focuses on establishing outlines and arrangements.
Mixed methods are composed of both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Mixed methods are being used in justification of unexpected results.
Research Methods

 Quantitative Research is detailed in numbers and graphs that will be used to test or
confirm theories and assumptions. This type of research can also be used to establish
overall evidences about a topic. Common quantitative methods include experiments,
observations recorded in numbers, and survey questionnaire with closed-ended
questions.
 Qualitative Research is expressed in words. It is used to understand practices, ideas and
thoughts. This type of research allows you to collect detailed insights on topics that are
not well understood. Common qualitative methods include interviews with open-ended
questions, explanations described in words, and literature reviews that discover concepts
and theories.
Data Collection Methods

Quantitative and qualitative data can be collected using different methods. It is

important to use a data collection method that will help answer the research question(s). Data
collection methods can be either qualitative or quantitative. For example, in surveys,
observations or case studies, the data can be represented as numbers (e.g. counting frequencies
or using rating scales) or as words (e.g. descriptions of what you observe or with open-ended
questions or).
Quantitative data collection methods

1. Observations: Perceiving subjects in a natural setting where variables can’t be controlled.

2. Experiments: Condition in which variables are measured and manipulated to create cause-
and-effect relationships.
3. Surveys: Closed or multiple choice questions that is disseminated to a sample population (it
can be over the phone, in person or online).
Qualitative data collection methods

1. Focus groups: Discussion among a group of people about a topic to collect opinions that
can be used for further research.
2. Literature review: Investigation of published related to your study.
3. Ethnography: Joining in a community or group for a period of time to closely observe
culture and behavior
4. Interviews: Open-ended questions are ask verbally to the respondents.

Quantitative research is used if you want to approve or examine something (a theory or

hypothesis) and qualitative research if you want to comprehend something (experiences,
concepts, thoughts,).
Example of quantitative research approach

A survey questionnaire was given to 500 students at your university and ask them
questions such as: “on a scale of 1-10, how content are you with your professors?” Performing
statistical analysis on the data and draw conclusions such as: “on an average students rated
their professors 9.2”.
Example of qualitative research approach

Conduct comprehensive interviews with 20 students and ask them open-ended

questions such as: “How contented are you with your studies?”, “What is the most positive
part of your study program?” and “What can be done to improve the study program?” Based
on the answers you get you can ask follow-up questions to clarify things. You transcribe all
interviews using transcription software and try to find commonalities and patterns.
Examples of Mixed Method approach

 Students’ persistence in the university of nebraska - lincoln distributed doctoral program in

educational administration: a mixed methods study.
 A mixed methods investigation of leadership and performance in practice-based research
networks.
 Mixed Methods: Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis
While Studying Patient-Centered Medical Home Models
Assessment

Tell whether the following topics are more on Qualitative or Quantitative Research
Qualitative 1. Experiences of parents of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder.
Qualitative 2. What factors influence employee retention in a large organization?
Quantitative 3. Job Satisfaction and Employee Turnover Intention
Quantitative 4. Can Online Word of Mouth Assign a Product Price?
Qualitative 5. Patients’ Attitudes toward HIV Testing in the Dental Setting.
Reflection

Choose a topic (e.g. basketball, social Media, Milk Tea). Come up with a list of 5 different
questions relating to that topic.
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Assignment

Search for 5 examples of qualitative research and quantitative research on the internet.
Online References:

https://www.differencebetween.com
https://up-za.libguides.com
https://www.questionpro.com/
https://www.scribbr.com/
https://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-applied-research.html
https://www.quora.com/What-are-some-examples-of-pure-research-and-applied-research