What type of research specifically focuses on practical problems?

Applied research is specifically designed to address practical problems and find solutions in real-world contexts. This type of research contrasts with fundamental research, which is more focused on expanding theoretical knowledge without immediate application in mind.

In the realm of psychology and other social sciences, applied research seeks to use scientific methods to solve specific issues, such as improving educational strategies, developing treatments for mental health disorders, or enhancing workplace productivity. It often draws on theoretical frameworks developed through fundamental research to inform its methodology and ensure that the findings are grounded in established science.

By concentrating on practical implications, applied research aims to produce findings that can be readily utilized by practitioners in various fields, making it directly relevant to everyday situations and challenges. This focus on application is what distinctly categorizes it from other research types, such as descriptive research, which primarily describes characteristics or phenomena without delving into their practical applications or underlying theoretical constructs.