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Finally, applied research does not have specific research methods associated with it. Rather, it makes use of the findings from the methods described previously and uses them in specific contexts. For instance, when you listen to the weather forecast (a prediction) for the next day, you will apply that information by dressing accordingly. Likewise, we already know that the manner in which information is presented influences how people respond to that information (called the framing effect). The makers of Ruffles potato chips were clearly aware of the framing effect when they labeled the cooking method of “baked” on those bags of chips, but they did not label the cooking method of the “fried” chips.

To continue our example of health-related behaviors in college students, many colleges and universities are keenly interested in promoting physical and psychological well-being in their student populations. Like all organizations, these schools face budgetary constraints. Therefore, they want to maximize the desired outcomes (well-being in their student populations) within those financial limitations. To do so, many schools rely on the sorts of research studies we have described in this part of the chapter. For instance, one college wanted to update its aerobic exercise machines. It first conducted a survey of its students and faculty by asking these people to complete a questionnaire. Based on the results of this survey, the college invested a portion of available funds and updated some of the aerobic exercise equipment. Then, after this new equipment was available for use, it conducted naturalistic observation to learn if in fact the equipment was being used as indicated it would be used on the questionnaire. When those naturalistic observations suggested heavy use of the new equipment, the college immediately invested the remaining portion of its funds for this purpose.

Applied research: uses descriptive, predictive, and explanatory research methods to answer specific research questions in specific contexts.