Discussion Board Part 1
1.2 What is the difference between applied research and basic or pure research? Use a
decision about how a salesperson is to be paid, by commission or salary, and describe
the question that would guide applied research versus the question that would guide
pure research.
Applied Research
Applied research is the problem-solving aspect of business research. It doesn’t matter if the
problem is positive or negative if there is a problem to be solved. The specific purpose of applied
research is to obtain answers to questions that are specifically geared towards action,
performance, or policy needs (Cooper and Schindler, 2014). Some typical examples of applied
research are:
Cure for cancer
Improving crop production
Improving energy efficiency
It encompasses gathering information and conducting studies that will improve practice in a
short time. Implementation science is key, which places and emphasis on procedures that
promote evidence-based practices, but also includes the developing and integrating new practices
(Lieu & Platt, 2017).
In this scenario to decide on how a salesperson is to be paid by commission or salary with the
applied research the researcher would study the impact of commission versus salary on employee
performance and behavior. Thus, the question for applied research would be are salesman more
productive with better behavior patterns when they are paid a salary versus commission pay?
The scripture that fits perfectly in this scenario is in 1 Timothy 5:18 (NIV), “Do not muzzle
an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.” Meaning do not
hinder people from doing the best job they can do by paying them unfair wages.
Basic Research
“Basic research is performed without thought of practical ends. It results in general
knowledge and an understanding of nature and its laws. This general knowledge provides the
means of answering a large number of important practical problems” (Sapir4, 2017). This type
of research does not give specific answers to the problem and has little to no impact on action,
performance, or policy needs. It is driven mainly by scientific investigation to expand human
knowledge.
Some common examples would be:
How was the universe created?
What are protons, neutrons, and electrons composed of?
How do slime molds reproduce?
Many scientists are certain that basic research, is needed for progression and it lays the
foundation for applied science. In 1917, Albert Einstein wrote a scientific paper that eventually
led to the invention of laser technology some 40 years later. The progress of equally innovative
technologies that could change and expand our lives centers on our investments in essential,
curiosity-driven research today (Handlesman, 2015).
Using the basic research style, the researcher would investigate the stress levels of the
salesforces when they are paid salary compared to commission. The question would be do
salesmen who make commission tend to have more health problems do the stress of selling
compared to salary salesman. Meeting the demands of being a salesman can be stressful the bible
gives us an answer when facing challenges in our life. James 1:2-4 (NIV) states, “consider it pure
joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kids, because you know that the
testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may
mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Although there are differing opinions on which research method is more prevalent they
both can be used to get the desired result.
References
Cooper, D. R., & Schindler, P. S. (2014). Business research methods (12th ed.). New
York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Handelsman, J. (2015). The Value of Basic research. Retrieved from
https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2015/06/02/value-basic-research
Lieu, T. A., & Platt, R. (2017). Applied research and development in health care -- time
for a frameshift. The New England Journal of Medicine, 376(8), 710-713.
Retrieved from http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-
com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/docview/1871606331?accountid=12085
Sapir, A. (2017). Protecting the purity research: Organizational Boundary-Work at an
Institute of Basic Research. Minerva (2017) 55: 65.
https://doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1007/s11024-016-9309-6
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