Which term describes research aimed at solving current issues and problems?

• A. Applied
• B. Basic
• C. Descriptive
• D. Experimental

Answer: (A)

Applied research focuses on solving real-world problems and producing practical solutions that can be used in policy, practice, or everyday settings. This direct aim to address current issues is what makes it the best fit for research designed to tackle real-world challenges, such as testing a new intervention to improve treatment outcomes or evaluating the impact of a community program. Basic research, in contrast, seeks to expand general knowledge without an immediate application. Descriptive research describes how things are—prevalence or characteristics—without testing a solution. Experimental research emphasizes manipulating variables to determine cause-and-effect, a method that can be part of applied work but isn’t defined by the goal of solving problems.