What type of research aims to solve practical problems?

Applied research is designed specifically to address and find solutions to practical problems. It focuses on real-world application and often involves the direct application of scientific theories and methodologies to specific issues or challenges faced in various fields, including business, education, and health. This type of research is often contrasted with basic research, which seeks to expand fundamental knowledge without immediate practical application.

In the context of business education, applied research might explore how to improve marketing strategies, enhance employee training programs, or optimize supply chain management, among other practical concerns. The essence of applied research lies in its goal to provide actionable insights that can lead to tangible improvements in practice.

Basic research, by contrast, primarily seeks to gain a deeper understanding of underlying principles and theories, which may not have immediate practical implications or applications. Experimental research focuses on testing hypotheses through controlled environments to establish cause-and-effect relationships, while descriptive research aims to provide a snapshot of data, describing characteristics of a population or phenomenon without delving into causation. Each of these approaches serves important purposes but does not specifically target practical problem-solving in the way that applied research does.