General
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Applied science, for all its grand pronouncements, is simply the focused act of taking existing scientific method and established scientific knowledge and bending it to a specific, often rather mundane, practical purpose. It’s the universe’s way of reminding us that theoretical elegance, while admirable, often needs to be grounded in the messy reality of solving problems. This broad category encompasses a truly extensive array of disciplines, from the structural ingenuity of engineering to the intricate complexities of medicine, each a testament to humanity’s persistent need to build, heal, or generally make things slightly less inconvenient.
It stands, rather pointedly, in contrast to what we rather grandly call basic science, sometimes referred to as pure science. Where basic science gallivants off, chasing after the elusive understanding of fundamental scientific theories and laws—the grand explanations and predictions of natural or other phenomena, often without an immediate practical application in sight—applied science is the one that actually pays the bills, or at least tries to. It doesn't ask "why does the apple fall?" so much as "how can we make the apple fall into this basket more efficiently, or perhaps turn it into cider?" The distinction isn't always a clean, elegant line, but more of a smudged boundary in the perpetual quest for knowledge and utility.
One might observe that there are, predictably, applied natural sciences, which deal with the physical and biological world, as well as applied formal sciences, which leverage abstract systems, and applied social sciences, which attempt to make sense of, and perhaps even influence, human behavior. Examples are as varied as they are illuminating. Consider genetic epidemiology, a field that rather cleverly applies the rigorous frameworks of statistics and probability theory to understand the distribution and determinants of disease in populations, often with the goal of intervention. Or, if you prefer the more perplexing realm of human interaction, there's applied psychology, which includes the rather fascinating, if disheartening, study of criminology. Here, psychological principles are not merely observed but actively deployed to understand, predict, and, ideally, mitigate criminal behavior. One assumes the goal is to reduce the number of people making poor life choices, though the track record is, shall we say, mixed.
Applied research
Applied research itself is a subset of this practical endeavor, a systematic inquiry employing empirical methods to meticulously collect data. Its sole, unapologetic raison d'être is to serve distinctly practical goals. This isn't about pondering the existential void; it's about solving specific issues for a state, a business, or a particular client-driven objective. It diligently accesses and leverages existing accumulated theories, established knowledge, proven methods, and honed techniques to address an immediate, tangible need.
It's important, though often overlooked, to distinguish applied research from engineering itself. While both are intensely practical, applied research typically does not delve into the detailed analyses or optimization of business models, intricate economic considerations, or precise cost-benefit ratios. That level of granular, commercially focused optimization is generally the domain of engineering, where the implementation and fine-tuning of solutions take center stage. Applied research, instead, is the bridge from pure understanding to practical application, laying the groundwork before the engineers start drawing up blueprints and crunching numbers.
To truly grasp the essence of applied research, one needs only to contrast it with its more abstract sibling: basic research or pure research. Imagine, for instance, a basic geographical researcher striving to forge entirely new theories and develop novel methods to explain the fundamental processes that sculpt the spatial structure of physical or human environments—a quest for universal understanding. In stark opposition, an applied researcher in geography would take those very same existing geographical theories and methods and deploy them to unravel and address a very specific, tangible empirical problem, such as optimizing urban planning or predicting flood patterns. The distinction is clear: one seeks to expand the library, the other seeks to use the books already on the shelf to fix a leaky faucet.
Consequently, applied research is almost invariably tethered to specific commercial objectives, aiming to improve existing products, refine operational procedures, or develop entirely new services. The ongoing comparison between pure research and applied research, therefore, isn't just an academic exercise; it provides a fundamental framework and a crucial directional compass for businesses and organizations seeking to innovate or simply remain solvent.
This type of research is, by its very nature, concerned with resolving concrete, practical problems, which means it almost universally employs empirical methodologies. Because applied research exists, often quite literally, in the "messy real world," a place famously indifferent to ideal laboratory conditions, the strict adherence to theoretical research protocols may, regrettably, need to be relaxed. For example, the pristine ideal of a perfectly random sample might be an unattainable luxury when dealing with real populations or specific industrial scenarios. This inherent flexibility, while pragmatic, makes transparency in methodology not just important, but absolutely crucial. Any implications for the interpretation of results, brought about by the necessary relaxation of an otherwise strict canon of methodology, must be meticulously considered and openly acknowledged. Ignoring these compromises is like ignoring the structural cracks in a foundation – eventually, things fall apart.
Furthermore, this practical research paradigm frequently applies insights from the natural sciences directly to the often bewildering intricacies of human conditions. A few prominent categories of applied research methods include:
- Action research: This iterative process is designed specifically to assist organizations and firms in identifying workable, actionable solutions to the myriad issues that influence their operations and effectiveness. It's less about detached observation and more about active intervention and learning by doing.
- Evaluation research: Here, researchers meticulously examine available data, often gathered from existing programs or initiatives, to aid clients in making truly informed and, one hopes, wise judgments about the efficacy and value of their endeavors. One can only hope the "wise" part sticks.
- Industrial research: This type of applied research is singularly focused on the creation of entirely new goods or services specifically designed to satisfy the identified demands of a target market. It’s the engine of commercial innovation, driving new offerings into the marketplace. (It is critical to note that "industrial development," which involves the scaling up of production for these new goods or services to meet mass consumption and economic demand, while simultaneously optimizing the ratio of output to input resources, maximizing revenue relative to material and energy costs, and ensuring quality, falls squarely within the realm of engineering. Therefore, industrial development, in its essence, exists outside the direct scope of applied research, representing the next phase of practical application.)
- Gauging research: A specialized form of evaluation research, this method employs a logic of rating or assessment to scrutinize a process or an entire program. It functions as a type of normative assessment, finding its utility in critical activities such as accreditation, informing hiring decisions, and meticulously evaluating processes. By setting standards or employing a practical ideal type, it aligns closely with deductive qualitative research, providing a structured framework for judgment.
Given its inherently provisional, "close-to-the-problem" and "close-to-the-data" orientation, applied research may also, quite sensibly, utilize a more flexible and provisional conceptual framework. This often manifests as the deployment of "working hypotheses" or "pillar questions" rather than fully formed, immutable theoretical constructs. These serve as guiding lights, adaptable as new data emerges, rather than rigid dogmas. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's seminal Frascati Manual, a globally recognized standard for measuring research and development activities, formally classifies applied research as one of its three fundamental forms of research, alongside basic research and experimental development. This framework underscores its recognized significance in the broader scientific and economic landscape.
Consequently, information derived from applied research, due to its intensely practical and often highly specialized nature, is typically found disseminated within the specific literature of individual disciplines. One doesn't generally look for a universal theory of "how to fix things" but rather specific guidance within engineering journals, medical reports, or business case studies.
Branches
For a more comprehensive and structured overview, one might consult the Outline of applied science § Branches of applied science.
Applied research, fundamentally a method of problem-solving, demonstrates its practical utility across a vast spectrum of scientific domains. This is notably evident in areas such as applied psychology. Within this field, researchers meticulously analyze human behavior not merely for academic understanding, but to extract crucial information, pinpoint a primary focus, and ultimately contribute to finding a resolution for specific, real-world issues. It's less about the grand theories of the mind and more about how the mind actually functions (or malfunctions) in a given context.
More specifically, this analytical framework finds powerful application in the realm of criminal psychology. Armed with the precise knowledge gleaned from applied research, extensive studies are conducted on individuals involved in criminal activities, closely examining their behaviors, motivations, and patterns. The ultimate objective is, rather predictably, to enhance strategies for apprehending them, understanding recidivism, and improving the broader justice system. This research extends its tendrils further into the intricate world of criminal investigations. Under this expansive category, various research methods are employed to demonstrate a profound understanding of the scientific method and the intricate social research designs that are routinely utilized in criminological research. These methodologies permeate numerous branches of the investigative procedure, informing the development of effective laws, shaping public policy, and refining existing criminological theory. One might hope this makes the world a safer place, though human nature remains a remarkably stubborn variable.
Engineering, a cornerstone of applied science, is the systematic practice of harnessing principles from natural science, the elegant abstractions of mathematics, and the iterative rigor of the engineering design process to confront and resolve technical problems. Its overarching goals are relentlessly practical: to enhance efficiency, boost productivity, and fundamentally improve existing systems. This formidable discipline encompasses an expansive array of highly specialized fields of engineering, each distinguished by its specific emphasis on particular areas of applied mathematics, specialized applied science, and distinct types of application. Engineering is traditionally delineated into four primary branches, though the lines often blur in practice: chemical engineering, which transforms raw materials into useful products; civil engineering, responsible for the infrastructure that underpins modern society; electrical engineering, the mastery of electricity and electronics; and mechanical engineering, dealing with the design and analysis of mechanical systems. The scientific subfields indispensable to engineers are numerous and foundational, including the study of thermodynamics, the transfer of heat (heat transfer), the behavior of fluids (fluid mechanics), the equilibrium of forces (statics), the motion of objects (dynamics (mechanics)), the deformation of materials (mechanics of materials), the geometry of motion (kinematics), the interplay of electric and magnetic fields (electromagnetism), the properties and applications of materials (materials science), the composition of our planet (earth sciences), and the practical application of physics principles (engineering physics). It’s a demanding field, but someone has to ensure our bridges don't collapse and our devices actually work.
Medical sciences exemplify applied science in action, directly applying the foundational principles of biology and chemistry to the complex art and science of medicine. Disciplines such as medical microbiology, which investigates disease-causing microorganisms; pharmaceutical research, dedicated to discovering and developing new drugs; and clinical virology, focused on the study of viruses in a clinical context, are all intensely practical fields aimed at understanding, diagnosing, treating, and preventing human ailments. These are the sciences that confront disease, often with a visible, measurable impact on human lives.
Even the seemingly straightforward realm of food science stands as a distinct and vital branch of applied science. It applies principles from chemistry, biology, microbiology, and engineering to the study of food, its processing, preservation, packaging, distribution, and consumption. The goal? To ensure safety, enhance nutrition, improve quality, and, of course, make sure our sustenance is both palatable and accessible. It’s a surprisingly complex endeavor, considering how often we take our next meal for granted.
In education
Across various international educational systems, the categorization and recognition of applied science degrees can differ significantly, often reflecting historical academic traditions and national priorities.
In countries like Canada and the Netherlands, among others, the Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) is frequently considered the academic equivalent of a Bachelor of Engineering, and is typically classified as a professional degree. This equivalence is rooted in the historical evolution of older educational institutions, where the curriculum labeled "applied science" encompassed a practical spectrum of disciplines, from the foundational skills of boiler making and surveying to the more complex methodologies of engineering itself. These early programs were designed to produce practitioners ready for immediate engagement in industry. Modern BASc programs, while diverse, generally maintain a strong emphasis on the direct application of the engineering sciences to real-world challenges, preparing graduates for professional roles rather than purely theoretical research. Similarly, in Australia and New Zealand, this degree is conferred across a wide array of specialized fields of study and is universally regarded as a highly specialized professional degree, equipping students with practical expertise for specific industries. It’s less about pondering the abstract and more about getting things done. Intriguingly, one can also find Bachelor of Applied Science degrees in fields like Child Studies, demonstrating the breadth of application for this practical approach to knowledge.
The educational landscape in the United Kingdom presents a distinct approach, where "Applied Science" refers to a specific suite of "vocational" science qualifications. These run in parallel to the more "traditional" academic pathways, such as the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) or A-Level Sciences. The distinguishing feature of Applied Science courses is their generally higher proportion of coursework—also known as portfolio-based or internally assessed work—compared to their traditional, exam-heavy counterparts. These qualifications represent a direct evolution of the GNVQ (General National Vocational Qualification) qualifications that were offered up until 2005, aiming to provide practical, industry-relevant skills. However, these courses are not without their detractors, regularly coming under scrutiny and slated for review, most notably following the influential Wolf Report of 2011, which questioned the rigor and progression pathways of vocational education. Despite this ongoing debate, their merits, particularly in providing alternative routes to higher education and employment for a diverse range of students, continue to be robustly argued elsewhere. The perennial struggle between practical skills and perceived academic rigor continues, as it always does.
In the United States, institutions also offer a range of applied science programs, tailored to specific needs and industries. For instance, The College of William & Mary provides both an undergraduate minor and advanced Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees specifically in "applied science." The coursework and research within these programs span a remarkably varied set of fields, including the intricate study of the nervous system (neuroscience), the behavior of light (optics), the development and properties of materials (materials science and engineering), non-invasive testing methods (nondestructive testing), and advanced analytical techniques like nuclear magnetic resonance. This demonstrates a commitment to interdisciplinary application of scientific principles. Similarly, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln offers a Bachelor of Science in applied science, an online completion Bachelor of Science in applied science, and a Master of Applied Science. Their curriculum is strategically centered on the intersection of science, agriculture, and natural resources, providing a wide range of options that include ecology, food genetics, entrepreneurship, economics, policy, animal science, and plant science. This breadth reflects a pragmatic approach to addressing critical challenges in resource management and sustainable development. Furthermore, a significant investment in applied science education was made in New York City when the Bloomberg administration allocated $100 million in City capital to a consortium led by Cornell University and the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. This substantial funding was earmarked for the construction of their ambitious proposed Applied Sciences campus on Roosevelt Island, a project envisioned to be a hub for technological innovation and entrepreneurial growth, directly applying scientific research to urban and economic development. Because, apparently, even a city needs to be optimized.