Research and development (R&D) is about improving existing or creating new information or ideas, which can require significant investments of time and energy.
R&D is commonly undertaken by groups and organizations, such as businesses and governmental institutions. In a business context, companies may undertake R&D to build new products or enhance existing ones. Similarly, in academia, R&D involves taking a systematic approach to building on knowledge bases, improving institutional practices, and furthering innovation.
Regardless of the type of organisation deciding to take on R&D, a methodical approach needs to be developed, and funding is typically required to allow for the scope of this approach. As professionals in R&D, this page explores what R&D is, the steps involved, and how we can support you.
As mentioned, research and development (R&D) refers to how organisations systematically gather information to enhance or improve their existing products or services, or to create entirely new ones.
Businesses often need to undertake R&D to ensure they remain competitive and thrive in a demanding landscape. For instance, the healthcare, pharmaceutical, software, electronics, manufacturing, and construction industries regularly seek advancements in practices through R&D. However, essentially all organizations take on the process in some way or form to succeed.
In universities, research and experimental development often takes a creative approach to increasing a knowledge base, including that of human nature, society, and culture, to devise new applications of previous knowledge. In other words, universities are typically expected to carry out research based on what would benefit the public.
While there is a wealth of important benefits that can be gained from R&D, it also understandably carries a certain amount of risk. Identifying issues and potential opportunities, alongside exploring new ideas and concepts, can require time, finances, and pressure. The process can also be prone to error, potentially leaving many hurdles to be overcome before the design, development, and implementation stages can begin. For this reason, many organisations, such as universities, need to apply for resources like funding, such as from governmental bodies.
Regardless of the type of organisation undertaking R&D, the research design process typically covers three types of approaches. These are:
Let’s take a brief look at each approach in turn to enhance awareness of what your organisation might need.
This form of research is broadly defined as: ‘a systematic study directed toward greater knowledge or understanding of the fundamental aspects of phenomena and of observable facts without specific applications towards processes or products in mind.’1
To put this simply, basic research involves any experimental work designed to acquire new information about certain phenomena or facts. It’s also often done without any prior application or use in mind. In other words, it’s about increasing knowledge for the sake of it rather than to solve a certain problem.
In contrast to basic research, applied research undertakes exploratory methods to solve identified problems or achieve a specific objective. In this way, applied research is more solution-focused and is therefore often used to enhance products or services. For this reason, many organisations rely on this approach to bring them to the development phase.
Applied research often builds on the findings of basic research, for example, when developing a treatment for a mental health condition.2
This developmental approach draws on findings from basic and applied research to produce new products, approaches, or services – or to improve pre-existing ones. This phase may involve creating prototypes, tests, and pilot projects to allow them to be tested in real-world conditions before deciding on a final outcome. Or to put it another way, it’s about translating findings into something tangible.
The approaches to research design require a skilled ability to manage theoretical and practical considerations, limitations, and ethics. Plus, as many organizations are conducting research with a large sample size, quantitative research skills are often a necessary requirement.
Quantitative research in the social sciences is about building knowledge of and creating a deeper understanding of the social world.3 Essentially, quantitative research is concerned with the study of people. For this reason, many academic organisations and businesses benefit from undertaking this form of research.
Quantitative research is not exclusive to either basic or applied designs; it can be used in both if high numerical data is required. Therefore, this approach requires data analysis for research, as it involves observations or measurements of large sample sizes to capture the nuances of a certain population.
If deeper insights into identified problems are required, a qualitative research approach may be more appropriate. Instead of looking at vast numerical data points or trialing products or new approaches, qualitative research looks at peoples’ experiences, perceptions, and behaviors. It considers the ‘how’ and ‘why’ behind these factors in contrast to the ‘how many’ or ‘how much.’4
In contrast to the statistical analysis required for quantitative approaches, qualitative research commonly seeks to identify patterns through methods like semantic analysis, thematic analysis, and content analysis, amongst others.
Whether your organisation decides to take on a qualitative or quantitative research approach should depend entirely on your specific needs. Further, a mixed methods approach may provide the rich data required as it takes advantage of the strengths of both. Professional guidance can help your organisation determine the right research design for your needs.
In the demanding and fast-paced world of academia and business, the right research approach can make the difference between growth and stagnation. Yet the research process is often complex, time-consuming, expensive, and mentally exhausting. This is where professional research guidance can help.
From research design services to quantitative research services, the right professional can guide the demands of the journey in the right direction. In the following sections, we take a look at the different ways professional research guidance can support your organisation’s needs.
The research methods you or your organisation chooses are the tools you use to collect your information or data. These tools will depend on your objectives and factors such as time, resources, and background knowledge. You might decide upon a quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods approach – but whatever route you decide upon, you will need to have clear reasons as to why.
Some common methodologies include:
While this list is not exhaustive, it’s good to know that there are strengths and limitations associated with each. Further, you need to understand what these are and how they can help or hinder your research goals.
A research proposal is a fundamental part of applications for approval and funding. It tells organisational bodies what your research question is, how you plan to answer it, and how long you think this will take.
Additionally, research proposals outline the importance of the question and your knowledge of the area. In academic institutions, it allows a school to align you with a supervisor or team with a similar background of interest.
In a nutshell, when creating a proposal, you need to clearly explain…
Without a strong research proposal, a project may never take off. Further, a proposal can vary depending on the organisation you’re applying to; for instance, a creative research proposal will differ largely from one in the humanities.
There are a few key differences between academic and corporate research. Namely, academic research tends to focus on expanding a field of knowledge through theoretical exploration, while corporate projects often seek more practical or commercial goals. Further, academic research typically aims to disseminate its methodologies and findings through publication in academic journals.
Academic research is also strictly governed by formal ethical standards, which means that a proposal will have to be approved by an internal research ethics committee. This requires an in-depth understanding of how data will be protected and utilized, as well as norms for conduct when conducting experiments, interviews, or observations.
Whatever your goals for research are, evidence-based research support can be invaluable. It can help you create a framework for your research aims, based on knowledge of the area and professional expertise.
PsychWrite can offer expert advice and guidance to researchers in the field of social science, including psychologists, public health workers, and social care workers. We understand the challenges that often accompany research and can support you and your team in choosing sound methods, creating strong proposals, and disseminating impactful findings. What’s more, we approach each research project with a solid ethical backbone.
If you would like advice, guidance, or more practical support, like literature reviews or statistical analysis, our team can help. Contact PsychWrite to discuss your research aims and find out more about the services we offer.
