The Role of Applied Research in Policy Investigation

Abstract

This study has explored the importance of applied research in policy investigation and in development studies. It has found that applied research helps development scholars and practitioners to gain a better understanding of communities they serve. Effective research requires the exploration and investigation of the knowledge, policies and strategies of development. To conduct effective research, the epistemological position of the researcher, the choice of research method as well as rigor are important factors that influence the validity of a study. The study has observed that it is good for development researchers to be flexible over their choice of research method. This is because there is no universally approved research method. It is the nature of a particular study that determines the appropriate methodology to use. The epistemological position of the researcher should be determined by the nature of the study. Quantitative studies are best conducted from empiricist point of view. Given that both qualitative and quantitative research methods have their unique strengths and weaknesses, development practitioners and scholars are therefore advised to make use of mixed research methods because it gives the opportunity to examine the issue under analysis from two different perspectives. In addition, the study also observed that valid inferences can only be made if a study is properly conducted. Improperly conducted research will only lead to invalid results and conclusions.