Applied research in psychology: a complete guide

By: The Capella University Editorial Team with Irene Abrego Nicolet, PhD, NCSP, LSSP, Vice President and Dean, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences  

Reading Time: 6 minutes

What separates mental health programs that deliver measurable results from those that fall short? The answer often lies in applied research, the practice of using psychological science to solve real-world problems.

Applied research in psychology bridges theory and practice. It’s how professionals evaluate programs and make evidence-based decisions across mental health, education, public health and organizational settings.  

Unlike basic research, which expands scientific knowledge, applied research tackles immediate challenges with data-driven solutions.

Explore what applied research involves, how it differs from basic research and how these skills can transform your psychology career.

What is applied research?

Applied research is a scientific study within the field of psychology that focuses on examining practical problems and informing applied solutions. Its main purpose is to conduct scientific research and apply it to real-world situations. As opposed to delivering mental health services, it’s about examining human behavior and thinking of ways to meet the needs of a given situation. 

Planning to take the next step in your psychology career? Explore Capella’s applied research program.

How does applied research differ from basic research? 

While both are essential forms of psychological research, applied research and basic research serve different purposes. 

• Basic research focuses on expanding scientific knowledge and developing theories about human behavior, often in controlled or theoretical settings. 
• Applied research centers on using psychological principles and research methods to address practical problems in real-world contexts.

In graduate psychology education, this distinction can shape how learners approach research questions, data collection and evaluation. For example, in Capella University’s Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Psychology, Applied Research program you learn to design studies, conduct research and interpret data. The curriculum meets many prerequisites for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) programs, supporting preparation for further academic and research pathways. 

What does studying applied research in psychology look like for working adults? 

Many working adults pursue applied research in psychology through online programs that balance academic work with professional and personal responsibilities. 

At Capella, students complete structured online coursework that blends readings, discussions and written assignments with research activities that they can schedule around work and life commitments. 

Coursework in applied research often focuses on building the ability to design studies, conduct research and interpret data that support evidence-based therapies used to address issues such as anxiety, depression or PTSD. 

This approach may strengthen research and analytical skills, support problem-solving in professional or community settings and offer a more practical research focus. Applied research experience may also help build a foundation for doctoral-level study.

How does applied research help solve practical problems in psychology?

With a background in applied research in clinical psychology, you may design and lead studies, interpret research findings and advocate for programs based on those interpretations.  

Organizations like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) frequently rely on psychological research to inform public health strategies.  

Applied research provides the understanding to skillfully interpret the government’s massive datasets and inform policy discussions or program decisions. This makes it especially valuable for professionals who write government grants for mental health programs.

In healthcare settings, you can use applied research in clinical psychology in projects related to quality improvement or quality assurance. These projects may focus on areas like emergency room waiting times, patient data collection, triage and other improvements that can inform aspects of patient care. 

Applied research also plays a role in social psychology and organizational behavior. For example: 

• In workforce development, applied research may help tailor questions that identify strategies that best motivate employees.  
• In hiring, applied research may help define job qualifications and selection criteria.
• In nonprofit work, applied research may help evaluate what prompts people to volunteer their time and skills to charities. 
• In environmental and social psychology, applied research may help inform decisions such as where to place trash cans or how to manage queues to keep guests engaged in a theme park.

All these situations rely on the analysis of human behavior and on evidence-based proposals derived from those observations. 

Capella’s MS in Clinical Psychology, Applied Research program is offered in a structured GuidedPath learning format, with active faculty support and a strong peer community.

The coursework focuses on designing studies, conducting research and interpreting data that helps build the knowledge and research skills you need to understand complex psychological challenges and develop evidence-based approaches to solving real-world problems. 

What type of skills could I develop with an MS in Clinical Psychology, Applied Research?  

An applied research specialization helps you build core competencies that you may apply across clinical, academic, government and behavioral settings. Key skills include: 

• Observation: Accurately noticing, recording and interpreting behavioral patterns in different environments. 
• Data analysis: Interpreting statistics, identifying trends and drawing insights from data. 
• Creative problem-solving: Investigating problems from different angles to develop practical solutions.
• Interpersonal communication: Interviewing different groups and clearly reporting findings. 
• Ethical awareness: Acting with integrity when navigating issues such as privacy and informed consent across a variety of settings.
• Adaptability: Working effectively through shifting circumstances, evolving data and changing research needs. 

Who else can benefit from the MS in Clinical Psychology beyond workplace practitioners? 

This program may benefit students who are interested in academic study, research-focused learning or preparing for further graduate education rather than applying psychology skills directly in workplace settings.  

The applied research program involves coursework that emphasizes research skills and knowledge that may help prepare you for doctoral-level study. Major topics in a PhD program could include research methodology, psychotherapy theories, tests and measurement, psychopathology, human development and ethical principles. 

Is this specialty just for academics and non-therapy professionals?

While this specialty has a strong research focus, students in the therapy field may also benefit from developing an understanding of applied research, particularly if they are considering doctoral-level study.  

For those who plan to continue in practice-oriented settings, this type of master’s program can help strengthen the ability to read, interpret and evaluate psychological research relevant to the field. 

In general, applied research may be a fit for students who want to expand their research literacy and professional knowledge in ways that support future academic study, research roles or evidence-based practice.

Move forward with Capella’s applied research in psychology degree

Applied research in psychology offers a practical way to connect scientific principles to real-world questions and build relevant research skills for advanced academic pathways. 

At Capella University, the MS in Clinical Psychology, Applied Research program in the GuidedPath learning format is a structured yet flexible option for working adults. While you need to stick to weekly deadlines, you have 24/7 access to the courseroom and can study at your own convenience.  

Capella’s scholar-practitioner faculty bring applied research experience into the classroom, helping you build foundational skills that support your next step.   

Ready to deepen your impact through applied research? Learn how Capella’s applied research in psychology degree can support you.

FAQs

What is an example of applied research in psychology?

An example of applied research in psychology includes evaluating a mental health program to understand how participants engage with services or analyzing survey data to improve community outreach efforts. These studies use psychological principles to examine real-world questions and inform decisions in applied settings.

What is applied and basic research in psychology?

Basic research focuses on expanding scientific knowledge and developing theories about human behavior. Applied research uses those theories and research methods to examine practical questions, often in real-world contexts such as health care, education, organizations or community programs. 

What are the different types of applied research? 

Applied research in psychology can include program evaluation, needs assessments, survey research, quality improvement studies and organizational research. These approaches use applied research methods to examine real-world issues and may be used across settings such as health care, education, government and nonprofit organizations.