2. Applied research has a practical problem-solving emphasis. Applied research applies research to discovering solutions for immediate problems or opportunities.

Pure research or basic research is also problem-solving based, but in a different sense. It aims to solve perplexing questions or obtain new knowledge of an experimental or theoretical nature that has little direct or immediate impact on action, performance, or policy decisions.

Applied research will find out how compensation (salary or commission) would affect the company revenue.
Pure research might study the influence on the sales that pay by commission versus salary.

3. Explanatory research answers the questions of "why" and "how" something happened. It establishes a cause and effect relationship between two variables. Hence, the research explains. For example, the research shows a relationship between the increased presence of police patrols in certain cities versus the reduction of crimes.

Predictive research is involved with the forecasting (predicting) of a likelihood of something happening. This research usually begins with, or leading to, finding what will happen, given that some baseline is already known. This research usually involves some form of human behavior decision or condition. For example if we know that teens in intercity schools, aged 13-16, are prone to high dropout rates, predictive research might assess (predict) a relationship between age or gender and not graduating from high school.

4. A reporting study provides a summation of data, often recasting data to achieve a deeper understanding or to generate statistics for comparison. The task may be quite simple and the data readily available. At other times, the information may be difficult to find. A reporting study calls for knowledge and skill with information sources and gatekeepers of information sources. Such a