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Applied Research
Applied research is research designed for the purpose of producing results that may be applied to real world situations. Applied research can also be defined as any research which is used to answer a specific question, determine why something failed or succeeded, solve a specific, pragmatic problem, or to gain better understanding.
Examples of applied research projects conducted by center staff are listed and described below.
Maine Community College Ability to Pay Study:
In January 2008, the Maine Community College System engaged the Center for Applied Research at CentralPiedmontCommunity College in Charlotte, North Carolina to complete an analysis of Maine community college students’ ability to pay for the rising cost of their education.
Levine Museum of the New South Newcomers Exhibit:
The LevineMuseum of the New South began a planning phase in 2007 for a new exhibit called the “Newcomers Project” that will open in 2009. The Center for Applied Research was employed to assist museum staff in collecting information to create the exhibit through key informant interviews, focus groups and community feedback sessions.
Rowan Cabarrus Community College Pillowtex Study:
As part of the accountability plan for serving workers who were displaced from their jobs at Pillowtex in July 2003, Rowan Cabarrus Community College (RCCC) contracted with staff at The Center for Applied Research to conduct an analysis of workers responses to the services they received at RCCC. Center staff conducted a total of nine focus groups—six focus groups with displaced Pillowtex workers and one group each with RCCC faculty, RCCC staff and Service employees.
Pathways of Gaston, Lincoln and Cleveland Counties in North Carolina Needs Assessment Study:
Pathways is the area mental health, developmental disabilities and substance abuse authority for Gaston, Lincoln and ClevelandCounties. Pathways worked with the Center to survey the providers who delegate the services and the clients that receive them to determine what needs all parties had and how to address them.
Charlotte Housing Authority Assessment of Section 8 Participants for the Moving To Work Program:
As part of its Moving to Work (MTW) program, the Charlotte Housing Authority (CHA) contracted with The Center for Applied Research to survey Section 8 participants to assess their ability to move towards independent living. This required gathering information on an array of indicators which address various components of self-sufficiency.
