Martha wants to do a study on 'Effects of massage and medication on stress and pain'. The type of research that best suits this topic is

• A. Applied research
• B. Qualitative research
• C. Basic research
• D. Quantitative research

Answer: (A)

This scenario is about solving a real-world problem to improve practice by looking at the effects of two interventions on stress and pain. That practical, problem-solving aim is the hallmark of applied research. It focuses on outcomes that matter in real settings and aims to inform decisions about care or treatment.

Basic research, in contrast, is about expanding theory and understanding without an immediate practical application, so it doesn’t fit this goal. Qualitative approaches focus on descriptions, meanings, and experiences rather than measuring the effects of specific interventions. While you could collect qualitative data, the emphasis here is on determining the practical impact of massage and medication, which aligns with applied research.