Case Study

Using the cell phone and driving study as a model, explain how this smart-watch study demonstrates the overlap between basic and applied research. Identify the applied goals and the basic psychological processes that this new study is likely to address.

Case context: A research group is investigating how smart-watch notifications affect walking safety on busy city sidewalks. They observe that pedestrians frequently trip or collide with others when checking their watches. The researchers hope their findings will lead to municipal safety guidelines, but they also want to understand the underlying cognitive mechanisms involved when individuals shift their visual focus.

Question: Using the cell phone and driving study as a model, explain how this smart-watch study demonstrates the overlap between basic and applied research. Identify the applied goals and the basic psychological processes that this new study is likely to address.

Sample answer: Like the cell phone study, this smart-watch study demonstrates research overlap by simultaneously targeting real-world application and fundamental science. The applied component is prompted by sidewalk safety concerns (tripping and collisions) and aims to solve this specific problem by informing municipal safety guidelines. The basic research component is addressed by investigating the fundamental cognitive mechanisms of shifting visual focus, which directly relates to basic psychological processes of attention and perception.

Key points:

  • Illustrates the overlap between basic and applied research by serving dual practical and theoretical purposes.
  • Addresses applied goals: resolving pedestrian safety concerns and informing municipal policies/guidelines.
  • Addresses basic processes: understanding the fundamental cognitive mechanisms of visual focus shifts (attention and perception).

Rubric: To receive full credit, the response must: 1) Explain the overlap by demonstrating how the study serves both practical and theoretical purposes. 2) Identify the applied goals (addressing sidewalk safety/collisions and generating safety guidelines). 3) Identify the basic processes investigated (the fundamental cognitive mechanisms of shifting visual focus, which represents perception and attention).

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Updated 2026-05-26

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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

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