Bob is a researcher in the Health and Human Performance Department. One day he was sitting at the park and noticed that birds preferred to hop when moving on the ground instead of walking in a normal alternating pattern. He was curious why the birds would prefer this pattern of movement and if it had any advantages that can be applied to human movement. Since he is accustomed to working with humans, he recruits some young adults to either hop across the ground or walk across the ground. Bob always uses EMG as a research tool, therefore he decides to use EMG to define the difference between the two methods of locomotion. What method of studying motor learning is Bob using

As per the given description, Bob employs 'applied research' methodology of studying motor learning as he conducts the 'basic research' to find the solution of 'why the birds would prefer to hop when moving on the ground instead of walking in a normal alternating pattern' with an aim to use it for developing new techniques or applications('any advantages that can be applied to human movement'). Thus, this implies that Bob uses this applied research methodology to define the 'distinction between two methods of locomotion' and bring effective solutions to improve the particular problems associated with human movement. Therefore, the correct answer is 'applied research.'