Actually, I want a PhD because

a) I want to end up doing both pure and applied research.
b) I want to take my findings and build something practical from it that will affect my target population.
c) i want to come back and slap the gahmen in their face for being so negligent about my target population.

and ultimately, i want my target population to gain from that, and carry these benefits throughout their lives.

but mostly, i dont mind research.