How to Design a Research Project

How well a research project is received and accepted is based, in large measure, by the way it was designed. First, you must justify the research project by proving the project is worthwhile, actionable and will add to the subject being researched. If those questions can be answered positively, then it's likely that the project will make a sound addition to the knowledge base.

Instructions

1. Read all the materials on the subject before you begin to develop the research. Find all the relevant information and meet with the people who have knowledge of the subject and can make a contribution to your project. Determine if the end result will add to your organization's ability to adapt to the results. Answer the question, "Will the research move the needle?"

2. Determine the methodology. Decide if your research should be either a qualitative or quantitative by listing those issues that are for or against each method. If it is to be qualitative, determine if it should be by personal interview or focus group. You should determine the number of people who should be interviewed or the number of focus groups that should be conducted. If you recommend quantitative research, determine the size of the sample and methodology whether it be by telephone, mail or others. In many cases, there is a phased approach with a qualitative study that will allow the researcher to make necessary alterations to the program, followed by quantitative research that is more projectable.

3. Decide what materials you will need and how the data will be managed. For example, if you're embarking on a qualitative form of research, whether it will be focus groups or personal interviews, a well-thought-out discussion guide is essential. Further, you must decide if you'll use the services of a professional company to conduct the interviews or focus groups. For quantitative research, unless the possess the array of skills in-house, you will do greater justice to your research if you look outside of your organization for help. From recruiting respondents to tallying all the data and writing the final report, they possess skills that you ordinarily don't find in the typical organization.

4. Stay within the budget allocated to this project. Start by getting bids from three research companies, then scrutinize each for a reduction in their cost. In addition, estimate the cost of internal time and such things as printing, transportation, etc. Then, once you have established the cost of your research, get that cost approved before beginning.

References

• How to Design a Research Project

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish