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Research methods
At the start of the research process are two critical tasks: setting the research objective and choosing the methodology.
Setting Objectives
One simple process that works particularly well is to “begin at the end.” Answer the questions below in the order shown—the result is a simple survey objective.
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What decisions will we make with what we learn?
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What specific things do we need to learn to make these decisions?
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What questions do we need to ask to learn these things?
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Who do we ask the questions of — who has the information?
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For many projects setting the research objectives involves one or more organization development methods. Setting research objectives can also be achieved through interviews with staff and/or clients using the principles of Appreciative Inquiry.
Choosing the Methodology
Choosing a method—or methods—can be difficult in complex projects. But often the survey objectives will point to a particular method. Focus groups and case studies are qualitative (deep but narrow), while survey research is quantitative (shallow but wide).
Sometimes the best method is a combination of qualitative and quantitative. For example, we might use focus groups to get a grip on the underlying issues, then use survey research to find how widespread issues are in the study group. Or a survey project might turn up a particular organization strength that is then explored in depth with a case study.
Unlike some research firms, UpFront has skill and experience in both qualitative and quantitative—and ensures your project’s success by utilizing the appropriate methodology.
“The outcome of any serious research can only be to make two questions grow where only one grew before.”
—Thorstein Veblen
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