Research Resources and Timeline Management
Resources
This section details the necessary resources for the research project, including temporary and financial resources. Each resource type may have varying availability and may require justification for its necessity.
Research Timeline
Achieving research goals requires considering three direct cost implications related to time:
- Economic: Longer research duration increases costs.
- Tactical: Research bodies need results within a reasonable timeframe, often specified in research proposals or public tenders.
- Affective: Extended research immersion increases knowledge depth but can also lead to researcher fatigue and bias. Maintaining objectivity and avoiding over-identification with the research area is crucial.
Many studies prioritize urgency and objective achievement. While accelerating certain processes is possible, the reality of the observed situation often dictates the pace. For example, observing teenage alcohol consumption requires observation over multiple weekends to avoid skewed results.
Project Deadlines
The primary timeframe is determined by the time between the research initiation and the release of results. Researchers commit to these deadlines, and breaches can result in sanctions. Unforeseen problems often arise, and tasks frequently take longer than anticipated. This is a fundamental research principle, often constrained by the increased costs associated with prolonged investigations.
When deadlines are demand-driven, the project must adhere to those terms. Delivering results ahead of schedule can be advantageous when competing for projects, but timely delivery is often rewarded more than late submissions are penalized.
Research Stages
Social research involves several distinct stages between the grant approval and the final results delivery. These stages may occur concurrently or sequentially. Presenting a coordinated and controlled process is essential. Establishing control points, such as meetings before fieldwork or analysis, allows for adjustments based on applicant requirements and ensures the research aligns with their needs. This approach enhances the research’s operational effectiveness.
Key stages to emphasize:
- Pre-Fieldwork: Before fieldwork, two stages are essential: constructing and updating the theoretical framework and preparing for fieldwork itself. The first stage’s duration depends on the fieldwork’s complexity.
- Questionnaire-Based Research: For large-scale questionnaire administration, pre-fieldwork stages include questionnaire development, negotiation with applicant bodies, questionnaire reproduction and distribution, and interviewer team training.
- Basic Research Projects: Prior meetings between the applicant and the research agency are less critical in basic research projects, where a larger institution distributes research resources. These studies typically involve longer discussion periods, with significant emphasis on prior work and theoretical updates.
- Pre-Fieldwork Contact: Contact with the research department before fieldwork is crucial. A workshop clarifying the main objectives, interview scripts, group dynamics, or questionnaire content is recommended.
Clear communication and planning are vital for successful research execution.