How to Define the Research Brief and Success Criteria
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Name the decision first, then define what evidence could change it. Test the scope with another researcher and settle the finish line with the stakeholder before gathering records.
Developing
Start here. Build the foundation.- 1
Before collection, write the business decision, one answerable research question, and a hypothesis that evidence could disprove. If every possible result supports the hypothesis, narrow or replace it before starting.
- 2
Before sourcing, define inclusion and exclusion rules and test an obvious inclusion, an exclusion, and a borderline subject. Have another person classify the cases; resolve disagreement in the rule rather than relying on private judgment.
Proficient
Build consistency and rhythm.- 3
When designing fields, define allowed values, required proof, and explicit missing or unverified states. Ask a second researcher to code the same source; tighten the standard until comparable evidence produces the same value.
- 4
Before collection starts, agree with the stakeholder on coverage, output format, and a stopping rule tied to the decision. For qualitative work, define when additional subjects stop changing the pattern; record the agreed scope.
Mastered
Operate at the highest level.- 5
After the study, replace case-specific details with instructions while preserving the question, population, fields, evidence, and completion structure. Have a teammate start a new brief and fix instructions that still require your explanation.
Common Pitfalls
Avoid the common failure modes.- Collecting around a topic. Rewrite it as one question with a hypothesis the evidence can disprove.
- Building different populations from the same brief. Resolve the borderline case and sharpen the rule.
- Letting fields drift during collection. Add the missing proof or allowed-value standard and correct affected records.
- Arguing about completion after collecting. Agree on coverage and output before resuming.
- Filing a template without testing it. Have a teammate use it for the next brief.