Think a focus-group could be a good idea? It’s not.

Never conducted an interview before? Start reading on page 84.

Not sure which method to use? The diagram on page 39 will tell you.

It provides a practical, succinct guide on (1) what research can do for you (2) and how you should go about doing it. Research wants real egotists who seek their own pleasure and satisfaction, but find it in solving the puzzles of nature.” - Albert Szent-GyorgyiĮrika Hall’s book, “Just Enough Research” thoroughly demystifies research.

“If any student comes to me and says he wants to be useful to mankind and go into research to alleviate human suffering, I advise him to go into charity instead. We talk so casually about all the methods to choose from and the biases to be wary of that we forget that research is really just a philosophy: gaining knowledge is fun, and useful too. Research seems like a good idea and it could make them smarter, but they are worried it might actually be a gigantic pit they are being tricked into throwing their money into.Īnd researchers, we don’t make this any easier. When clients approach me about conducting research it is usually with an air of trepidation yet cautious optimism. Research is four things: brains with which to think, eyes with which to see, machines with which to measure, and fourth, money. the guy who discovered Vitamin C), and I really like his definition. For some it can mean “learning something new” and for others it can mean “mitigating liabilities.” To some, the word “research” conjures images of elitist nerds in white lab coats standing over bunsen burners, and for others it is just “my day-job.” I think some of the best reflections on research come from Albert Szent-Gyorgyi (aka. Research can mean a lot of different things to different people.

Just enough research by erika hall