research brief template

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How to write an effective research brief

Whether you’re launching a simple survey or planning a large-scale project the quality of your brief will hugely impact on the value you get from the research. While it can take a little time and effort creating a research brief, it will undoubtedly be time well spent – getting you better results and return on your investment and saving you valuable resources on further clarification. At best, a poor brief will be a time drain on you and your team. At worst, the findings will fail to meet your objectives, costing you time and money.

We’ve seen a lot of research briefs over the years. Some of which have been well thought through and clear, helping us prepare a detailed proposal and deliver an effective project and subsequent results. And others which have been not so good, lacking clarity or detail.

Using this experience, we’ve put together a ‘how to’ guide on writing an effective research brief, to help you ensure success on your next project.

1. Preparation is key

As with any project, before you start it’s crucial you think through what you want and need to deliver. Here are some things you should consider:

• Why are you conducting the research? What exactly are you looking to understand?
• Who are you looking to understand better? Who do you need to speak to answer your research questions?
• Who are your internal stakeholders? Have you discussed the project needs with the people in your organisation who will use the findings or who are invested in the research?
• How will the findings be used?
• When do you need the findings?
• Have you agreed a budget with either your procurement team, or the relevant person in your organisation?

2. Be clear on your objectives

This is one of the most important parts of your brief to convey to the reader what you want out of the project and ensure you get results which deliver.

Projects should have around three or four overarching aims which set out what the project ultimately wants to achieve.

These might be things like:

• Assess the impact of……
• Examine views of…..
• Evaluate the effectiveness of….

In addition to project objectives, you should also include the key questions you want the research to answer. These should support you in meeting the aims of the research.

For example, if the project aim is to assess the impact of an intervention, your research questions might include:

• Who did the intervention target?
• What did the project deliver?
• What elements were successful, and why?
• What were the main enablers and barriers?

3. Remember your audience

Research agencies or organisations who will be responding to your brief might not know anything about your business. So, make sure you include enough background information in your brief to enable them to understand your needs and deliver effectively. And avoid use of jargon or acronyms which could lead to errors or confusion.

4. Structure your research brief

Before you start to populate your brief it’s worth considering all the information and sections you need to include, to structure your thinking and ensure you don’t miss anything important.

This might include some, or all, of the following:

• Background info
• Introduction
• Aims and objectives
• Research Question(s)
• Issues / Risks
• Methodology
• Timing and Outputs
• Project Management

5. Make it thorough, yet succinct

While it’s crucial to include all the relevant information to enable bidders to respond effectively, no one wants to read reams and reams of information. To avoid the key information getting lost in the details use annexes to add supplementary information which could be useful.

6. Consider how prescriptive you want to be on the methodology

The extent to which you want to specify the methodology will depend on the project you aim to deliver. There are benefits and risks to being overly prescriptive or offering free reign. If you outline in precise detail how you want the research to be conducted, you will hamper any original ideas from those invited to tender and might limit the impact on the research. Whereas, if you’re less prescriptive, allowing room for creativity, you risk not getting the project or results you want, or receiving proposals on a scale which you can’t resource.

Generally, it is useful to allow those invited to tender some scope to develop the methodology they propose to use. Exceptions might be where previous work has to be very precisely replicated or some other very precise commitment about the nature of findings has been given to stakeholders.

7. Define your timelines

As a minimum, you need to include when you want the project to start and end. But you should also include the timetable for procurement. When planning this, don’t underestimate the time and resource needed to run a procurement exercise. Make sure your evaluators are available when you need them and have enough time blocked out in their diary.

You’ll likely also want to include milestones for when you expect outputs to be delivered, such as deadlines for a draft report (providing opportunity for review and feedback) and the final report; allowing sufficient time between the two to enable your stakeholders to consult, for you to feedback and for the contractor to revise the report.

8. Set expectations on cost

You will most likely have budgetary constraints, with a figure for what you are prepared to spend. To save you and your bidders time, and to set realistic expectations, you should include an indication within your brief. This will prevent you receiving proposals which are way out of the ballpark; enable bidders to plan a project which delivers on (or at least close to) budget; and will prevent any nasty surprises, further down the line.

By following these tips you’ll be well on your way to creating an effective research brief which delivers on time and on budget.

If you’d like more guidance download our “step-by-step” guide, which includes a template and information for what to include in each section to ensure success.

Download the guide now.

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How to Write a Market Research Brief (+ Free Template)

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A market research brief is a document a client produces detailing important information about their unique situation and research requirements. This information should include (but is not limited to) the context of the situation in which the decision to conduct research was made, the initial objectives, and the resulting actions that hope to be taken after the research has concluded.

This brief would come before the typical market research plan (see our example here ), and so any information that is contained within the brief will be subject to modification once in-depth chats between the client and the research agency have been conducted.

This is one of the most important initiating steps for market research as it provides the necessary information that researchers need to understand your needs as much as you do yourself. There is a lot to be said for being on the same page at this early stage of the research experience. While different agencies will prioritise different aspects of the research project, 90% of the brief will follow the same lines, so a draft should always be made and then it can be easily edited to the agency’s requirements.

Why Create a Market Research Brief?

Writing up a brief is essential for the clear communication of your research requirements. Clear communication from the very start is essential if a positive working relationship is going to bloom between the parties involved. This brief outline of a business’ unique scenario communicates information that researchers need in order to achieve a high level of understanding which they can use to create and further refine a detailed plan the research experience.

Key Components

Just looking at the many template designs out there, we can see that a research brief has a few key aspects that everyone agrees are important:

1. Contextual Information

Now this can be interpreted in two ways, both of which should be included within the market research brief. The first interpretation is contextual information relating to the business hiring the research agency. What does the business do? What are it’s values? How is it run? And then the second interpretation is contextual information relating to how the need for research arose. What are the steps that took place towards the realisation that research was needed? This timeline could span months or just days, but even so, the detail must be included for the researcher to get a full understanding of the situation at hand.

2. Description of Research Purpose

At this point, a description of the product (or service) which is to be researched is needed; whoever is carrying out the research will need to know as much detail as possible about the subject of the study as this will have a big influence on the research method used (more information on that to come).

A description of the target markets will also be needed at this point: covering the geographical territories, the target audience (consumers vs. potential consumers) and any specific demographics that should be included or excluded. If this information is known, an approximate sample size can also be noted down.

If a business is wanting to test adverts, product examples, etc. then example designs or prototypes are going to be needed for both the researcher and the participants to use in the formation of the research tasks and the generation of data.

3. Objectives

 Again, this aspect of the brief can be split up into two equally important interpretations. The objectives of the business are incredibly important as they provide another level of contextual understanding for the researcher. The other set of objectives that are needed within the brief, are the research objectives. Now, these are usually formed as questions that the business would like answered, but are subject to modification with the input of the researcher as they will know what is achievable, and what the business needs instead of what they want. Research objectives also cover what the business want to do with the insights generated as that gives an indication of what sort of research needs to be conducted. For the best research experience that ends in fully applicable insights, aligning business and research objectives is imperative.

4. Research Methods

While this will also be subject to modification, an idea of what types of research methods the business might want to employ for this research experience will provide insights on a couple of things to a well-trained researcher. Firstly, it will indicate the business’ level of knowledge on market research, which will allow the researcher to adjust their tone, etc. to accommodate for any knowledge gaps that might be present.

Secondly, it will indicate what type of research that the business is looking to conduct (i.e. qualitative or quantitative, etc.), even if they don’t know it themselves. This section also serves the purpose of sparking a bit of research on the business’ end to see for themselves what options are available to them.

5. Business constraints

This is a relatively simple one. Constraints such as time and budget are imperative to communicate to the researcher, as this will be the main factor in the shaping of your research experience. Depending on whether a business is very constrained or loosely constrained will determine what types of research tasks should be employed, and how extravagant and dedicated a researcher can be in their pursuit of insights for the business.

 a. Research Deliverables

Finally, this is an optional category of information that will help shape the research experience in both the formation of the research tasks and the research reports. One important question is, what actions would you want to take after receiving the insights from the research?

If the answer to this question depends on the tone of the insights, then what options do you see for how the results will be used within the business? Different agencies will offer different reporting options and it helps to know which you would like. So, what type of report would you like to receive? The answers to these questions help how the report and project are framed.

Free Template Example

Use this link to download our free market research brief template. This template contains editable sections that complies with the advice above, with brief guidance and tips on how to make the most out of your brief. This template is currently available in .docx format only, and will require a copy of Microsoft Word or an alternative text editor to be used.

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Research project brief

Optimize research success with structured planning. Unlock methodological clarity with our project brief template.

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Your guide to effective research planning

Crafted for simplicity and effectiveness, our research project brief template is the key to successful research management. It's perfect for researchers, academic institutions, and businesses aiming to conduct research with precision and ease. This template is a clear guide, aligning every project detail for smooth progress. It transforms the complex task of planning and executing various research projects into a more manageable and streamlined process.

Benefits of using the research project brief template:

Enhance your research projects with our template, designed to optimize every phase:

• Structured clarity: Simplify your project's outline, ensuring everyone involved shares the same vision and goals.
• Efficient resource management: Manage budgets and timelines effortlessly, maximizing your research's potential while avoiding unnecessary costs.
• Proactive risk management: Anticipate challenges early on for smoother project progression.
• Strategic dissemination: Develop effective strategies to share your findings, increasing their impact and relevance in your field.

These features combine to create an effective, clear, and strategic research management process.

Key components of the template:

Craft your research project carefully by utilizing these components tailored to ensure a comprehensive and strategic approach:

• Project overview: Capture vital project aspects like the title, duration, and a concise yet impactful description, highlighting the research's significance for better stakeholder engagement and understanding.
• Objectives and goals: Define primary and secondary research objectives while delineating the intended audience, providing a clear direction for the research and ensuring relevance to stakeholders.
• Scope of work: Delve into research methodologies, data collection techniques, and analysis approaches, furnishing an in-depth insight into the research methods adopted for a thorough understanding.
• Budget and resources: Strategically allocate funds, break down costs, and identify any additional resource requirements, ensuring financial transparency and optimal resource utilization throughout the project.
• Timeline and deadlines: Structure key research phases and milestones with a clear timeline, ensuring efficient progress and goal attainment while managing time effectively.
• Communication plan: Establish robust communication channels among the research team and stakeholders, fostering a cohesive approach and facilitating information flow for smoother project execution.

How to make the most of this template

Kickstart your research project with precision. Define clear objectives, delve into detailed methodologies, and allocate resources efficiently. This approach not only ensures clarity and integrity but also fosters effective progress and impactful results.

Embrace the power of this template for straightforward planning and clear methodologies in your research. Ready to transform your research planning? Start streamlining your process today with our comprehensive template!

FAQ About the Research project brief Template

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Research Paper Template

The fastest (and smartest) way to craft a research paper that showcases your project and earns you marks. 

Available in Google Doc, Word & PDF format 4.9 star rating, 5000 + downloads

Step-by-step instructions

Tried & tested academic format

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Pro tips, tricks and resources

What It Covers

This template’s structure is based on the tried and trusted best-practice format for academic research papers. Its structure reflects the overall research process, ensuring your paper has a smooth, logical flow from chapter to chapter. Here’s what’s included:

• The title page/cover page
• Abstract (or executive summary)
• Section 1: Introduction 
• Section 2: Literature review 
• Section 3: Methodology
• Section 4: Findings /results
• Section 5: Discussion
• Section 6: Conclusion
• Reference list

Each section is explained in plain, straightforward language , followed by an overview of the key elements that you need to cover within each section. 

You can download a fully editable MS Word File (DOCX format), copy it to your Google Drive or paste the content to any other word processor.

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FAQs: Research Paper Template

What format is the template (doc, pdf, ppt, etc.).

The research paper template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.

What types of research papers can this template be used for?

The template follows the standard best-practice structure for formal academic research papers, so it is suitable for the vast majority of degrees, particularly those within the sciences.

Some universities may have some additional requirements, but these are typically minor, with the core structure remaining the same. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to double-check your university’s requirements before you finalise your structure.

Is this template for an undergrad, Masters or PhD-level research paper?

This template can be used for a research paper at any level of study. It may be slight overkill for an undergraduate-level study, but it certainly won’t be missing anything.

How long should my research paper be?

This depends entirely on your university’s specific requirements, so it’s best to check with them. We include generic word count ranges for each section within the template, but these are purely indicative. 

What about the research proposal?

If you’re still working on your research proposal, we’ve got a template for that here .

We’ve also got loads of proposal-related guides and videos over on the Grad Coach blog .

How do I write a literature review?

We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack how to write a literature review from scratch. You can check out the literature review section of the blog here.

How do I create a research methodology?

We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack research methodology, both qualitative and quantitative. You can check out the methodology section of the blog here.

Can I share this research paper template with my friends/colleagues?

Yes, you’re welcome to share this template. If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, all we ask is that you reference this page as your source.

Can Grad Coach help me with my research paper?

Within the template, you’ll find plain-language explanations of each section, which should give you a fair amount of guidance. However, you’re also welcome to consider our private coaching services .

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Market Research Brief Template

Market research plays a crucial role in the success of any business. By providing valuable insights into customers, competitors, and market trends, it helps companies make informed decisions and develop effective strategies. A well-designed market research brief is the foundation of any successful research project. It helps define the objectives, scope, and methodologies of the research, ensuring that the right information is collected and analyzed to meet the organization's needs.

1. Introduction to Market Research Briefs

Before delving into the details of market research briefs, let's first understand what they are and why they are important.

What is a market research brief?

A market research brief is a document that outlines the objectives, scope, methodologies, and timelines for a research project. It acts as a roadmap for the research team, guiding them through the process of data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Importance of market research briefs

Market research briefs are essential for several reasons. Firstly, they help clarify the purpose of the research and ensure that it aligns with the organization's goals. By clearly defining the research objectives, they provide a clear direction for the research team, ensuring that everyone is on the same page.

Secondly, market research briefs help identify the target audience and market segment. Understanding who the research is meant to serve allows the team to design appropriate data collection methods and analyze the results in a way that is relevant and meaningful to the intended audience.

Lastly, market research briefs help allocate resources and budget effectively. By clearly identifying the research goals and methodologies upfront, organizations can allocate the necessary resources, whether it be time, money, or personnel, to execute the research in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.

Objective and purpose of the research

The first step in creating a market research brief is to clearly articulate the research objective and purpose. This section should outline what the organization hopes to achieve through the research, whether it be gaining insights into customer preferences, understanding market trends, or assessing the viability of a new product or service.

By defining the objective and purpose, the research team can focus their efforts on collecting the right information and analyzing it in a way that addresses the organization's needs.

Target audience and market segment

Identifying the target audience is a critical step in market research. This section of the brief should provide a detailed description of the target audience and the specific market segment the research aims to study.

Understanding the target audience allows the research team to tailor their data collection methods and analysis techniques to gather meaningful insights. It helps ensure that the research findings are relevant and applicable to the intended audience.

Research methodology and approach

Choosing the right research methodology and approach is essential in obtaining accurate and reliable results. This section of the market research brief should outline the proposed research methods, whether it be quantitative, qualitative, or a combination of both.

Additionally, it should discuss the data collection techniques, such as surveys, interviews, observations, or focus groups, that will be used to gather information from the target audience. The brief should also mention any specific tools or software that will be utilized to assist in data collection and analysis.

Identifying the research goals

In this section, the market research brief should outline specific research goals that align with the research objectives. These goals should be measurable and clearly defined, allowing the research team to track progress and evaluate the success of the research project.

For example, if the research objective is to understand customer preferences, a research goal could be to identify the key factors that drive purchasing decisions. By setting clear research goals, the team can focus their efforts on collecting the necessary data and analyzing it in a way that addresses these goals.

Formulating specific research questions

Formulating specific research questions helps guide the data collection process and provides a framework for analyzing the findings. This section of the market research brief should outline the specific research questions that the research team aims to answer.

Research questions should be clear, concise, and directly related to the research objectives. They should focus on gathering information that will help the organization make informed decisions or develop effective strategies.

Conducting demographic analysis

Demographic analysis involves studying the characteristics of a population, such as age, gender, income, and education level. This section of the market research brief should outline how demographic analysis will be conducted and why it is important.

By analyzing demographic data, organizations can gain insights into their target audience's preferences, behaviors, and needs. This information can then be used to tailor marketing strategies, product development, and customer experiences to better meet the needs of the target market.

Identifying customer preferences and needs

Understanding customer preferences and needs is crucial for any business. This section of the market research brief should outline the methods that will be used to identify and analyze customer preferences and needs, such as surveys, interviews, or focus groups.

By gathering this information, organizations can determine what their customers value most and what factors influence their purchasing decisions. This knowledge can then be used to develop products and services that meet customer needs and preferences, ultimately leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Quantitative research methods

Quantitative research involves gathering numerical data and analyzing it statistically. This section of the market research brief should outline the quantitative research methods that will be used, such as surveys or experiments, and explain why they are appropriate for the research objectives.

Quantitative research provides valuable insights into market trends, customer behaviors, and the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. By collecting and analyzing numerical data, organizations can make data-driven decisions that have a higher chance of success.

Qualitative research methods

Qualitative research involves gathering non-numerical data, such as opinions, perceptions, and experiences, and analyzing it in a subjective manner. This section of the market research brief should outline the qualitative research methods that will be used, such as interviews or focus groups, and explain why they are appropriate for the research objectives.

Qualitative research provides a deeper understanding of customer motivations, attitudes, and perceptions. It allows organizations to uncover valuable insights that may not be captured by quantitative data alone and provides a more holistic view of the target market.

Creating a timeline and milestones

A well-defined timeline is essential for managing the research project effectively. This section of the market research brief should outline the key milestones and deadlines for each phase of the research project.

By creating a timeline, the research team can ensure that the project stays on track and that all activities are completed within the specified timeframes. It also allows stakeholders to monitor progress and make adjustments as necessary.

Allocating resources and budget

Allocating resources and budget is a crucial aspect of any research project. This section of the market research brief should outline the resources, whether it be personnel, equipment, or software, that will be needed to execute the research project successfully.

Additionally, it should include a budget breakdown that outlines the estimated costs for each phase of the research project. By allocating resources and budget effectively, organizations can ensure that the research project can be executed without any unnecessary delays or constraints.

Data collection techniques

This section of the market research brief should outline the specific data collection techniques that will be used, such as surveys, interviews, or observation. It should also discuss the rationale behind selecting these techniques and explain how they will help gather the necessary information.

Choosing the right data collection techniques is crucial for obtaining accurate and reliable data. Each technique has its strengths and limitations, and understanding these factors will help ensure that the research findings are robust and meaningful.

Data analysis methods

Data analysis is a critical step in converting raw data into actionable insights. This section of the market research brief should outline the specific data analysis methods that will be used, such as statistical analysis, content analysis, or thematic coding.

The chosen data analysis methods should align with the research objectives and the type of data collected. They should provide a structured approach to analyzing and interpreting the data, allowing the research team to draw meaningful conclusions.

Drawing conclusions from the data

In this section of the market research brief, the research team should outline how they will draw conclusions from the data collected. This may involve identifying patterns, trends, or correlations in the data and using them to make informed judgments or decisions.

Conclusions should be based on evidence and supported by the data collected during the research project. By drawing sound conclusions, organizations can make informed decisions that have a higher likelihood of success.

Presenting research findings effectively

Presenting research findings effectively is essential to ensure that the insights gained from the research are understood and utilized by the intended audience. This section of the market research brief should outline how the research findings will be presented, whether it be through written reports, presentations, or visual representations.

The chosen presentation format should be clear, concise, and visually appealing, facilitating easy comprehension and interpretation of the research findings. It should highlight the key insights and their implications for the organization.

Translating research insights into actionable strategies

The ultimate goal of market research is to translate the insights gained from the research into actionable strategies. This section of the market research brief should outline how the research insights will be used to inform decision-making and strategy development.

By connecting the research findings to specific actions and strategies, organizations can leverage the insights gained to improve their products, services, marketing initiatives, and overall business performance.

Monitoring and evaluating the outcomes

Monitoring and evaluating the outcomes of the research is essential to assess the effectiveness of the research project and identify areas of improvement. This section of the market research brief should outline how the outcomes will be monitored and evaluated.

By tracking the outcomes and evaluating the impact of the research, organizations can continuously improve their research practices and ensure that future research projects are even more effective.

Recap of the market research brief template

To recap, a market research brief is a comprehensive document that outlines the objectives, scope, methodologies, and timelines for a research project. It acts as a roadmap for the research team, guiding them through the process of data collection, analysis, and reporting.

By following the structure outlined in this market research brief template, organizations can ensure that their research projects are well-planned, executed effectively, and provide valuable insights that drive informed decision-making.

Final thoughts on the importance of market research briefs

Market research briefs play a crucial role in ensuring the success of market research projects. They provide a clear roadmap for the research team, guiding them through the process of data collection, analysis, and reporting. By defining the research objectives, scope, and methodologies upfront, market research briefs help ensure that the right information is collected and analyzed to meet the organization's needs.

Additionally, market research briefs help allocate resources and budget effectively, identify the target audience and market segment, and translate research insights into actionable strategies. They lay the foundation for evidence-based decision-making and foster a deeper understanding of customers, competitors, and market trends.

In conclusion, market research briefs are an essential tool for organizations seeking to gain a competitive edge in today's fast-paced business environment. By investing time and effort into creating well-designed market research briefs, organizations can unlock valuable insights that inform their strategies and drive their success.

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A good market research brief helps agencies lead successful projects. Learn what to include and how to write a detailed brief with our template guide.

A market research brief is a client document outlining all the relevant information that a research agency needs to understand the client’s specific research needs to propose the most suitable course of action.

A clear, informed brief will ensure the market researcher can deliver the most effective research possible. It also streamlines the project by reducing the need for back and forth between your company and the researcher. A good brief will leave no confusion and provide a meaningful framework for you and the researcher, maximising the accuracy and reliability of insights collected.

Start your project faster with our market research brief template!

In this article, we’ve broken down the key components of a well-written brief, with examples. Using this template guide, you can confidently equip the researcher with the right information to deliver exemplary research for your next project.

Business Background/ Project Background

This section of the brief introduces your company to the market researcher, giving them a more informed overview of your brand, product/service, and target market. You should provide all available context to ensure you and the researcher are on the same page with the project.

Relevant information to add in this section includes: company details, company mission/vision, industry status and trends, market performance history, competitive context, any existing research.

Business Objectives/ Marketing Objectives

Your business objectives/marketing objectives should answer why you are being asked to conduct the research. The researcher should be able to grasp the existing problems/issues your company is looking to address in the research.

For example, this could involve sales, competition, customer satisfaction, or product innovation, to name a few.

Research Objectives

Research objectives address the specific questions you would like the research to cover, including what insights you wish to gain. This is where you should detail what actions your company is planning to take based on the research you are commissioning.

Your research objective is one of the most important elements of your brief, as it dictates how your study will be conducted and the quality of results.

Target Market

Who will this research focus on? This is where you should state respondents’ demographic and profiling information, along with any pre-existing segments you want to target. Be specific, but also be aware that the more restrictive the criteria are, the higher the sample cost will be. Extensive limitations are also realistically harder to meet.

For example:

• Market: Canada
• Sample size: 200 – 1000
• Demographics: Household income of $150k and above a year
• Markets: Malaysia (priority), Thailand, Singapore
• Sample size: N=200 (Product Variant Selector) + N=500 (Conjoint)
• Demographics: 16 – 50 years old
• National representation: Age, gender and location
• Target definition: Bought electronics online in the past 12 months
• Reads on: 16 – 30-year olds vs. 31 – 50-year olds
• Market: South America
• Sample size: 1800
• Target definition: Main and joint grocery buyers
• 5 target groups: Income, urban/rural, age, family status, shopping frequency (divide each into 3 subgroups, e.g. low, medium, high).

Action Standards/ Decision Rules

Action standards outline which criteria will determine the decisions you make following research. These should detail specific numerical scores and any company benchmarks which need to be met in your research results for decision-making to go ahead. Clear and detailed action standards will allow you to make decisions faster and more confidently following research.

Nestlé’s 60/40 action standard which prioritises preference and nutrition, by aiming “to make products that achieve at least 60% consumer taste preference with the added ‘plus’ of nutritional advantage”.

Pricing is seen as credible by at least 40% of the target market.

Product has at least 50% acceptance from the target market.

Methodology

You should only include methodology if you are certain of the approach you want to take. If you do not know which methodology you should use, leave this section blank for agency recommendations.

Monadic test : Monadic testing introduces survey respondents to individual concepts, products in isolation. It is usually used in studies where independent findings for each stimulus are required, unlike in comparison testing, where several stimuli are tested side-by-side. Each product/concept is displayed and evaluated separately, providing more accurate and meaningful results for specific items.

Discrete choice modelling : Sometimes referred to as choice-based conjoint, discrete choice is a more robust technique consistent with random utility theory and has been proven to simulate customers’ actual behaviour in the marketplace. The output on relative importance of attributes and value by level is aligned to the output from conjoint analysis (partworth analysis).

Qualitative research : Qualitative forms of research focus on non-numerical and unstructured data, such as participant observation, direct observation, unstructured interviews, and case studies.

Quantitative research : Numbers and measurable forms of data make up quantitative research, focusing on ‘how many’, ‘how often’, and ‘how much’, e.g. conjoint analysis , MaxDiff , Gabor-Granger , Van Westendorp .

Deliverables

Deliverables should clearly outline project expectations – both from your company and the agency. This should cover who is responsible for everything required to undertake research, including survey inputs and outputs, materials, reporting, reviewing, and any additional requirements.

• PowerPoint presentation
• Crosstabs of data
• Raw datasets
• Excel simulator
• Online dashboard
• “Typing tool” for future research

Timing and Cost

Timing covers the due dates for key milestones of your research project, most importantly, for your preliminary and final reports. Cost should include your project budget, along with any potential additional costs/constraints.

Contacts and Responsibilities

This section states all stakeholders involved in the project, their role and responsibilities, and their contact details. You should ensure that these are easy to locate on your brief, for quick reference by the agency and easier communication.

Ready-to-use market research brief template with examples

Start your research project faster and get better results. Using this template, you can confidently equip the researcher with the right information to deliver exemplary research for your next project.

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How to write a good research brief?

Are you planning market research? You should start your work with a research brief. The research brief describes the objective and outcomes of the research. The better brief you create the more accurate and better quality survey results you will get.

• Company description and background Start with a company description, market environment, competition, trends, … If you have knowledge from previous research or acquired in any other way you can share it here. This information will help the researcher better understand your needs.
• Business objective Business objectives should be defined separately to research objectives, e.g. new product market launch. In most cases, it is different to research objective.
• Research objective Issue we want to solve or questions on which we want to find an answer. While you define research objective it is good to ask yourself questions : What do I want to examine? Why do I want to examine it? What will I achieve thanks to this information?
• Methodology preferences Some clients have precise expectations regarding research methodology. If you have precise requirements in this area, write about it.
• Target group If you know what is your target group (e.g. women, age 21 – 34, living in cities with a population above 50k), include this information in the brief. Your target group may be also your own customers or partners (if you have contact information like email, phone)
• Timing When research should be conducted and when the final report should be delivered.
• Budget Do you have a dedicated budget for the research or budget constraints? This information can help eliminate some more expensive options at the very beginning.
• Deliverables Are there any requirements concerning the final report format, e.g. should it be delivered in PowerPoint format, as a Word document, or any other form? Do you need row data to be delivered in Excel or SPSS format?
• Contact information Contact information (name, surname, email, phone) for people responsible for the research, including preferred or primary contact point.
• Additional information Any additional information concerning research, e.g. if we are conducting research of retail chain, information if there are specific shops that should be examined.

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Table of contents

Do you have a freelance client who has given you a huge project? Are you currently in negotiation with one about a massive project? If you do, then it could be time to consider using a research brief template. The template offers consultants – and their clients – massive advantages. A freelance researcher needs as many tools as possible to deliver stunning work and results for the client.

The template offers you a myriad of benefits, as you will see below.

1. Improved communication with clients with your research brief template

Freelancers have to keep improving themselves. One way of doing that is by communicating better with their clients. A good consultant focuses on understanding the requirements of the project before commencing. The ability to understand is everything. Excellent communication with clients sets the pace for the rest of your relationship with the client. This important ingredient is necessary for setting the kind of foundation upon which success will emerge.

2. Obtaining crucial insights with your research brief template

The insights you obtain from the client about the project determines how much success you are likely to enjoy. The research brief template offers you all the insights you need moving forward. Without it, you would be unable to do anything meaningful. The most helpful insights tend to be the ones that are both relevant and actionable. The template offers clients an avenue through which to explain what they want in-depth.

3. Sustaining focus with your research brief template

At no time should the freelancer ever lose sight of the most important aspects of the project. The focus should remain on the most important components of the project. The research brief template plays a significant role in all this. It sets you on the road to victory. The template helps you to remain focused on building and sustaining healthy relationships with clients thus making it easier to accomplish all that you set out to do.

4. Defining problems and their solutions with your research brief sample

All freelancers are capable of defining and identifying the problems that their clients face. However, only the truly exceptional clients are capable of defining problems and identifying the appropriate solutions. More importantly, the template also offers consultant’s clients a chance to define and seek more clarification about the objectives . After all, each project has a few objectives. The solutions must meet or actualize the objectives in question.

5. The research brief example provides access to background information

Do you understand or approach the project based on the client’s perspective? If you don’t, it might be time to consider doing just that. Background information determines the direction the entire takes. Why is the client interested in proceeding with the project? What history do the clients have with the problems for which they need solutions? The research brief template provides answers to these questions via the background information.

6. Provide details regarding existing constraints in the research brief sample

A detailed understanding of everything the project is likely to encounter is crucial to its success. Without this information, you have little to no guarantee of success. Each project has its limitations that could be anything between budgetary or time-related constraints. It’s worth reminding freelancers that constraints are not necessarily bad or wrong. For this reason, constraints are worth embracing rather than hating.

A good brief contains constraints to help the freelancer to decide if the project is worth taking.

Lastly, the research brief template is a powerful tool for talking about methodologies and deliverables too. It clarifies strategies vis-à-vis research outputs. It talks about the schedule, costs, analysis and reporting, and everything else that is central to the success of the large project the consultant is about to embark upon. Essentially, you should never dive into a large project before going through and familiarizing yourself with all that the template says.

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Research Brief Template

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• How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

Published on October 12, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on November 21, 2023.

A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will conduct your research.

The format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals will contain at least these elements:

Introduction

Literature review.

• Research design

Reference list

While the sections may vary, the overall objective is always the same. A research proposal serves as a blueprint and guide for your research plan, helping you get organized and feel confident in the path forward you choose to take.

Table of contents

Research proposal purpose, research proposal examples, research design and methods, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research proposals.

Academics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application , or prior to starting your thesis or dissertation .

In addition to helping you figure out what your research can look like, a proposal can also serve to demonstrate why your project is worth pursuing to a funder, educational institution, or supervisor.

Research proposal length

The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.

One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.

Download our research proposal template

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See an example

Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.

• Example research proposal #1: “A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management”
• Example research proposal #2: “Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use”

Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:

• The proposed title of your project
• Your supervisor’s name
• Your institution and department

The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.

Your introduction should:

• Introduce your topic
• Give necessary background and context
• Outline your  problem statement  and research questions

To guide your introduction , include information about:

• Who could have an interest in the topic (e.g., scientists, policymakers)
• How much is already known about the topic
• What is missing from this current knowledge
• What new insights your research will contribute
• Why you believe this research is worth doing

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As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review  shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.

In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:

• Comparing and contrasting the main theories, methods, and debates
• Examining the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
• Explaining how will you build on, challenge, or synthesize prior scholarship

Following the literature review, restate your main  objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.

To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasize again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.

For example, your results might have implications for:

• Improving best practices
• Informing policymaking decisions
• Strengthening a theory or model
• Challenging popular or scientific beliefs
• Creating a basis for future research

Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .

Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.

Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.

Download our research schedule template

If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.

Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:

• Cost : exactly how much money do you need?
• Justification : why is this cost necessary to complete the research?
• Source : how did you calculate the amount?

To determine your budget, think about:

• Travel costs : do you need to go somewhere to collect your data? How will you get there, and how much time will you need? What will you do there (e.g., interviews, archival research)?
• Materials : do you need access to any tools or technologies?
• Help : do you need to hire any research assistants for the project? What will they do, and how much will you pay them?

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

• Sampling methods
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Likert scales
• Reproducibility

 Statistics

• Null hypothesis
• Statistical power
• Probability distribution
• Effect size
• Poisson distribution

Research bias

• Optimism bias
• Cognitive bias
• Implicit bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Anchoring bias
• Explicit bias

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.

Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

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McCombes, S. & George, T. (2023, November 21). How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved August 12, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-proposal/

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How to Write a Research Proposal: (with Examples & Templates)

Table of Contents

Before conducting a study, a research proposal should be created that outlines researchers’ plans and methodology and is submitted to the concerned evaluating organization or person. Creating a research proposal is an important step to ensure that researchers are on track and are moving forward as intended. A research proposal can be defined as a detailed plan or blueprint for the proposed research that you intend to undertake. It provides readers with a snapshot of your project by describing what you will investigate, why it is needed, and how you will conduct the research.  

Your research proposal should aim to explain to the readers why your research is relevant and original, that you understand the context and current scenario in the field, have the appropriate resources to conduct the research, and that the research is feasible given the usual constraints.  

This article will describe in detail the purpose and typical structure of a research proposal , along with examples and templates to help you ace this step in your research journey.  

What is a Research Proposal ?  

A research proposal¹ ,²  can be defined as a formal report that describes your proposed research, its objectives, methodology, implications, and other important details. Research proposals are the framework of your research and are used to obtain approvals or grants to conduct the study from various committees or organizations. Consequently, research proposals should convince readers of your study’s credibility, accuracy, achievability, practicality, and reproducibility.   

With research proposals , researchers usually aim to persuade the readers, funding agencies, educational institutions, and supervisors to approve the proposal. To achieve this, the report should be well structured with the objectives written in clear, understandable language devoid of jargon. A well-organized research proposal conveys to the readers or evaluators that the writer has thought out the research plan meticulously and has the resources to ensure timely completion.  

Purpose of Research Proposals  

A research proposal is a sales pitch and therefore should be detailed enough to convince your readers, who could be supervisors, ethics committees, universities, etc., that what you’re proposing has merit and is feasible . Research proposals can help students discuss their dissertation with their faculty or fulfill course requirements and also help researchers obtain funding. A well-structured proposal instills confidence among readers about your ability to conduct and complete the study as proposed.  

Research proposals can be written for several reasons:³  

• To describe the importance of research in the specific topic  
• Address any potential challenges you may encounter  
• Showcase knowledge in the field and your ability to conduct a study  
• Apply for a role at a research institute  
• Convince a research supervisor or university that your research can satisfy the requirements of a degree program  
• Highlight the importance of your research to organizations that may sponsor your project  
• Identify implications of your project and how it can benefit the audience  

What Goes in a Research Proposal?    

Research proposals should aim to answer the three basic questions—what, why, and how.  

The What question should be answered by describing the specific subject being researched. It should typically include the objectives, the cohort details, and the location or setting.  

The Why question should be answered by describing the existing scenario of the subject, listing unanswered questions, identifying gaps in the existing research, and describing how your study can address these gaps, along with the implications and significance.  

The How question should be answered by describing the proposed research methodology, data analysis tools expected to be used, and other details to describe your proposed methodology.   

Research Proposal Example  

Here is a research proposal sample template (with examples) from the University of Rochester Medical Center. 4 The sections in all research proposals are essentially the same although different terminology and other specific sections may be used depending on the subject.  

Structure of a Research Proposal  

If you want to know how to make a research proposal impactful, include the following components:¹  

1. Introduction  

This section provides a background of the study, including the research topic, what is already known about it and the gaps, and the significance of the proposed research.  

2. Literature review  

This section contains descriptions of all the previous relevant studies pertaining to the research topic. Every study cited should be described in a few sentences, starting with the general studies to the more specific ones. This section builds on the understanding gained by readers in the Introduction section and supports it by citing relevant prior literature, indicating to readers that you have thoroughly researched your subject.  

3. Objectives  

Once the background and gaps in the research topic have been established, authors must now state the aims of the research clearly. Hypotheses should be mentioned here. This section further helps readers understand what your study’s specific goals are.  

4. Research design and methodology  

Here, authors should clearly describe the methods they intend to use to achieve their proposed objectives. Important components of this section include the population and sample size, data collection and analysis methods and duration, statistical analysis software, measures to avoid bias (randomization, blinding), etc.  

5. Ethical considerations  

This refers to the protection of participants’ rights, such as the right to privacy, right to confidentiality, etc. Researchers need to obtain informed consent and institutional review approval by the required authorities and mention this clearly for transparency.  

6. Budget/funding  

Researchers should prepare their budget and include all expected expenditures. An additional allowance for contingencies such as delays should also be factored in.  

7. Appendices  

This section typically includes information that supports the research proposal and may include informed consent forms, questionnaires, participant information, measurement tools, etc.  

8. Citations  

Important Tips for Writing a Research Proposal  

Writing a research proposal begins much before the actual task of writing. Planning the research proposal structure and content is an important stage, which if done efficiently, can help you seamlessly transition into the writing stage. 3,5  

The Planning Stage  

• Manage your time efficiently. Plan to have the draft version ready at least two weeks before your deadline and the final version at least two to three days before the deadline.
• What is the primary objective of your research?  
• Will your research address any existing gap?  
• What is the impact of your proposed research?  
• Do people outside your field find your research applicable in other areas?  
• If your research is unsuccessful, would there still be other useful research outcomes?  

  The Writing Stage  

• Create an outline with main section headings that are typically used.  
• Focus only on writing and getting your points across without worrying about the format of the research proposal , grammar, punctuation, etc. These can be fixed during the subsequent passes. Add details to each section heading you created in the beginning.   
• Ensure your sentences are concise and use plain language. A research proposal usually contains about 2,000 to 4,000 words or four to seven pages.  
• Don’t use too many technical terms and abbreviations assuming that the readers would know them. Define the abbreviations and technical terms.  
• Ensure that the entire content is readable. Avoid using long paragraphs because they affect the continuity in reading. Break them into shorter paragraphs and introduce some white space for readability.  
• Focus on only the major research issues and cite sources accordingly. Don’t include generic information or their sources in the literature review.  
• Proofread your final document to ensure there are no grammatical errors so readers can enjoy a seamless, uninterrupted read.  
• Use academic, scholarly language because it brings formality into a document.  
• Ensure that your title is created using the keywords in the document and is neither too long and specific nor too short and general.  
• Cite all sources appropriately to avoid plagiarism.  
• Make sure that you follow guidelines, if provided. This includes rules as simple as using a specific font or a hyphen or en dash between numerical ranges.  
• Ensure that you’ve answered all questions requested by the evaluating authority.  

Key Takeaways   

Here’s a summary of the main points about research proposals discussed in the previous sections:  

• A research proposal is a document that outlines the details of a proposed study and is created by researchers to submit to evaluators who could be research institutions, universities, faculty, etc.  
• Research proposals are usually about 2,000-4,000 words long, but this depends on the evaluating authority’s guidelines.  
• A good research proposal ensures that you’ve done your background research and assessed the feasibility of the research.  
• Research proposals have the following main sections—introduction, literature review, objectives, methodology, ethical considerations, and budget.  

Frequently Asked Questions  

Q1. How is a research proposal evaluated?  

A1. In general, most evaluators, including universities, broadly use the following criteria to evaluate research proposals . 6  

• Significance —Does the research address any important subject or issue, which may or may not be specific to the evaluator or university?  
• Content and design —Is the proposed methodology appropriate to answer the research question? Are the objectives clear and well aligned with the proposed methodology?  
• Sample size and selection —Is the target population or cohort size clearly mentioned? Is the sampling process used to select participants randomized, appropriate, and free of bias?  
• Timing —Are the proposed data collection dates mentioned clearly? Is the project feasible given the specified resources and timeline?  
• Data management and dissemination —Who will have access to the data? What is the plan for data analysis?  

Q2. What is the difference between the Introduction and Literature Review sections in a research proposal ?  

A2. The Introduction or Background section in a research proposal sets the context of the study by describing the current scenario of the subject and identifying the gaps and need for the research. A Literature Review, on the other hand, provides references to all prior relevant literature to help corroborate the gaps identified and the research need.  

Q3. How long should a research proposal be?  

A3. Research proposal lengths vary with the evaluating authority like universities or committees and also the subject. Here’s a table that lists the typical research proposal lengths for a few universities.  

Q4. What are the common mistakes to avoid in a research proposal ?  

A4. Here are a few common mistakes that you must avoid while writing a research proposal . 7  

• No clear objectives: Objectives should be clear, specific, and measurable for the easy understanding among readers.  
• Incomplete or unconvincing background research: Background research usually includes a review of the current scenario of the particular industry and also a review of the previous literature on the subject. This helps readers understand your reasons for undertaking this research because you identified gaps in the existing research.  
• Overlooking project feasibility: The project scope and estimates should be realistic considering the resources and time available.   
• Neglecting the impact and significance of the study: In a research proposal , readers and evaluators look for the implications or significance of your research and how it contributes to the existing research. This information should always be included.  
• Unstructured format of a research proposal : A well-structured document gives confidence to evaluators that you have read the guidelines carefully and are well organized in your approach, consequently affirming that you will be able to undertake the research as mentioned in your proposal.  
• Ineffective writing style: The language used should be formal and grammatically correct. If required, editors could be consulted, including AI-based tools such as Paperpal , to refine the research proposal structure and language.  

Thus, a research proposal is an essential document that can help you promote your research and secure funds and grants for conducting your research. Consequently, it should be well written in clear language and include all essential details to convince the evaluators of your ability to conduct the research as proposed.  

This article has described all the important components of a research proposal and has also provided tips to improve your writing style. We hope all these tips will help you write a well-structured research proposal to ensure receipt of grants or any other purpose.  

References  

• Sudheesh K, Duggappa DR, Nethra SS. How to write a research proposal? Indian J Anaesth. 2016;60(9):631-634. Accessed July 15, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5037942/  
• Writing research proposals. Harvard College Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships. Harvard University. Accessed July 14, 2024. https://uraf.harvard.edu/apply-opportunities/app-components/essays/research-proposals  
• What is a research proposal? Plus how to write one. Indeed website. Accessed July 17, 2024. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/research-proposal  
• Research proposal template. University of Rochester Medical Center. Accessed July 16, 2024. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/MediaLibraries/URMCMedia/pediatrics/research/documents/Research-proposal-Template.pdf  
• Tips for successful proposal writing. Johns Hopkins University. Accessed July 17, 2024. https://research.jhu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Tips-for-Successful-Proposal-Writing.pdf  
• Formal review of research proposals. Cornell University. Accessed July 18, 2024. https://irp.dpb.cornell.edu/surveys/survey-assessment-review-group/research-proposals  
• 7 Mistakes you must avoid in your research proposal. Aveksana (via LinkedIn). Accessed July 17, 2024. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/7-mistakes-you-must-avoid-your-research-proposal-aveksana-cmtwf/  

Paperpal is a comprehensive AI writing toolkit that helps students and researchers achieve 2x the writing in half the time. It leverages 21+ years of STM experience and insights from millions of research articles to provide in-depth academic writing, language editing, and submission readiness support to help you write better, faster.  

Get accurate academic translations, rewriting support, grammar checks, vocabulary suggestions, and generative AI assistance that delivers human precision at machine speed. Try for free or upgrade to Paperpal Prime starting at US$19 a month to access premium features, including consistency, plagiarism, and 30+ submission readiness checks to help you succeed.  

Experience the future of academic writing – Sign up to Paperpal and start writing for free!  

Related Reads:

How to write a phd research proposal.

• What are the Benefits of Generative AI for Academic Writing?
• How to Avoid Plagiarism When Using Generative AI Tools
• What is Hedging in Academic Writing?  

How to Write Your Research Paper in APA Format

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Marketing91

Research brief: Meaning, Components, Importance & Ways to Prepare

June 12, 2023 | By Hitesh Bhasin | Filed Under: Marketing

Have you ever faced a situation where a researcher has not exactly given the results that you require? Have you ever discussed research as what you want precisely and been disappointed to find that there is a disparity in your expectation and the outcomes? This is because of a failure in communication , that is particular an insufficient brief.

This is where we exactly wish to discuss research brief.

A research brief is a statement that comes from the sponsor, who sets the objectives and background. This is to enable the researcher to plan the research and conduct an appropriate study on it. Research Brief can be as good as a market research study and is very important to a researcher.

It provides good insight and influences on the choice of methodology to be adopted in the research. It also provides an objective to which the project links itself.

It is a short and non-technical summary of a discussion paper that is purely intended for decision-makers with a concentration on the paper’s policy-relevant findings.

Table of Contents

Components of a Research Brief

Some sponsors deliver the brief orally by developing many detail points at the time of initial discussion with the researcher. On the other hand, the brief can also be completely thought through and committed to a paper.

This is very important when many research agencies need to submit proposals. Whether the research brief is oral or written, it should pay attention to the following points:

• Problem Background – This is a short record of the events which has actually led to the study. This provides an insight into the researcher a better viewpoint and understanding of the objective of the project.
• Problem Description – The researcher requires details in depth to perform the research. When the scope of the research is described properly, the research process gets easier. It becomes helpful for the sponsor to monitor the progress of the research.
• Market Analysis – The researcher needs to know the geographical areas of the research. Hence this should be part of the research brief.
• Objective Statement – The object of the researcher should be put statement. The researcher should gather the details from the sponsor and then provide a view of what has to be achieved.
• Time and Budget – The research brief should mention the time and budget constraints of the research.

Importance of Research Brief

Now, why is research brief important? It is like the way you set a foundation for a building; research brief provides a strong foundation for the research process.

Writing a research brief is important to the success of any market research project. However, it can be difficult to craft the perfect brief that meets the necessity of both the client and the researcher but eventually leads to the desired outcomes.

It helps a researcher to identify a problem to be researched, the exact background of the problem, the required details to address the problem, time and budget constraints within which the research is supposed to be designed.

Example of Research Brief

Keeping the above points in mind, let us take a small example of the way to write a market research brief.

To write a market research brief, it clarifies the research requirement and also makes sure that the ideas are well articulated. It helps to write a better research proposal , conduct user research, and achieve the desired outcome.

Background:

Describe the problem that is required to solve. Include applicable background and the challenge during the research.

Business and Project Objectives:

Explain the business objectives. For example: to increase sales /profit. Try to be specific as you can.

Also, describe the purpose of research and the expected outcomes. What is the decision that you require to make?

Market Objectives:

Market research objective typically follows from the above two objectives. Hence you will need to summarise the aim and information of the research. This will help to mention the questions required for answering.

Stakeholders:

Here, you will need to consider the participant who will sign-off and act on the research outcomes listed.

Research Methods, scope, sample, and guidelines:

Here, you will explain what is required. This will help you to focus on what is important and also have a piece of knowledge of the research investment. Here, more focus is given on the scope of the work and type of research . The inputs and the sample are also analyzed.

Research outcomes:

Here, you will require to define the delivery part of the research.

Ways to prepare Research Brief

Having discussed the basic of research brief, the following points will give you a brief idea of the ways to prepare yourself to write an effective research brief.

• Start with a summary of the current situation. Also, define in clear words as what you are already aware of. It would be more useful if you could include more details on your thought about the responsibility for the project on you and the research agency.
• After a summary, set up the business and research objectives . For business objectives, you need to mention the overall strategy and what is the importance of the current research. For research objectives, list the issues and topics that are likely to discover. List the problems to solve. Based on the research agency design, define clearly the business and research objectives. Having a clear objective will help you to assess the quality and also focus on the research agency’s report.
• Next, you may suggest about the ways about data collection . You can decide on a suitable research methodology that you think will be best fit the project.
• List what the outcomes of the project and the deliverables are. Like for example, you might just want to advise on survey design . For this, statistically robust data would be ideal. Or sometimes, you might write a full report with data, interpretation, recommendations, etc. Whatever it is, be clear as what is required. Suggest a timetable and mention the deadline to receive proposals and other deliverables.

Research Brief Template

Given below the template for research brief:

Research Brief: Project Name

#1 background.

In this area, give the background of the research brief.

#2 Business objectives

In this area, define the business objectives. Ideally, for a better understanding and readability, it would be good if the points are bulleted.

#3 Marketing objectives

In this area, type your marketing objectives. In case you have any other kind of objectives apart from marketing, you could change the section title.

In this area, define the research target here. Here, name all the target groups that will be a part of the research and the reason for it. Capture any other applicable details of the target group .

In this area, mention the Budget information. Mentioning a range of budget is fine. Also, indicate an upper limit in case you have any.

In this area, mention the timeline of the research. The approximate time as when this work would be over. Also, when can you provide the final analysis?

#6 Deliverables

In this area, mention the report requirements. For example, whether a detail report is required or just a presentation.

#7 Contact information

In this area, mention the contact information for questions or clarification. It could be Client company name or Individual name, title, e-mail id, phone number, and mailing address.

Liked this post? Check out the complete series on Market research

Related posts:

• What is Brand Brief? Components of Brand Brief and Examples
• Causal Research – Meaning, Explanation, Examples, Components
• What is a Design Brief and How to Write it in 9 Easy Steps?
• Qualitative Research: Meaning, and Features of Qualitative Research
• Advertising Message – Definition, Meaning, Importance and Components
• Research Ethics – Importance and Principles of Ethics in Research
• Market Space – Definition, Meaning, Characteristics, Components
• Sales Agreement – Meaning, Components and Samples
• How to Write Research Proposal? Research Proposal Format
• 7 Key Differences between Research Method and Research Methodology

About Hitesh Bhasin

Hitesh Bhasin is the CEO of Marketing91 and has over a decade of experience in the marketing field. He is an accomplished author of thousands of insightful articles, including in-depth analyses of brands and companies. Holding an MBA in Marketing, Hitesh manages several offline ventures, where he applies all the concepts of Marketing that he writes about.

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What are research briefings

Get free research briefings from the OR

What is a research briefing?

And how to be easily the most knowledgable person in the room.

In this briefing about research briefings I look at:

• What a research briefing is 
• What a good research briefing should contain
• Who uses them
• How professionals use them
• How to know the quality of the research briefing and the study you are being briefed on

A research briefing is a summary of a single piece of proper research or a series of research studies on a similar topic. A briefing is a concise and understandable consolidation of just the main points of longer, more complex, academic and often impenetrable research.

What makes a good research briefing?

A good research briefing will have a number of attributes The point of a research briefing is that it should be useful to the reader in some way. A briefing and indeed the actual research is really only any use if it has some impact beyond ‘that’s interesting’. It needs to add something to the reader so the information / findings of the research need to be:

• Reader centric - the briefing needs to be on a topic of interest and use to the reader
• Useful - this is usually because the reader can use the information to actually do something as a result of reading the briefing
• Brief! People are busy so the briefing has to get the right information to the reader as quickly as possible
• Understandable - It needs to be based on the readers reading comprehension, experience, expertise and knowledge levels The point of a search briefing is to remove jargon and academic lagged and make it readily understandable
• Accurate - the briefing has to fairly represent the main findings of the research without bias or distortion 

Additionally, a good briefing will review the research as objectively as possible to give an indication of any weaknesses in the research. Every study has weaknesses, there is no 100% watertight research. Having a fair appreciation of these weaknesses enables people to make better decisions about the study and the applicability and usability to the reader’s situation.

Not all studies have the same level of validity and reliability, indeed some are just rubbish and have little value. For example, a survey of the opinions of two people is very different to a study observing the behaviour of thousands. Understanding this is important.

Why do professionals use research briefings?

Ask yourself, in terms of the amount, how do you keep up to date with what’s happening in your professional area. How you gain new knowledge and insights and where do you get ideas from? It is probably a mix of the following:

• Work colleagues
• LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook or other social media
• Professional forums and groups
• Magazines and newsletters
• Surveys and opinion polls
• Proper research papers or research briefings
• Conferences
• University or college or other courses

Now rank that mix, where do most of your updates, knowledge, insights and ideas come from week-to-week in order? Which is your most used source of practice evidence and inspiration? And how much of that information and knowledge is based on verifiable evidence? (See here for an article about the difference between opinion- and evidence-based knowledge) Properly designed, a good properly curated and accurate briefing based on proper research can get you the most up-to-date findings from the best research studies in a matter of minutes. Not only that a good research briefing service can make sure you only get the content you need.

This means that you stay up to date and impressively well-informed without becoming overwhelmed and in only a few minutes a week.

Get regular research  brie fings - free...

Where does the data for a research briefing come from?

Good research briefings should come from good published research study.  

So for a starter, research briefings should be using peer-reviewed sources (research that has been reviewed by other researchers and experts for accuracy, validity and reliability).

Anyone can publish a blog. Anyone can write a self-published book. Anyone can say they have done a survey. But how accurate or biased is it? How big is the sample in the study? Is it the opinions of just a few people or observations and proper statistical analysis of larger populations? Are the results generalisable (apply to most situations) or is it a case study that just applies to one situation or context? 

A good research briefing will review and help you decide on the quality of the research, what its weakness are and not just report the findings. 

What are research briefings based on?

That depends on who is doing the briefing. We can only talk about the OR Briefings...

All of our briefings come from properly published academic peer-reviewed sources. We not only get you to the findings fast, but we also review and fully reference the study, so you know where it has come from and how reliable it is. This is important information if you are going to have confidence in what you are investing your precious time on. 

We also interview many of the researchers and send them out to members as podcasts.

How can I tell the quality of a research briefing?

We can’t talk for anyone else, but as mentioned above we review the research of every single study we provide briefings about. At the end of every briefing we let you know about the:

• Research Quality – we tell you what the strengths and weaknesses are of the study and give it a score out of 5 for fast reference
• Confidence – Given what other studies on this topic are saying and the weaknesses of the study, how confident are we that you can rely on the findings. Again we give it a score out of 5 and let you know why we have given it that score
• Usefulness – How useful and practical is this study, to whom and for what. 
• Comments – We make general comments about the study or studies referenced in the briefing to help you decide how best to use it. 

What subjects do you do research briefings on?

At the moment we do research briefings around anything broadly connected to organisations and people. We tend to focus on topics connected to (but we are not restricted to):

• Project Management and Agile Working
• Organisational Development and Design
• Organisational Change and Transformation
• Human Resources (HR), Human Capital (HC) and Human Resource Management (HRM)
• Learning, e-learning and Knowledge Management 
• Coaching and mentoring
• Problem Solving and Decision-Making
• Work Psychology

Who uses research briefings? 

The range of our members include:

• Operational managers
• HR Directors, managers and professionals
• Learning Directors, managers and professionals
• Organisational development, change and transformation professionals
• Consultants
• Professors, Academics and Lecturers / teachers
• The United Nations
• The National Health Service (UK)
• UK Parliament
• The Scrum Alliance of America
• The Bank of England
• The Bank of Russia
• Consultancy teams and companies

and many others

How do people use research briefings? 

People use our research briefings for a wide number of purposes including:

• For their own CPD
• Training and development of others
• With coaching clients
• Team development - many companies have a group membership so every member of the team get the briefings
• Team members pick a briefing a week to discuss either at team meeting or on slack or other Social media
• As the basis of blogs, newsletters and email marketing. The briefings are an excellent way to position yourself as right up-to-date, well-informed and importantly evidence-based
• To solve real life work problems and make their practice evidence-based
• To help with leadership and management issues
• To get work-based practices onto an evidence-based practice 
• To create and support organisational change
• To integrate into and update consultancy practice
• Keep entire organisations up to date
• Use in knowledge management systems
• With members in membership sites

Types of research briefing

There are a number of different types of research briefing including:

•  A document such written briefing, Powerpoint set etc. webpage or PDF
• An infographic
• An audio file / podcast
• A video research briefing as a presentation
• A live seminar, workshop either in person or as an online webinar and this can either be live or pre-recorded

What do I get if I join?

• Weekly research briefings sent direct to you every week
• A copy of the Oxford Review containing between twelve and sixteen additional research briefings every month
• Research Infographics
• Video research briefings
• Special reports / short literature reviews on topics that appear to be getting a lot of research attention or if there has been a recent shift in the thinking or theory
• Human resources (not legal aspects)
• Organisational development
• Organisational change
• Organisational learning
• Learning and development
• Knowledge management
• Decision making and problem solving
• Request specific research / brief literature reviews
• Access to the entire archive of previous research briefings, copies of the Oxford Review, infographics, video research briefings and special reports.
• Access to Live Reports – continually updated as new research on the topic is released
• Members only podcasts – research briefings in audio
• Access to a member only forum and communities of practice, including live workshops every two weeks
• Access to The Oxford Review courses

How do I join?

In order to keep the integrity of the members community and ensure that we are bringing in like-minded research/evidence-based or research/evidence-interested members, we ask that you have a quick chat with us beforehand so you can ask any questions and we can find out a little about you and your interests: 

To arrange a quick chat click here

Our members guide what research we search for and source. What we have found over the years is that people who speak to us in person are much more likely to interact and tell us what they are looking for. 

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Research brief samples

By cath hume.

Sample research brief: The Stables

Background The Stables is looking to commission an organisation or consultant(s) to carry out research to inform its strategic marketing and audience development plan. The strategic marketing and audience development plan will support the organisation’s business plan and will aim to:

• Increase attendances
• Develop audiences for new strands of work
• Develop new audiences for the organisation as a whole

The Stables was founded as a registered charity (Wavendon AllMusic Plan) in 1969 by the world-famous jazz musicians Sir John Dankworth and Dame Cleo Laine. The Stables is a live music venue situated on the outskirts of the city of Milton Keynes.

Vision and mission: The Stables' vision is 'to engage the widest range of people with music in all its diversity'. The organisation's mission for the next five years is 'to develop The Stables and its brand in order to challenge perceptions and satisfy people's changing musical needs, striving for equality of access and quality of experience at all times and ensuring creative and operational integrity at its core'.

Programme: Over 200 concerts and musical events are presented at The Stables each year, providing a varied musical programme of all genres including pop, rock, jazz, classical, blues, soul, folk and world music. The Stables' Education Programme is central to its vision, encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in music.

Current position: In October 2000 The Stables opened a new 400 seat theatre, which was the result of phase one of a long term development process. Phase two is now underway and the redevelopment of an old bar/foyer into a cafe bar that can accommodate up to 120 people for intimate performances has begun.

Purpose of the research

Research Aim: The aim of this research is to provide The Stables with the information it needs to develop a successful strategic marketing and audience development plan.

Research objectives and information needs: 1. Explore current and potential visitors' recommendations for programming the new space • What artists and groups do visitors and non-visitors want to see in the new space? • Are there other ways that visitors and non-visitors would like to see the space being used?

2. Complete a demographic profile of The Stables' current visitors • The age, ethnicity, gender of current visitors • Where current visitors are coming from

3. Identify current visitor attendance patterns • What is the current frequency and turnover (churn) of The Stables' visitors? • What are the averages in terms of number of people per booking and spend per booker? • Do The Stables visitors attend events from more than one genre – what is the current crossover?

Download the resource to read more: Research Brief Samples (PDF)

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Podcast: Julianne McGraw – taking Scotland’s digs digital

UX Research Brief Template

Run a successful UX research project

The best products and services are built with an intimate insight into its customers. To achieve this level of insight requires user research, and great user research starts with a clear brief.

This template will help you outline the right user research plan . It covers background information, goals, proposed research methods, target audience and recruitment details, along with any key dates, budget information, and access to past research.

This template is part of the UX/UI Designers collection.

• Set the vision & strategy
• Organize requirements
• Share with your team & clients
• Gather feedback
• Download as PDF or Word

Collect everything in one place

Milanote is the visual way to collect everything that powers your creative work. Simple text editing & task management helps you organize your thoughts and plans. Upload images, video, files and more.

Organize visually

Milanote's flexible drag and drop interface lets you arrange things in whatever way makes sense to you. Break out of linear documents and see your research, ideas and plans side-by-side.

Collaborate with your team

Milanote boards can be a private place to think, or a shared workspace for collaboration—you're in total control of who sees what. Instantly see your team's changes, leave comments, and never miss a thing with smart notifications and alerts.

Plan your website in one place.

Collect inspiration for your website or app.

Set the project goals & deliverables.

Plan the perfect website structure.

Paint a picture of your ideal user.

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