What is a research brief?

A research brief is a concise document that outlines the goals, objectives, and parameters of a research project. It serves as a roadmap for the researchers, ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding the scope and purpose of the study. It's essentially a summary of the research problem and the plan to address it.

A typical research brief will include, but isn't limited to:

* Background: Contextual information about the research topic, highlighting the problem or opportunity being addressed.

* Research Objectives: Clearly stated goals that the research aims to achieve. These are often phrased as specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives.

* Research Questions: The specific questions the research seeks to answer. These should directly relate to the objectives.

* Methodology: A brief overview of the research methods to be employed (e.g., surveys, interviews, experiments, case studies, etc.).

* Target Audience: The specific group or population the research will focus on.

* Timeline: Key deadlines and milestones for the project.

* Budget: An estimate of the resources required for the research.

* Deliverables: The expected outputs of the research (e.g., reports, presentations, data sets).

* Stakeholders: Individuals or organizations who have an interest in the research and its outcomes.

The level of detail in a research brief can vary depending on the complexity of the project and the audience. A brief for an internal research project might be less formal than one intended for external clients or funding agencies. However, the core elements remain consistent: providing a clear and concise overview of the research endeavor.