Answering this list of questions may help in a decision as to whether your research project is done in-house or outsourced to a professional research firm.

• Will a third party perspective be important?
  
  The research company will be an independent third party free of perspectives that may have developed within the client company. Professional researchers are trained in questionnaire development and various methodologies that avoid possible bias in research results.





• Is research expertise called for?
  
  Research methodologies are specialized to provide high quality results. Procedures for managing the integrity of data, avoiding possible bias, developing sampling plans, and statistically analyzing results are just some of the specialized skills that are necessary in collecting and delivering high quality research information. For tips on avoiding problems in sample selection, click here.





• Will we be able to accurately interpret the findings if we do the study in-house?
  
  Research firms understand how to present findings clearly so they are not misinterpreted. This helps assure that research findings are used correctly in decisions. Researchers can also explain the assumptions or methodologies that were used in analyzing the data.





• Do we definitely know which type and scope of research project are most appropriate?
  
  A knowledgeable researcher will be able to talk with you intelligently and determine the best approach, be it focus groups, a qualitative Internet survey, a quantitative phone survey or other type of study. The researcher will learn the basis for your research request and will seek to clearly spell out the problem or opportunity being researched. This will guide study design, sampling plan and scope of the study. Proper study design is a key ingredient in assuring that research investments return attractive ROIs.





• Do we have the resources in-house to carry out the project?
  
  In addition to study design and questionnaire design, research projects may require time consuming field work, as well as data analysis and reporting. When outsourced these activities are carried out by the research firm. If done in-house the company must have the skill sets and personnel hours available to carry out the project in the scheduled time frame.