When people hear institutional research, they often think it’s all about crunching numbers. But before you dive into datasets and statistical models, it’s worth remembering that institutional research is just as much about asking the right questions as it is about finding and sharing data.
Over the years, I’ve seen plenty of projects go sideways—not because the analysis was wrong, but because no one stopped to clarify what problem we were actually trying to solve. That’s where a simple, five-step framework can make all the difference.
The Five Steps
- Define the issue to be researched
- Collect relevant data
- Prepare the data (a.k.a. “data wrangling”)
- Analyze the data
- Present the findings
At first glance, this might look like any standard research process. But in practice, step one—defining the issue—is where most of the magic (and the headaches) happen.
Start with Context
Before pulling any data, take the time to understand the bigger picture. What is the real problem? Who is asking for the information? And what decisions will this data actually support?
Asking clarifying questions of your project sponsors or colleagues isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. The better you understand the context, the more useful and relevant your study will be.
Questions That Matter
Three guiding questions stand out:
- What problem (or issue) are we trying to address?
- Is there agreement among the sponsors about what the problem is?
- Why is it important to address this problem?
Once you’ve tackled those, dig a little deeper:
- How will the data be used?
- What questions should the data answer?
- What decisions will be informed by the data?
- Who will have access to the results?
A Word of Caution
It’s not unusual for sponsors to get impatient. You may hear something like: “Just give me the data.” The problem is, what counts as the data depends entirely on the research question. Rushing past this step almost always leads to confusion or rework down the line.
So yes, ask the “annoying” questions. They’ll save everyone time and frustration later.
Keep the Conversation Going
Finally, don’t treat sponsor input as a one-time event. Check in regularly throughout the process. Research plans often shift as clarity improves—and that’s a good thing. Evolving questions mean you’re honing in on what truly matters.
Bottom line: Institutional research is more than a technical exercise. It’s a collaborative process built on understanding context, asking thoughtful questions, and staying in dialogue with the people who will ultimately use the results. Numbers matter, but clarity matters more.
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