March 17, 2014

Drowning in (the) waterfall (of) research plans

Most researchers plan too much (if they plan at all). I have seen Gantt charts and reverse calendars for research projects that do not reflect reality by the time the laser printer spits them out.

By definition, you conduct research because you do not know everything. It is foolish to think you will not discover new information about your project or your process by "doing the work."

This is where Agile software practice can inform research practice. Set a quick iteration goal (e.g., collect pilot data or run primary statistical analysis). Then assess what was done and how it was done. Adjust course.

Are we running in the right direction?

How can we run faster?

Daily stand-ups wouldn't hurt either.

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