This research protocol outlines the goals, researchers, subject criteria, methodology, schedule, paperwork, equipment, and discussion guide for a research project. It specifies developing goals and hypotheses, listing researchers and their roles, criteria for screening subjects by attributes like age and income, the methodology such as interviews or observations, a schedule, any necessary paperwork like NDAs, the equipment needed, and a discussion guide to frame conversations.

1. Research Protocol Template
Goals and Objectives
Enter goalsandobjectivesforthisresearcheffort.Whathypothesisare youtryingtosolve?
Researchers
List the researchersresponsible forconductingthisresearchandclearlyoutlinetheirroles (interviewer,
A/V specialist,observer,etc.)
Subject recruitment criteria
Developcriteriaforscreeningsubjects –include age group,gender,householdincome if applicable,and
any otherscreeningcriteriathatmakessense foryourresearchprogram.
Methodology
Outline the methodologybywhichyouwill conductthisresearch(contextural interview?Immersion?
Observation? Usabilitytest?Longitudinaldiarystudy?Focusgroup? Secretshopper? Online survey?
Other?)
Schedule
Developaroughschedule / agendaforthe actual qualitative research.
Paperwork
Prepare anypaperworknecessary –includingNDA (if needed),photoandvideoreleaseform(always
goodto have on hand – bestkindspecifiesthatthe footage isforinternal use),andanyincentive
paymentchecks.
Equipment
Enumerate the equipmentyouneedtobring – thisbecomesagreat packinglist.
Discussionguide
Developa1 page discussionguidetoframe the conversationinthe mindsof the researchers.