Study design or protocol

It is advisable to draw up a study plan (also called a study protocol or study programme) before starting a study.
This is a detailed plan describing the information relevant to the study. It is as follows:
  • Objectives, research questions and hypotheses
  • Research design, e.g. quantitative or qualitative, using experiments, surveys, etc.
  • The methods and instruments chosen, e.g. measurement tools, equipment, etc.
  • Data collection strategy
  • Planned analysis, e.g. which statistical methods and/or tests will be used
A study protocol helps to make it clear what exactly will be done in the study, thus ensuring that the study is conducted in accordance with scientific and ethical standards. From a data management point of view, the study design helps to understand what kind of data will be generated and/or processed during the study. The research data are described in more detail in the data management plan.

Study design or protocol

It is advisable to draw up a study plan (also called a study protocol or study programme) before starting a study.
This is a detailed plan describing the information relevant to the study. It is as follows:
  • Objectives, research questions and hypotheses
  • Research design, e.g. quantitative or qualitative, using experiments, surveys, etc.
  • The methods and instruments chosen, e.g. measurement tools, equipment, etc.
  • Data collection strategy
  • Planned analysis, e.g. which statistical methods and/or tests will be used
A study protocol helps to make it clear what exactly will be done in the study, thus ensuring that the study is conducted in accordance with scientific and ethical standards. From a data management point of view, the study design helps to understand what kind of data will be generated and/or processed during the study. The research data are described in more detail in the data management plan.