FAQs for Researchers

Over the years, we have worked with countless researchers to develop and implement their data collection projects.  Below are many of the questions that we have found researchers asking when exploring services offered by BOSR.

What do BOSR services cost?
Developing a budget can be one of the more delicate tasks in the research process.  As each project has unique characteristics and needs, cost estimates are created to match the specific details of each project. One of our professional staff members will gladly assist you in talking through the cost estimation process to develop a plan that meets your financial and data needs and goals.

Additionally, our structure as a service center within the University allows us to be cost effective and efficient in the way costs are associated with the work that we complete. As a cost-recovering unit, we only charge out to clients the amount that it actually costs us to complete a project.  If we are able to finish the project under the amount we estimate, we will only send an invoice for the amount spent.  At the same time, if we find that costs are running higher than anticipated or changes are made to the methodology that would increase the costs above the cost estimate provided, we would discuss options for keeping the project within budget with you. No matter the type or scope of your project, our research staff will work with your budget considerations in order to maximize your data collection efforts. 

I have a research idea. When should I contact the BOSR?
BOSR staff can help in many different phases of the research process.  If you are submitting a grant, BOSR can provide you with cost estimates, letters of support, and methodological narratives.

What’s the first step in getting my data collection process started and creating a cost estimate?
Knowing the needs and research goals of our clients is a key factor to the Bureau of Sociological Research’s success in designing any data collection effort.  The first steps in getting the research ball rolling are to set-up a consultation meeting or to communicate through email or a telephone conversation.  You can also contact us by filling out a consultation form.

When looking to start the detailed task of designing a research project, we’ve found the following questions and points are helpful in planning:

♦ What are your specific aims and goals?  Having detailed ideas about what you want to be able to say with your data can be key in developing a survey or data coding scheme.  We find that it is often helpful to sketch out the types of tables you would like to construct or outline the specific hypotheses you would like to discuss in your final project.  Taking these extra steps can help you avoid inadvertently omitting a key variable and allow you to construct more concise and streamlined instruments.  This process is also helpful to us by generating an idea of how many questions you will be asking.

♦ How would you like to collect your data?  BOSR is adept at collecting data through numerous survey research modes.   If you’re not sure how you would like to collect your data, our staff can walk through the pros and cons of each data collection technique to find the one that best fits your research needs and project budget. 

♦ Determine your sample—who will you interview?   How many people will you interview?  Knowing the number of people you would like to speak with is important so that you have enough statistical power while being economical in your data collection effort.

♦ What is your timeline?  A general idea of your project’s timeline is important so that we can make sure we have the staffing and resources in line to meet the timeline goals of your project.  We also want to make sure to have special project needs like cash incentives or custom-sized envelopes, etc., ready and waiting for your ideal fielding date.

♦ What is your budget?  Knowing your budget can help us determine what type of research will be most productive and match with your financial picture.

My research is unique.  Can BOSR still help me?
Each project has its own distinct characteristics and needs.  We have experience with unique methodologies, hard to reach populations, and problem solving unusual obstacles.  We would be happy to talk with you about your unique project and discuss how BOSR’s skills and capacities can meet your needs. 

Can you help with the IRB process?
The IRB protocol submission process can be a daunting task for many researchers.  Our staff regularly submits IRB protocols for approval and is especially adept at preparing information that is thorough, clear and concise.  Additionally, we can assist your research by helping to create informed consent forms and documentation that meets IRB’s approval while being straight-forward and understandable to your research participants.

Do I need IRB approval in order for BOSR to collect my data?
You do not need to have approval from an IRB (Institutional Review Board) for BOSR to help you collect your data.  As a researcher, however, there are situations where you must gain IRB approval in order to publish in journals, present findings at conferences and, in general, contribute to generalizable knowledge about your topic of interest.  You can find out more about the IRB process and when IRB approval is needed by visiting the Web page for UNL's Office of Research Responsibility.