Research roadshow: Research design beyond the ordinary [asist 2013 panel]

Research design is a vital consideration when embarking on any research venture. The careful selection of method (or combination of methods) and project design are integral to obtaining funding, completing a successful study, and having your research accepted for presentation and publication. This panel adopts a format similar to the Antiques Roadshow to focus on research design, with interactive audience participation. The show will begin with three experts (Connaway, Radford, and Wildemuth) briefly discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the design for a particular study they conducted. Another panelist (Shah) will present the panelists with a study that he would be interested in conducting, and describe one or more aspects of the research design (his treasure) that he has found to be challenging. The panelists will offer their advice and comment on any additional obstacles he might expect to face in conducting the study. Shah will then invite the audience to join in by presenting ideas for studies they'd like to conduct (i.e., the potential valuables sitting in their intellectual attics); the panelists will respond to and comment on each, appraising the value and prospects (for publication).