Step 1 of 8
Before you start
By the end of this lesson you will be able to:
- Translate a client's question into a research task.
- Find and evaluate useful sources.
- Cross-check important information.
- Separate facts from assumptions.
- Present findings in a decision-ready format.
Research is not simply searching Google. The output should help the client understand something, compare options, or make a next decision.
Research workflow
Source quality
- Prefer primary sources when the question concerns a company's own product, policy, documentation, or official data.
- Use reputable secondary sources for context and independent comparison.
- Check dates when information can change.
- Cross-check important claims.
- Record the source for each meaningful factual claim.
Decision-ready research
Do not overwhelm the client with copied information. Organize findings around the decision criteria.
Judge the sources
Sort each source into where it belongs.
Primary source
Reputable secondary
Treat with caution
0 of 6 placed correctly.
Compare the options
Research (or reasonably estimate, for practice) three project-management tools suitable for a five-person remote business. Record price, features, pros/cons, and source.
Conflicting prices
What should you do?
Work sample: Client Research Brief
Write a one-page summary using your comparison from the previous step, or a new fictional research question.
Nice work.
You've practiced judging sources, cross-checking conflicting information, and organizing findings around what the client actually needs to decide.