2 4 Common problems and how to avoid

2. 4 Common problems and how to avoid them Elizabeth Oddone Paolucci Community Health Sciences & Surgery 1

Objectives By the end of this session, learners may be able to: 1) Identify potential problems common to planning and conducting a scholarly project; and 2) Present potential ways to mitigate or overcome anticipated problems. 2

Common problems (and solutions) 1) Project planning phase: – – • • Unfocused, unclear, or unrealistic research questions; Inappropriate methods; Findings and methods lack generalizability; and Lack of expertise Choose your topic and methodology Interdisciplinary teams and advisors 3

Other common problems (and solutions) 2) Recruitment and response rates – – Leverage your network and pursue alternatives Short, easy, clear surveys in the right format 3) Data entry problems – – – Software access, training, and support Well-trained, detail-oriented personnel Outside analyst 4

Other common problems (and solutions) 4) Making sense of data – – Research question focus Listen to the data 5) Inconsistent protocol or change in plan – – – Consult with advisors to amend Notify ethics board Be ethical, clear, and transparent 5

Other common problems (and solutions) 6) Miscalculated timelines – – Plan and confirm what’s realistic and sensible Use project management tools (Session 2. 1) 7) Errors in budget – – – Plan in advance Review and confirm costs Use project management tools (Session 2. 1) 6

Other common problems (and solutions) 8) Declining motivation or morale – – – Passion and interest Stay positive Reward yourself 7

Summary • There are some common problems that you may encounter in scholarly work. • It’s important to avoid or mitigate them when possible so as not to jeopardize the quality of your data or conduct of your project. 8

2. 4 Common problems and how to avoid them Elizabeth Oddone Paolucci Community Health Sciences & Surgery 9