Clinical and Library Research Framework
Combine field and library research
This framework involves combining clinical and library research to gain a deeper understanding of an industry. It emphasizes the importance of not exhausting all published sources before getting into the field, but rather proceeding with both types of research simultaneously. The framework also highlights the value of field sources in providing more efficient and relevant information.
- Combine clinical and library research to gain a deeper understanding of an industry
- Do not exhaust all published sources before getting into the field
- Field sources can provide more efficient and relevant information
- Start with published sourcesBegin by gathering published information about the industry, such as books, articles, and reportsPro tipUse online databases and libraries to access published sourcesWarningBe aware of the limitations of published sources, such as timeliness and level of aggregation
- Identify field sourcesIdentify potential field sources, such as industry participants, suppliers, customers, and observersPro tipUse trade associations, industry events, and online directories to find field sourcesWarningBe respectful of field sources' time and confidentiality
- Conduct field interviewsConduct interviews with field sources to gather more in-depth and relevant informationPro tipPrepare thoughtful questions and take detailed notesWarningBe aware of potential biases and contradictions in field sources' responses
A researcher conducting an industry study on the tech industry combines published sources, such as reports and articles, with field interviews with industry participants and observers
The framework is based on the idea that researchers often spend too much time looking for published sources and not enough time tapping into field sources. By combining both types of research, researchers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of an industry.