Standards for High-Quality Research and Analysis

Summary of RAND's Standards for High-Quality Research and Analysis

• The problem should be well formulated, and the purpose of the study should be clear.
• The study approach should be well designed and executed.
• The study should demonstrate understanding of related studies.
• The data and information should be the best available.
• Assumptions should be explicit and justified.
• The findings should advance knowledge and bear on important policy issues.
• The implications and recommendations should be logical, warranted by the findings, and explained thoroughly, with appropriate caveats.
• The documentation should be accurate, understandable, clearly structured, and temperate in tone.
• The study should be compelling, useful, and relevant to stakeholders and decisionmakers.
• The study should be objective, independent, and balanced.