1 Expectations
Academic research involves trying things that have never been done before. While deeply rewarding, this comes with some inevitable uncertainty, unpredictability, failures, and frustrations. This list of expectations, which apply to all members of the research group, are aimed at creating a supportive, collaborative, and productive working environment in which we can tackle these challenges.
Communication is key. We are proactive in asking clarifying questions and in communicating any unanticipated delays or challenges with their supervisor and any collaborators. It’s notoriously difficult to estimate how long research tasks will take a priori. Unexpected complications will arise, and initial deadlines may prove unrealistic. The best thing to do when tasks aren’t going to plan is to proactively raise issues so that we can course correct and adjust expectations.
Data security must be respected. We only store and analyze line-level data (e.g., each row is a specific patient or other individual), even when de-identified, on (1) MCHI desktop computers, (2) an encrypted and password-protected laptop, or (3) secure MCHI servers. We must always delete line-level data from a personal laptop for projects they are no longer working on. Other data may have more stringent data security requirements. When working with new data or a new environment, always ask!
Get feedback early and often. Most of us instinctively do not want to share our work until it is “good enough”. However, feedback is usually the most useful in the more formative stages, or when only preliminary results are available. In addition, somewhat counter-intuitively, the quality of feedback you receive is often better when presenting a lower-resolution version of your project compared to a polished one. User interface researchers have found that when presented with a more ‘production ready’ app or website, test users are more likely to focus on superficial characteristics instead of the core content or functionality.
Give constructive feedback. When asked, we should provide feedback on others work that is encouraging, specific, and actionable. One good way to do this is to first comment on a strength of the research and then phrase your suggestion as a way to make it even stronger. For example: “Your analysis is very interesting. I wonder if by apply this other method, you could drive your point home even better.”
Open and transparent research. Our research is a public good. We aim to maximize its value to society by making our work products as transparent and reproducible as possible. This includes publishing all analytic code, all data that is not proprietary, and any other details that others may benefit from. This is discussed in greater detail in the open research approach section.
Mutual respect and support. Academic research can be frustrating and isolating at times. When you add in stresses from other areas of our lives, we cannot expect to always be at our best. We support one another with patience and understanding. We aim to create an environment in which we all can thrive.
If you have suggestions on how to improve this list, reach out to Alton.