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Research Specialists
Overview
Researchers collect, organize, analyze, and
interpret data and opinions to explore issues, solve problems, and
predict trends. Most researchers measure public opinion. Social
science researchers gauge the public's opinion regarding social
issues, services, political campaigns, parties, and personalities.
Market researchers design and administer surveys to find out what
people are most likely to buy. Their results influence policy and
decision makers, and help businesses, advertising agencies, and
politicians have a better idea of what is important to their customers
and constituents.
Researchers analyze and classify data in terms
of responses and inclinations and compare studies on the same subject.
They also investigate previous surveys to compare results. While
researchers often conduct interviews and administer questionnaires,
they also use information sources including libraries, newspaper
clippings, encyclopedias, magazines, and periodicals, case laws,
legislative
records, historical documents, and public opinion polls. Computers
play a pivotal role in the collection and organization of data,
and in the statistical methods of analysis.
Work Environment
Researchers usually work a standard 40 hours
each week, but deadlines sometimes require longer hours. The work
environment will vary according to the types of research and methodologies
involved. For example, field researchers must travel to various
locations to conduct research, such as organizational ethnographies
or field usability tests.
Outlook and Trends
Growth in professional communication organizations
and academic programs provides more opportunities for academic research
in this field. The hottest jobs in research involve emerging technologies,
usability testing, and market research.
Earnings
Individuals that serve strictly as researchers
do not receive high earnings. Starting salaries for researchers
without a graduate degree or area of specialization average $19,000.
After 10-15 years, these salaries only increase to $37,000. Income
for individuals with advanced degrees and areas of specialization,
however, are significantly higher. Starting salaries for these individuals
often exceed $50,000.
Training and Qualifications
The following are electives and cognates
available to MAPC students that will help tailor a degree towards
this career:
ANTH 603: Qualitative Methods
ENGL 800: Introduction in Research
HIST 800: Seminar in US History ("training in historical research
and writing")
HIST 880: Special Topics in History ("training in historical
research and writing")
PHIL 601: Studies in the History of Philosophy
PHIL 602: Topics in Philosophy
Employers
Advertising Agencies
Colleges & Universities
Consultation Firms
Marketing Firms
Research and Development Organizations
Usability Testing Departments
Primary Source:
Princeton Review Online http://www.review.com/career/templates/temp2.cfm?topic=
find&link=profile.cfm&body=find/cdprofile.cfm&id=136
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