Requirements

When we use an assumption or proxy, we must make it so the client understands what we are doing and how we have structured the research.

• In the Creative Solutions section, briefly explain that you used an assumption or proxy and that the client can find more information in the Research Strategy.
• Use notes to explain your assumptions in the appropriate sections. Provide a logical explanation of the reasoning behind any assumptions made or proxies used.
• In the Research Strategy, explain the research process. What were the steps you took to decide you needed to use an assumption? (Share your three creative strategies if the assumption or proxy is not directly related to what the client asked for).

<aside> 💡 Anytime that we use an Assumption or Proxy that is not directly related to what the client asked for, we need to prove that we tried three creative strategies before we proceeded to the assumption, proxy, or scope expansion.

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Example

For this example, we are providing a demographic of dog food purchasers, but we had to use an assumption. Read on to see how to incorporate this into your Research Strategy and notes.

You will use notes in the section they are most appropriate, so in this case, we will add a note before we share the demographics.

Using Assumptions

When the information requested by a client is difficult to find, we have to make a few assumptions to guide our research. We apply this technique when we can make a presumption (an idea taken to be true) that logically connects information or data. In this case, our presumption connects information available in the public domain to the client’s ask.

Assumptions Explained

Assumptions are the application of logic to help bridge the gap between information. They are applied and explained when a logical supposition can be made that logically connects information or data.

***“*Assumptions are things that are accepted as true, or at least plausible, by researchers and peers who will read your research. In other words, anyone reading your paper will assume that certain aspects of your study are true given your population, statistical test, research design, or other delimitations. For example, if you tell your friend that your favorite restaurant is an Italian place, your friend will assume that you don’t go there for sushi. It’s assumed that you go there to eat Italian food.”