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 Introduction, briefly explain that you used an assumption or proxy and that the client can find more information in the Research Strategy.
• In the Research Strategy, explain your assumptions and/or proxies. Provide a logical explanation of the reasoning behind any assumptions made or proxies used.
• If it makes more sense to share your reasoning for assumptions and proxies within the findings, feel free to do so, but also remember to summarize it in the Research Strategy briefly.

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.”

Making Reasonable Assumptions

There are a few questions an analyst can ask themselves to make sure their assumption is a good one.

Is my assumption backed by sources and reason?

A reasonable assumption can be verified or reasonably justified.

• To reasonably justify an assumption, provide convincing arguments that support why you made an assumption.
• Assumptions must be backed up by the information provided in the Findings.