Introduction

Independent research, sometimes referred to as “indie” research,[1] is defined by its dynamic nature: as the name suggests, independent researchers generally dictate their own research activity in terms of topic and so forth.[2] Independent researchers are indeed often afforded many opportunities generally not available to more traditional academic researchers;[3] some of these perks include being able to focus on research that interests you most and avoiding at least some of the red tape that comes with bureaucratic institutions. However, being an independent researcher may not be as “no strings attached” as one might expect.

According to the federally sponsored Canadian Institutes of Health Research, an independent researcher is not only a scholar who sets their own research agenda but also one who is appointed in either an academic or research capacity that, among other things, “allows the individual to pursue [a] proposed research project, to engage in independent research activities for the entire duration of the funding, to supervise trainees (if applicable, as per their institution’s policy), and to publish the research results.”[4]

Regardless of the specific circumstances you find yourself in, there are approaches and techniques relevant to most (if not all) independent researchers or scholars who aspire to aspire to such a position. Below we provide 5 key techniques to maximize quantitative data opportunities for independent researchers, particularly those who are new to the industry.

5 Key Techniques to Maximize Data

These 5 techniques are not in a particular order; all are important to the independent research process. We are confident in their value given that they are sourced from the independent researcher community.

1. Know Ethical Requirements 

Our first recommended technique is that independent researchers have a firm grasp of the ethical requirements accompanying their scholarship.[5] [6] [7] The National Institutes of Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services enumerates the guiding principles for ethical research to include social and clinical value, scientific validity, fair subject selection, favorable risk-benefit ratio, independent review, informed consent, and respect for potential and recruited subjects.[8] Furthermore, The Belmont Report is another excellent source for ethical guidelines that researchers must be aware of and follow.[9]

Often times, the degree of ethics within a given piece of research are verified by Institutional Review Boards (IRBs).[10] Given that most Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) are integrated into institutions of higher education, however, independent researchers may find themselves needing to find an alternative way to ensure the ethics of their planned research. That being said, some university IRBs are open to reviewing proposals from independent researchers; this may be more likely if the scholar in question is collaborating with a coauthor affiliated with an institution with an in-house IRB.[11]

2. Know Your Resources 

In a similar vein, independent scholars are also more likely to maximize their opportunities to conduct research if they are aware of the resources available to researchers in non-academic career paths.[12] A particularly useful organization is The National Coalition of Independent Scholars (NCIS), a non-profit networking organization that is specifically designed to connect and support independent researchers. One resource provided by NCIS is the NCIS Guide for Independent Scholars which provides insights from seasoned independent researchers and concrete guidance accessible for the aspiring and accomplished independent scholars alike.[13]

Furthermore, the website links to a helpful blog article written by veteran independent researcher Dr. Becky Nicolaides who gave up a tenured faculty position to pursue her own research agenda.[14] Nicolaides recalls that “with this change came a loss of full access to library resources, plunging [her] into a distressing crisis that sent [her] scrambling”.[15] Now a seasoned independent scholar, Nicolaides’s article offers a valuable glimpse into her experience, offering wisdom and resources she’s gained during her time in her independent research endeavors.

3. Know Your Bandwidth and Priorities 

Perhaps the most elusive and valuable resource that an independent researcher has is time. While time is invaluable to everyone, this is especially the case for the independent researcher given that they lack the salaried (and often tenured) positions of academic researchers and therefore must charge per hour and/or per project. Given that their time is literally of the essence, independent researchers must take particular care to prioritize projects that are most important and fruitful to them.

Veteran independent researcher Dr. Helen Kara advises such scholars to also dedicate 10% of their time to clerical work related to their research;[16] this is something that most, if not all, academic faculty may not have to concern themselves with. Further emphasizing the need for top-tier boundaries and time management, Dr. Kara warns that independent researchers may be more likely to be asked to offer complimentary research support. Dr. Kara cautions that these scholars must ensure that any pro bono arrangements are mutually beneficial since that is time that could be spent on a paid project.[17]

4. Know When to Collaborate 

It may initially feel counterintuitive to recommend collaboration as a technique for successful independent researchers. However, collaboration is perhaps one of the most important aspects of independent research given that those engaged in independent scholarship likely to find themselves siloed away from the research resources enjoyed by professionals with academic appointments.[18]

One collaboration option is to work with a research consulting company, such as Elite Research. Companies such as this provide research support that may be especially helpful for independent researchers with limited access to scholarly resources. Of course, another option is collaborating with other researchers. One benefit of collaboration between researchers is the potential to become aware of resources previously unknown. As mentioned earlier, collaborating with a scholar with a faculty position at a research university may offer access to university-exclusive resources such as the cutting-edge research necessary to innovate high quality scholarship.[19]

5. Know Your Role and Your Worth 

Independent researchers may also benefit from periodically reviewing and renegotiating their role in research. For example, in a collaboration with academically-appointed researchers, independent researchers can often offer more mental bandwidth to a project given their lack of bureaucratic confines and academic responsibilities;[20] independent researchers may also have more latitude to explore research of interest than an academic faculty member may have[21]. Of course, in order to secure these collaborations, independent researchers must know how to market themselves for such opportunities.[22]

In marketing oneself, however, the independent researcher is under no obligation to provide free labor or sell themselves short.[23] While independent researchers may expect to do some pro bono preliminary work such as meeting to brainstorm potential collaboration ideas, academics should plan to compensate independent researchers fairly for their time. If you are unsure what to charge for your services, reach out to more seasoned independent researchers to get an idea for a reasonable rate.

Conclusion

Independent research offers a unique and flexible pathway for exploring academic interests, but it also comes with distinct challenges. To thrive in this setting, we offer independent researchers several strategic practices to maximize success.

First, adhering to ethical standards is crucial. Independent researchers must be proactive in understanding and applying ethical guidelines relevant to their work. This involves not only familiarizing themselves with ethical principles but also seeking reviews or consultations to ensure their research meets these standards.

Leveraging available resources is also important. Independent researchers should actively engage with professional networks, online platforms, and support organizations. Utilizing these resources can provide essential guidance, access to funding opportunities, and connections with other professionals in the field. Effective use of these resources can significantly enhance the scope and quality of research. Collaboration is, as such, a similarly vital strategy for the independent researcher. Working with other scholars, whether through formal partnerships or informal consultations, can provide valuable insights and access to additional resources. Collaborations can help overcome the limitations of working independently and lead to more comprehensive and innovative research outcomes.

Time and energy management is another critical factor. Independent researchers often juggle multiple responsibilities and demands without the support structures of traditional academic settings. Implementing effective time management strategies—such as setting clear goals, prioritizing tasks, and using organizational tools—can help maintain focus and productivity.

Finally, understanding one’s role and market value is essential for a sustainable career. Independent researchers should regularly assess and negotiate fair compensation and set appropriate boundaries to ensure their work is both rewarding and financially viable. By embracing these strategies, independent researchers can navigate their unique challenges and maximize their impact. These practices will not only enhance research productivity but also contribute to a successful and fulfilling career in independent scholarship.

Take Away

Independent research provides unique freedom and opportunities, but it demands careful attention to ethics, resource management, collaboration, and self-advocacy. As the article emphasizes, independent researchers must “take particular care to prioritize projects that are most important and fruitful to them.” By adopting these strategies, independent researchers can navigate their challenges and maximize their impact, ensuring their work is both rewarding and sustainable.

[1] Kara, H. Ten Top Tips For Becoming An Indie Researcher. https://helenkara.com/2016/06/30/ten-top-tips-for-becoming-an-indie-researcher/

[2] CloudBridge Nature Reserve. https://www.cloudbridge.org/volunteering/independent-researcher/

[3] The International Journal of Innovative Research and Development. 5 Ways to Become an Independent Researcher. https://ijird.com/5-ways-to-become-an-independent-researcher/

[4] Canadian Institutes of Health. Glossary of Funding-Related Terms. https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/34190.html#r6

[5] Resnik, D. B. What Is Ethics in Research and Why Is It Important? National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/resources/bioethics/whatis

[6] National Institutes of Health. Guiding Principles for Ethical Research. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.nih.gov/health-information/nih-clinical-research-trials-you/guiding-principles-ethical-research

[7] Smith, D. Five principles for research ethics. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/monitor/jan03/principles

[8] National Institutes of Health. Guiding Principles for Ethical Research. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.nih.gov/health-information/nih-clinical-research-trials-you/guiding-principles-ethical-research

[9] Office for Human Research Protections. Read the Belmont Report. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/regulations-and-policy/belmont-report/read-the-belmont-report/index.html

[10] Kara, H. Research Ethics for Independent Researchers. https://helenkara.com/2020/07/22/research-ethics-for-independent-researchers/

[11] The British Psychological Society. Independent researchers seeking ethics review.

[12] National Coalition of Independent Scholars (NCIS). https://www.ncis.org

[13] Haste, A. & Baines, L. NCIS Guide for Independent Scholars. National Coalition of Independent Scholars (NCIS). https://www.ncis.org/sites/default/files/NCIS-Guide-for-Independent-Scholars.pdf

[14] Nicolaides, B. My Journey Through the Research Access Crisis. UCLA Center for the Study of Women Barbare Streisand Center. https://csw.ucla.edu/2019/03/05/my-journey-through-the-research-access-crisis/

[15]Nicolaides, B. My Journey Through the Research Access Crisis. UCLA Center for the Study of Women Barbare Streisand Center. https://csw.ucla.edu/2019/03/05/my-journey-through-the-research-access-crisis/

[16] Kara, H. What I have learned from 20 years as an Independent Researcher. Social Research Association. https://the-sra.org.uk/SRA/SRA/Blog/What%20I%20Have%20Learned%20From%2020%20Years%20As%20An%20Independent%20Researcher.aspx

[17] Kara, H. What I have learned from 20 years as an Independent Researcher. Social Research Association. https://the-sra.org.uk/SRA/SRA/Blog/What%20I%20Have%20Learned%20From%2020%20Years%20As%20An%20Independent%20Researcher.aspx

[18] Nicolaides, B. My Journey Through the Research Access Crisis. UCLA Center for the Study of Women Barbare Streisand Center. https://csw.ucla.edu/2019/03/05/my-journey-through-the-research-access-crisis/

[19] The British Psychological Society. Independent researchers seeking ethics review.

[20] Kara, H. How Independent Researchers Can Help Academics. https://helenkara.com/2019/01/31/how-independent-researchers-can-help-academics/

[21] The International Journal of Innovative Research and Development. 5 Ways to Become an Independent Researcher. https://ijird.com/5-ways-to-become-an-independent-researcher/

[22] The International Journal of Innovative Research and Development. 5 Ways to Become an Independent Researcher. https://ijird.com/5-ways-to-become-an-independent-researcher/

[23] Kara, H. What I have learned from 20 years as an Independent Researcher. Social Research Association. https://the-sra.org.uk/SRA/SRA/Blog/What%20I%20Have%20Learned%20From%2020%20Years%20As%20An%20Independent%20Researcher.aspx