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Improve Research Quality with ISO 20252

ISO 20252 provides a framework for quality in market, opinion, and social research. It addresses research processes and helps organizations establish consistent, transparent ways of working.

Its requirements and applicable edition should be checked against the organization's research activities and current certification arrangements.

Explore the Standard
Market research team discussing findings
Research planning and management

What Is ISO 20252?

ISO 20252 is associated with market, opinion, and social research, including research design, data collection, data processing, analysis, and reporting.

A structured research quality framework helps teams define responsibilities, document methods, manage project information, and deliver clear results to clients.

  • Clear research planning and project management.
  • Consistent data collection, processing, and reporting.
  • Appropriate attention to data protection and participant rights.

Key Areas of Research Quality

Strong research practices depend on effective management, sound methodologies, reliable data, and responsible reporting.

Research team and organizational collaboration

Management and Organization

Define responsibilities, management oversight, resources, and internal processes that support research quality.

Research project planning and development

Research Design and Development

Set objectives, identify target populations, select methodologies, and plan research activities.

Research data collection and analytics

Data Collection and Processing

Apply appropriate sampling, questionnaire design, validation, coding, and data-cleaning practices.

Research analysis, charts, and reporting

Analysis and Reporting

Analyze research findings and prepare clear, useful reports that communicate insights to clients.

Research partners collaborating on a project

Suppliers and Subcontractors

Manage external research services and define appropriate controls for outsourced activities.

Digital information security and confidentiality

Confidentiality and Security

Protect sensitive research information and respect privacy, consent, and participant rights.

Research Quality and Certification Process

Review the applicable standard, prepare documented information, implement appropriate processes, and follow the assessment route relevant to your organization.

ISO RESEARCH QUALITY PROCESS

ISO certification process diagram
  • Initial review: Identify the applicable standard and assess existing research practices.
  • Documentation: Prepare relevant procedures, responsibilities, and records.
  • Implementation: Apply the required controls to research activities.
  • Assessment: Follow the applicable assessment and certification route, where available.

Benefits of a Research Quality Framework

A well-managed research process can improve consistency, strengthen client confidence, and support better decisions.

Professional research documentation

Improved Credibility

Demonstrate commitment to professional research and quality practices.

Team working together on consistent processes

Greater Consistency

Use documented processes to support consistent project delivery.

Client and research team collaboration

Client Confidence

Help clients understand how research quality is managed.

Data analysis supporting efficient research

Process Efficiency

Clear workflows can help reduce avoidable errors and delays.

International business and research collaboration

International Alignment

Align research practices with relevant international quality principles.

Digital data protection and information security

Data Protection

Encourage responsible handling of research information and participant data.

Get in Touch with Ascent INSPECTA

Have questions about research quality standards or certification requirements? Contact our team to discuss your organization's needs.

Phone: +91-9867-180-395   |   Email: info@ascentinspecta.com

Strengthen Your Research Quality Practices

Contact Ascent INSPECTA to discuss applicable standards, documentation, and potential certification pathways for your organization.

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