Goals

This is a page for describing the goals of your working group. Some suggested options are below which may be helpful for organizing your thinking, but you don’t have to use them!

Table of Contents

Science Traceability Matrix

A science traceability matrix can be a useful tool if your working group focuses on designing an instrument to address a scientific question.

Science Goals Science Objectives Scientific Measurement Requirements Scientific Measurement Requirements Instrument Performance Requirements Projected Instrument Performance Mission Requirements (Top Level)
    Observables Physical parameters      
Goal 1 Objective 1 Absorption line Column density of absorber Alt. Range XX km ZZ km
Goal 2   Emission line Density and temperature of emitter Alt. Range XX km ZZ km
Etc.   Morphological feature Size of features Vert. Resol. XX km ZZ km
        Horiz. Resol. XX deg x XX lat x XX long ZZ deg x ZZ lat x ZZ long
      Rise time of eruptive phenomenon Temp. Resol. XX min ZZ min.
        Precision XX K ZZ K
      Rate of change of observable phenomenon Accuracy XX K ZZ K
  Objective 2 to N     Repeat above categories    

Logic Model/Theory of Change

A logic model may be a good option if your group is focused on educational activities.

flowchart LR
    subgraph Foundation
        A[Inputs / Resources] --> B[Activities]
    end

    subgraph Execution
        B --> C[Outputs]
    end

    subgraph Results & Impact
        C --> D[Short-Term Outcomes]
        D --> E[Medium-Term Outcomes]
        E --> F[Long-Term Impact]
    end

    style A fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    style B fill:#bbf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    style C fill:#bfb,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    style D fill:#ff9,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    style E fill:#f96,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    style F fill:#f66,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
Logic Model Element Logic Model Framing Synthesis Research Framing
Problem Statement What is the problem? Why is this a problem? Who does this impact? What is the current state of knowledge? What gaps exists in understanding? Why is more information / synthesis important?
Inputs What resources are needed for the program (e.g. personnel, money, time, equipment, partnerships, etc.)? What is needed to undertake the synthesis research? For personnel, think in terms of the roles that are needed (e.g. data manager, statistician, writer, editor etc.) Consider the time frame. Condsider what data are needed and what already exists?
Outputs - Activities What will be done (e.g. development, design, workshops, conferences, counseling, outreach, etc.)? What activities are needed to conduct the research? This could be high level or it could be broken down into details such as the types of statistical approaches.
Outputs - Participants Who will we reach (e.g. clients, participants, customers, etc.)? Who is the target audience? Who will be impacted by this work? Who is positioned to leverage this work?
Outputs - Products What will you create (e.g. publications, websites, media communications, etc.)? What research products are planned or expected? Consider this in relation to the intended audience. Is a peer-reviewed publication, report or white paper most appropriate? How will derived data be handled? Will documentation, workflows, or code be published?
Outcomes - Short-term What short-term outcomes are anticipated among participants? These might include changes in awareness, knowledge, skills, attitudes, opinions or intent. Will this work represent a significant contribution to current understanding?
Outcomes - Medium-term What medium-term outcomes are predicted among participants? These might include changes in behaviors, decision-making and actions. Will this work promote increased research activity or open new avenues of inquiry?
Outcomes - Long-term What long-term benefits, or impacts, are expected? This might include changes in social, economic, civic, or environmental conditions. Will this work result in local, regional or national policy change? What will be the long-term impact of increased investment in the ecosystem?