liaising with clients to receive instructions about the nature of the research to be carried out; defining and refining research objectives; designing questionnaires; using an appropriate and creative methodology to design and manage a research project, which may involve the use of quantitative and/or qualitative methods and may include both pilot and development work; applying a variety of research techniques to gather relevant information, including document analysis, surveys, case studies and interviews (face-to-face, telephone and online); developing and testing theories; liaising with and directing social research field interviewers to gather information; advising external bodies on social policy; conducting information and data retrieval searches using electronic databases; analysing and evaluating research and interpreting data, making sure that key issues are identified; gathering information by directing or carrying out fieldwork; preparing results; presenting and disseminating results, both orally and in writing; offering research-based briefings and advice, which may involve writing action plans; preparing and presenting tenders for new research projects.