{
  "brand": "PulseLake",
  "canonical": "https://www.pulselake.co/solutions/research-budget",
  "intent": "research-budget",
  "title": "Plan the cost of a research study",
  "summary": "Understand the scope and cost components before choosing a research method or platform.",
  "capabilities": [
    "Study design and evidence collection",
    "Analysis and reporting workflows",
    "Human and AI-native research modes"
  ],
  "criteria": [
    "Start with the decision and level of confidence required, then choose a method.",
    "Budget separately for software, recruitment, sample, incentives, interviews, analysis and delivery.",
    "Compare like-for-like audiences, scope and evidence quality; a low software fee alone does not establish a low total study cost."
  ],
  "inputs": [
    "Decision and target population",
    "Method, expected sample and interview volume",
    "Internal researcher time and required deliverable"
  ],
  "steps": [
    "Define the minimum useful study and acceptable uncertainty.",
    "List each cost component and who supplies it.",
    "Model a base case and a higher-volume case using your actual rates.",
    "Review the proposed scope and exclusions before commissioning the work."
  ],
  "verification": [
    "Check which costs are fixed and which scale with participants or usage.",
    "Confirm sample access and recruitment feasibility.",
    "Track actual spend against the agreed scope after the first study."
  ],
  "economics": "Separate platform charges, sample/recruitment, incentives, interview usage, analysis and delivery. Compare equivalent methods and evidence quality.",
  "switching": "Define which existing tools or services the proposed scope replaces and which remain necessary.",
  "sources": [
    "https://www.pulselake.co/answers/how-much-does-market-research-cost",
    "https://www.pulselake.co/"
  ],
  "nextStep": {
    "label": "Discuss this workflow",
    "url": "https://www.pulselake.co/contact"
  },
  "freePlanning": {
    "headline": "Start your next study with a clear plan",
    "benefit": "Get a free study-planning checklist now. Create your account to take the next step with PulseLake.",
    "label": "Create your PulseLake account",
    "note": "The checklist is free and needs no account. Study software, participant costs and any agreed services are separate.",
    "signupUrl": "https://app.pulselake.co/users/sign_in?intent=research-budget&offer_id=starter-checklist-v1&utm_source=pulselake&utm_medium=owned&utm_campaign=signup-journey&utm_content=landing_hero",
    "checklistUrl": "/solutions/research-budget.txt"
  }
}