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TradeData.uk
UK trade research

Define a UK Trade Research Question

Start by setting out the product or commodity code, market, period and question that need review. No source or output is assumed at this stage.

Describe your questionRead the review steps
Research question
State the decision or issue you want to understand.
Scope
Include the product or commodity code, market and period.
Review
Record unknowns before discussing a source or output.
research.briefData schema
Product
Commodity code
Market
Period
No source or field coverage is confirmed until review is complete.
Review approach

Three Steps Before Source Selection

Use these steps to prepare a bounded research question without assuming that a source, field or output is available.

  1. 01 · Define the question

    Write down the decision or issue that needs to be understood.

  2. 02 · Set the scope

    Add the product or commodity code, market, period and relevant definitions.

  3. 03 · Record unknowns

    List the source, fields or limitations that still require review.

Frequently asked questions

Before a research review

Does this page confirm that a dataset is available?

No. This page only helps define a research question for later review.

What should a research brief include?

Include the product or commodity code, market, period, question and any important definitions.

When is a source named?

A source is named only after the question, intended use and scope have been reviewed.

Research brief

Describe Your UK Research Question

Set out the product or commodity code, market, period, intended use and main question. The information will be reviewed before any follow-up is proposed.

  • A clearly stated question
  • A bounded market and period
  • Unknowns recorded before follow-up