Question

A group of scientists must complete a study, but they have limited funding from a government organization. What practical ways could these scientists work around this limitation? Check all that apply.

Make up the results of their study based on limited evidence.
Limit the scope of the study.
Complete smaller studies over a longer period.
Give up on conducting the experiment.
Create models for large or complex components.

Answer 1

Applicable workarounds (check all that apply):

- Limit the scope of the study. — Yes. Narrowing aims, focusing on key hypotheses, or reducing sample size/design complexity reduces cost while preserving useful results.
- Complete smaller studies over a longer period. — Yes. Phased or incremental studies (pilot → follow-up) spread costs and let results guide further funding/applications.
- Create models for large or complex components. — Yes. Computational or theoretical models and simulations can substitute for expensive experiments or prototype work.

Not appropriate as workarounds:

- Make up the results of their study based on limited evidence. — No. Fabrication/fraud is unethical and unacceptable.
- Give up on conducting the experiment. — No. That’s not a workaround; it’s abandonment. Instead pursue the alternatives above (and also consider partnerships, additional funding sources, shared resources, or reuse of existing data).