> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.beabee.io/community-journalismus/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.beabee.io/community-journalismus/english/community-centred-methods/crowd-investigations/crowd-investigations-in-5-steps.md).

# Crowd Investigations in 5 Steps

Crowdsourced research essentially consists of an online survey, for example using Typeform, Tally, or beabee's CrowdNewsroom. This survey works similarly to a structured interview or questionnaire and ideally does not take very long to complete. During the survey, participants can give their opinions, describe their experiences, or share evidence. This should be done securely and anonymously if desired. It is therefore important to place particular emphasis on the data protection of the tools used. However, many of those affected voluntarily provide their contact details in order to provide more detailed information or to find out about the results.

The advantage for editorial teams and other researchers is obvious: they receive numerous tips and can use these to investigate structural problems. On the other hand, they also receive contact details in case they want to follow up on any points and contact people directly by phone or email.

As varied as the topics are, the process of crowdsourced research is similar. In general, five steps can be distinguished.

***

## The different steps

* [Start phase](/community-journalismus/english/community-centred-methods/crowd-investigations/crowd-investigations-in-5-steps/start-phase.md)
* [Concept phase](/community-journalismus/english/community-centred-methods/crowd-investigations/crowd-investigations-in-5-steps/concept-phase.md)
* [Construction phase](/community-journalismus/english/community-centred-methods/crowd-investigations/crowd-investigations-in-5-steps/construction-phase.md)
* [Campaign phase](/community-journalismus/english/community-centred-methods/crowd-investigations/crowd-investigations-in-5-steps/campaign-phase.md)
* [Analysis phase](/community-journalismus/english/community-centred-methods/crowd-investigations/crowd-investigations-in-5-steps/analysis-phase.md)

***

## The process of crowdfunded research

The period for this process is approximately two to three months.

<table><thead><tr><th width="102.5"></th><th width="127">Start Phase</th><th>Concept Phase</th><th>Construction Phase</th><th>Campaign Phase</th><th>Analysis Phase</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>internal</td><td>The editorial team defines the specific question, the focus of the research, and the time frame for the research.</td><td>The editorial team designs a structured questionnaire that provides the desired information. It also appoints a project manager who is responsible for preparation, implementation, and evaluation.</td><td>The editorial team uses an online tool to build their survey and tests it extensively before it goes live.</td><td>The editorial team launches the campaign with a kick-off article and draws attention to the fact that the survey is now live. Parallel to the campaign, the responses are regularly reviewed, tagged, and tracked.</td><td>The data received is analyzed. The aim is to identify patterns, problems, and stories.</td></tr><tr><td>external</td><td></td><td>The editorial team contacts potential multipliers and explains the concept of crowdsourced research.</td><td>The first articles are already being researched and prepared for publication during the campaign.</td><td>The crowd is activated – via social media, media reports, campaigns, personal networks. The more people get involved, the better.</td><td>The results will be presented in a journalistic format and published. Transparency toward the crowd is key: they should be informed about results, impact, and next steps.</td></tr></tbody></table>

***

<p align="center"><strong>Get involved:</strong></p>

<p align="center"><a href="https://starthub.correctiv.org/crowdnewsroom/your-question-for-our-wiki" class="button secondary" data-icon="message">Ask a question</a> or  <a href="https://starthub.correctiv.org/crowdnewsroom/your-contribution-to-our-wiki" class="button secondary" data-icon="pencil">Make a contribution</a> or  <a href="https://starthub.correctiv.org/crowdnewsroom/your-feedback-for-our-community-journalism-wiki" class="button secondary" data-icon="comments">Give feedback</a></p>


---

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