Researchers often face the frustrations of failed projects, incomplete papers, or collaborations that did not produce the desired results. The feeling of wasted time and resources can be extremely demotivating. But what if there was a way to avoid this?

Carsten Lund Pedersen offers an effective method that can significantly increase the chances of success in research, projects and partnerships. The method is based on the work of cognitive psychologist Gary Klein and is known as premortem research. It helps to avoid the disappointment of failed projects, unfinished documents, and collaborations that did not yield the expected results. 

Premortem is a thought experiment in which you imagine that your project has already failed and analyse what went wrong. Premortem is conducted at the initial stages of a project. This approach allows you to identify hidden problems at an early stage and prevent them. For example, you can predict that your data is not reliable enough or that the theoretical logic of the project is incomplete.

The benefits of this method are greatly enhanced if you involve a team or co-authors. Collective analysis allows you to see the project from different perspectives, which helps to avoid biases and blind spots. It also helps to generate new ideas to solve the problems identified. However, it is important to consider the interpersonal aspects, as such discussions can cause tension within the team. Creating a safe space for sharing opinions and concerns is key to the success of this approach.