Certified Research Administrator Practice Exam

The primary purpose of a sponsored research administration system should be to:

1. Provide job opportunities

2. Facilitate the research process

3. Provide income from the research performed

4. Ensure ongoing research support for faculty

The correct answer is: Facilitate the research process

The primary purpose of a sponsored research administration system is to facilitate the research process. This involves streamlining the management of various aspects of research projects, such as proposal submission, compliance with regulations, budget management, and reporting requirements. By effectively managing these components, a sponsored research administration system enables researchers and institutions to focus on the actual research activities rather than getting bogged down in administrative tasks. It ensures that necessary resources, support, and guidance are readily available, allowing researchers to conduct their work more efficiently and effectively. While there are other important aspects related to research administration—such as providing job opportunities, generating income, and ensuring support for faculty—these are secondary benefits that arise from having a well-functioning system designed to enhance the research process itself. Thus, the focus on facilitating the research process is paramount, making it the correct choice in this context.