Yes, SOPs should be used in research phase. If you are looking to produce a new product to market or making changes to current products in your product line, SOPs should be strictly followed. During the research phase, chances are the creation of the product or any ideas will need to follow certain processes that are already established within the company and documented through SOPS. For example, if your company sterilizes finished good packages, most likely your new product that you are generating or researching to create will need to follow the current SOP for sterilizing finished good packages.