About Atlas.
Atlas of Research Methodologies is published by Paul Gallacher. It helps students, supervisors and researchers turn an initial question into a research choice they can explain and investigate further.
What you can do here
Explore 214 entries across 6 decision layers, build a provisional shortlist, compare requirements and practise the process in Training. Start guided training to learn the process step by step. Open the Method library if you already know a method name.
Atlas does not collect or analyse your research data, write a dissertation, approve ethics or certify a design. Its Finder uses stated matching rules. Its suggestions need checking against your question, access, institutional requirements and the literature.
How to read an entry
The summaries and teaching exercises were developed with AI assistance. They are editorial starting points, not a claim of independent peer review. A source relevance review has corrected mismatched starting references and clarified the roles of methods papers, applications, guidelines and documentation. It does not establish that every summary is error-free or replace reading the original publication.
Each profile separates an overview, a worked explanation of a real publication, practical requirements and sources. Strengths and limitations help you question a possible fit. Family and discipline tags describe common uses and are not exclusive classifications.
The six layers are decision areas, not six compulsory stages. A review may inform another design or be the principal design of a project. Different methods within a layer may still answer different questions.
How to cite Atlas
Use the citation style required by your course or publisher. A starting citation for this edition is:
Gallacher, P. (2026). Atlas of Research Methodologies (edition dated 9 September 2026). https://www.paulgallacher.com/
For an individual entry, add its title and permanent method address, plus your access date if required. Cite the original methodological literature for substantive research claims. Citing Atlas does not demonstrate that you have read those papers.
Linked publications have their own access and reuse terms. An available link is not a promise of free full text or permission to redistribute it.
Working in your browser
Lesson progress, worksheet notes, Finder answers and comparison selections use this browser’s local storage. Atlas does not submit those notes to a tutor or synchronise them through a project account. Saving can be unavailable in restricted browsers, and clearing site data can remove saved work. Download your brief before moving devices.
Use fictional or non-identifying planning notes. Follow the hosting service’s privacy information for its handling of access and operational data.
Access and teaching
Method library provides a text route to every entry. The map is optional. Controls support keyboard navigation and visible focus, and the booklet can be printed from Training. These features are not a claim of independently audited accessibility compliance.
If an entry seems wrong, keep its title and URL, the sentence in question and a source that explains the concern. Ask your supervisor or the person who shared Atlas to help evaluate the evidence before relying on the claim.