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methods
Research tools

Research method library.

Search 214 methods, designs and research concepts. Open an entry to see its explanation, example, practical steps and sources.

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A/B testingResearch designRandomise a product change in live useDesignQuantitative
Abductive reasoningReasoning approachDevelop explanations for surprisesFoundationsQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Ablation studiesEvaluation designTest which components contribute under controlled changesDesignQuantitative
Action researchResearch designInvestigate while changing practiceDesignQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Action research in firmsResearch designChange organisational practice and study the processDesignQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Administrative data linkageData collectionConnect routine records across systemsCollectionQuantitative, Mixed methods
Agent-based modellingResearch designExplore aggregate patterns generated by interacting agentsDesignQuantitative
Altman Z-scoreAnalysis · Finance, risk and efficiencyUse a historical discriminant score with its proper populationAnalysisQuantitative
ANCOVAAnalysis · Descriptive and inferential statisticsCompare outcomes after defensible covariate adjustmentAnalysisQuantitative
ANOVAAnalysis · Descriptive and inferential statisticsCompare group means and planned contrastsAnalysisQuantitative
ARCH and GARCHAnalysis · Time series and panel modelsModel clusters of high and low uncertaintyAnalysisQuantitative
Archival researchData collectionReconstruct the past from surviving recordsCollectionQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
ARDL bounds testingAnalysis · Time series and panel modelsTest a long-run relation with mixed integration ordersAnalysisQuantitative
ARIMAAnalysis · Time series and panel modelsForecast through autocorrelation and differencingAnalysisQuantitative
Artefact evaluationEvaluation strategyMatch evidence to an artefact’s claimsDesignQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Average variance extractedMeasurementAssess indicator variance captured by a reflective constructSamplingQuantitative, Mixed methods
AxiologyPhilosophyWhose values shape the study?FoundationsQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
BacktestingAnalysis · Finance, risk and efficiencyTest predictions with information available at the timeAnalysisQuantitative
Bayesian estimationAnalysis · Descriptive and inferential statisticsUpdate explicit assumptions into posterior uncertaintyAnalysisQuantitative
BenchmarkingEvaluation designCompare systems under disclosed workloadsDesignQuantitative
Between-subjects designsResearch designCompare conditions experienced by different participantsDesignQuantitative
Bibliometric and co-citation analysisReview & synthesisMap publication patterns and intellectual connectionsReviewQuantitative, Mixed methods
BlindingDesign featureLimit bias from knowing the assigned conditionDesignQuantitative
BPS research ethicsEthics and governanceDesign consent and participant protection into the studyFoundationsQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
CAPMAnalysis · Finance, risk and efficiencyTest the market-beta baseline for expected returnsAnalysisQuantitative
Carhart four-factor modelAnalysis · Finance, risk and efficiencySeparate momentum exposure from apparent performanceAnalysisQuantitative
Chi-square testsAnalysis · Descriptive and inferential statisticsTest categorical counts against an expected patternAnalysisQuantitative
Classical test theoryMeasurement theorySeparate observed scores into true score and errorSamplingQuantitative, Mixed methods
Classification metricsMeasurement and analysis · Computational methods and evaluationMake classification errors visible and decision-relevantAnalysisQuantitative
Classroom observation protocolsData collectionRecord defined classroom practices consistentlyCollectionQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Cluster analysisAnalysis · Regression and multivariate modelsDiscover a defensible grouping of observationsAnalysisQuantitative
Cluster samplingSamplingSelect groups before selecting people or recordsSamplingQuantitative, Mixed methods
CointegrationAnalysis · Time series and panel modelsFind a stationary relation among trending seriesAnalysisQuantitative
Common method bias assessmentMeasurementExamine distortions caused by shared measurement proceduresSamplingQuantitative, Mixed methods
Composite reliabilityMeasurementEstimate reliability from a specified measurement modelSamplingQuantitative, Mixed methods
Computational complexity analysisFormal analysis · Computational methods and evaluationReason about resource growth as inputs scaleAnalysisQuantitative
Computational reproducibilityResearch practiceMake computational claims inspectable and rerunnableFoundationsQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Confirmatory factor analysisAnalysis · Regression and multivariate modelsTest a specified relationship between factors and indicatorsAnalysisQuantitative
Conjoint analysisAnalysis · Regression and multivariate modelsEstimate preferences across combinations of attributesAnalysisQuantitative
ConstructivismPhilosophyKnowledge is made through engagementFoundationsQualitative, Mixed methods
Consultancy-style enquiryResearch designInvestigate a client problem with explicit research logicDesignQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Content analysisAnalysis · Qualitative and interpretiveSystematically interpret or classify contentAnalysisQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Controlled experiments in software engineeringResearch designCompare techniques while managing developer variationDesignQuantitative
Convenience samplingSamplingRecruit from the people or cases you can reachSamplingQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
ConvergentIntegrated designBring two views into the same frame.DesignMixed methods
Conversation analysisAnalysis · Qualitative and interpretiveAnalyse the sequential organisation of interactionAnalysisQualitative
CorrelationAnalysis · Descriptive and inferential statisticsMeasure association without claiming agreementAnalysisQuantitative
CounterbalancingDesign featureDistribute order effects across experimental conditionsDesignQuantitative
Credit scoringAnalysis · Finance, risk and efficiencyPredict borrower outcomes with calibrated, time-aware modelsAnalysisQuantitative
Critical realismPhilosophyExplain mechanisms in their conditionsFoundationsQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Cronbach's alphaMeasurementDescribe item covariance with explicit reliability assumptionsSamplingQuantitative, Mixed methods
Cross-sectional surveyStudy designTake a structured snapshot.DesignQuantitative
Cross-validationResampling evaluationEstimate performance of a whole learning procedureSamplingQuantitative
Curriculum and policy document analysisAnalysis · Qualitative and interpretiveExamine what educational texts prioritise and assumeAnalysisQualitative
Data envelopment analysisAnalysis · Finance, risk and efficiencyBenchmark organisations against an observed production frontierAnalysisQuantitative
Data management plansResearch practiceDesign the data lifecycle before collectionFoundationsQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Data protection and GDPRResearch practicePlan lawful and proportionate data useFoundationsQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Deductive reasoningReasoning approachDerive implications from premisesFoundationsQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Delphi techniqueResearch designDevelop judgement through structured roundsDesignQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Descriptive designResearch designDescribe the phenomenon on its own termsDesignQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Descriptive statisticsAnalysis · Descriptive and inferential statisticsSee the distribution before testing itAnalysisQuantitative
Design science researchResearch designBuild an artefact that contributes knowledgeDesignQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Design-based researchResearch designRefine educational designs and theory togetherDesignQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Diary methodsData collectionRepeated accounts close to everyday eventsCollectionQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Difference-in-differencesResearch designEstimate effects from comparative changes over timeDesignQuantitative
Discourse analysisAnalysis · Qualitative and interpretiveExamine what language accomplishesAnalysisQualitative
Discriminant analysisAnalysis · Regression and multivariate modelsClassify observations into known groupsAnalysisQuantitative
Documentary researchData collectionTreat documents as situated evidenceCollectionQualitative, Mixed methods
Effect sizes and confidence intervalsAnalysis · Descriptive and inferential statisticsReport magnitude with uncertainty and a clear scaleAnalysisQuantitative
EGARCHAnalysis · Time series and panel modelsAllow different volatility responses to positive and negative newsAnalysisQuantitative
Embedded mixed methodsResearch designPlace a supporting strand inside a core designDesignMixed methods
EpistemologyPhilosophyHow can a claim be known?FoundationsQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
EthnographyMethodologyUnderstand life as it is lived.DesignQualitative
Evaluative designResearch designJudge merit, effects and implementationDesignQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Event studyAnalysis · Finance, risk and efficiencyMeasure a market reaction around a dated eventAnalysisQuantitative
Expected shortfallAnalysis · Finance, risk and efficiencyMeasure how severe the selected loss tail isAnalysisQuantitative
Experience samplingData collectionSample current experience in real settingsCollectionQuantitative, Mixed methods
Explanatory designResearch designAccount for why and how outcomes ariseDesignQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Explanatory sequentialIntegrated designFind the pattern. Then ask why.DesignMixed methods
Exploratory designResearch designMap what is not yet well understoodDesignQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Exploratory factor analysisAnalysis · Regression and multivariate modelsExplore a plausible latent measurement structureAnalysisQuantitative
Exploratory sequentialIntegrated designDiscover what matters. Then measure it.DesignMixed methods
Eye trackingData collectionMeasure where and when eyes moveCollectionQuantitative, Mixed methods
Factorial designsResearch designCross manipulations to expose interactionsDesignQuantitative
Fama-French factor modelsAnalysis · Finance, risk and efficiencyCompare three and five equity-factor benchmarksAnalysisQuantitative
Financial research databases: CRSP and WRDSData sourceLink security histories to firms without losing time validityCollectionQuantitative
Financial research databases: firms and banksData sourceBuild comparable firm and bank records from licensed sourcesCollectionQuantitative
Financial research databases: market platformsData sourceAcquire market data with explicit provenance and screeningCollectionQuantitative
Fixed and random effects panelsAnalysis · Time series and panel modelsDistinguish within-firm change from stable firm differencesAnalysisQuantitative
Focus groupsData collectionInteraction is part of the evidenceCollectionQualitative, Mixed methods
Formal methods and proofFormal analysis · Computational methods and evaluationEstablish precisely scoped correctness guaranteesAnalysisQuantitative
Framework analysisAnalysis · Qualitative and interpretiveCompare cases through a case-by-theme matrixAnalysisQualitative, Mixed methods
Granger causalityAnalysis · Time series and panel modelsTest whether one history improves another forecastAnalysisQuantitative
Grounded theoryMethodologyBuild an explanation from the ground up.DesignQualitative
Herding dispersion testsAnalysis · Finance, risk and efficiencyTest whether returns converge unusually during market movesAnalysisQuantitative
Heuristic evaluationExpert evaluation · Computational methods and evaluationInspect interfaces against explicit usability principlesAnalysisQualitative
Hierarchical block regressionAnalysis · Regression and multivariate modelsAsk what a prespecified predictor block addsAnalysisQuantitative
Hyperparameter searchModel selection · Computational methods and evaluationSearch configurations under a fair evaluation budgetAnalysisQuantitative
Implicit measuresMeasurementStudy associations through performance on indirect tasksSamplingQuantitative
Inductive reasoningReasoning approachBuild patterns from observationsFoundationsQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Intercoder reliabilityAnalysis · Qualitative and interpretiveAssess consistency of code applicationAnalysisQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Interpretative phenomenological analysisAnalysis · Qualitative and interpretiveUnderstand how people make sense of experienceAnalysisQualitative
InterpretivismPhilosophyUnderstand situated meaningsFoundationsQualitative, Mixed methods
Item response theoryMeasurement theoryModel response probabilities across a latent traitSamplingQuantitative, Mixed methods
Kitchenham review protocolReview protocolAdapt systematic reviewing to computing evidenceReviewQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Learning analyticsAnalysis · Computational methods and evaluationInterpret learning traces through educational theoryAnalysisQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Lesson studyCollaborative research designStudy pupil learning through a jointly designed lessonDesignQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Likert designMeasurementDesign ordered responses and justify their scoringSamplingQuantitative, Mixed methods
LLM evaluationEvaluation strategy · Computational methods and evaluationEvaluate language systems across tasks and risksAnalysisQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Logistic regressionAnalysis · Regression and multivariate modelsModel binary probabilities through log oddsAnalysisQuantitative
Longitudinal cohortStudy designFollow change through time.DesignQuantitative
Longitudinal firm panelsResearch designFollow the same firms across periodsDesignQuantitative, Mixed methods
Malmquist productivity indexAnalysis · Finance, risk and efficiencySeparate catching up from movement of the frontierAnalysisQuantitative
MANOVAAnalysis · Descriptive and inferential statisticsTest a joint pattern across several outcomesAnalysisQuantitative
Mediation analysisAnalysis · Regression and multivariate modelsInvestigate an explicit proposed pathwayAnalysisQuantitative
Member checkingResearch practiceInvite participant responses to interpretationFoundationsQualitative, Mixed methods
Merton distance to defaultAnalysis · Finance, risk and efficiencyRelate default risk to assets, debt and uncertaintyAnalysisQuantitative
Meta-analysisReview & synthesisPool compatible effect estimates while examining variationReviewQuantitative, Mixed methods
Moderation analysisAnalysis · Regression and multivariate modelsAsk when or for whom a relationship differsAnalysisQuantitative
Monte Carlo simulationAnalysis · Finance, risk and efficiencyEstimate model quantities through repeated random samplingAnalysisQuantitative
Narrative analysisAnalysis · Qualitative and interpretiveInterpret stories as ordered accountsAnalysisQualitative
Narrative inquiryResearch designStudy experience through stories over timeDesignQualitative, Mixed methods
Narrative reviewReview & synthesisBuild a reasoned account of a literatureReviewQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
NASA Task Load IndexMeasurementSeparate dimensions of perceived workloadSamplingQuantitative
Network analysisAnalysis · Computational methods and evaluationStudy relationships rather than isolated casesAnalysisQuantitative
Non-parametric alternativesAnalysis · Descriptive and inferential statisticsUse ranks while preserving the designAnalysisQuantitative
Non-participant observationData collectionWatch practices as they unfoldCollectionQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
OLS and multiple linear regressionAnalysis · Regression and multivariate modelsEstimate a conditional mean in outcome unitsAnalysisQuantitative
OntologyPhilosophyWhat is assumed to exist?FoundationsQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Open, axial and selective codingAnalysis · Qualitative and interpretiveDevelop and integrate grounded theory categoriesAnalysisQualitative
Organisational case studyResearch designExplain a bounded organisational processDesignQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Organisational ethnographyResearch designStudy work cultures through sustained field engagementDesignQualitative
Participant observationData collectionLearn practice through situated participationCollectionQualitative
PhenomenographyResearch approachMap qualitatively different ways of understandingDesignQualitative
PhenomenologyMethodologyAttend to the meaning of experience.DesignQualitative
PLS-SEMAnalysis · Regression and multivariate modelsEstimate a justified composite path modelAnalysisQuantitative
Portfolio sortingAnalysis · Finance, risk and efficiencyTurn point-in-time characteristics into test portfoliosAnalysisQuantitative
Positionality and reflexivityResearch practiceExamine your place in the enquiryFoundationsQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
PositivismPhilosophyObservable evidence and law-like explanationFoundationsQuantitative, Mixed methods
Post-positivismPhilosophyTest claims while recognising fallibilityFoundationsQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Power analysisSampling & measurementPlan information around a meaningful effectSamplingQuantitative, Mixed methods
Practitioner enquiryResearch designInvestigate your own educational practice systematicallyDesignQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
PragmatismPhilosophyChoose enquiry for its consequencesFoundationsQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Pre-test and post-test learning evaluationResearch designMeasure change without confusing it with causal impactDesignQuantitative
PreregistrationResearch practiceMake planned tests distinguishable from explorationDesignQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Principal component analysisAnalysis · Regression and multivariate modelsCompress measured variation into orthogonal componentsAnalysisQuantitative
Probit regressionAnalysis · Regression and multivariate modelsUse a normal-link model for discrete outcomesAnalysisQuantitative
Process tracingResearch designTest mechanisms with diagnostic evidenceDesignQualitative, Mixed methods
Psychological assessment and psychometricsMeasurementJustify what a psychological score meansSamplingQuantitative
Purposive samplingSamplingChoose cases for their relevance and information valueSamplingQualitative, Mixed methods
Q methodologyAnalysis · Qualitative and interpretiveMap shared subjective viewpointsAnalysisQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Qualitative case studyResearch designKeep the case and its context together.DesignQualitative
Qualitative comparative analysis and fsQCAResearch design and analysisCompare configurations as set relationsDesignQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Qualitative meta-synthesisReview & synthesisDevelop interpretations across qualitative studiesReviewQualitative, Mixed methods
Quantile regressionAnalysis · Regression and multivariate modelsLook beyond the conditional averageAnalysisQuantitative
Quasi-experimentStudy designLearn from a change you did not assign.DesignQuantitative
Quota samplingSamplingFill planned subgroup targets without random selectionSamplingQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
RandomisationDesign featureMake assignment independent of prognosisDesignQuantitative
Randomised experimentStudy designUse random assignment to test effects.DesignQuantitative
Rapid reviewReview & synthesisMake explicit trade-offs for a time-sensitive decisionReviewQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Reaction time paradigmsData collectionInfer processing from response latencyCollectionQuantitative, Mixed methods
Realist synthesisReview & synthesisExplain what works, for whom and in which circumstancesReviewQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Reflexive thematic analysisAnalysis · Qualitative and interpretiveDevelop patterns of shared meaningAnalysisQualitative
Registered ReportsResearch practiceReview the question and methods before results existDesignQuantitative, Mixed methods
Reliability assessmentMeasurementEstimate score consistency under specified replicationsSamplingQuantitative, Mixed methods
ReplicationResearch practiceTest a claim with new observationsDesignQuantitative, Mixed methods
Research ethics and governanceResearch practiceMake participation and oversight defensibleFoundationsQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Research with minorsResearch ethicsBalance protection, agency and voluntary participationFoundationsQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
ROC-AUC and precision-recall curvesPerformance analysis · Computational methods and evaluationExamine ranking across decision thresholdsAnalysisQuantitative
SaturationResearch practiceJustify sufficiency in relation to the analysisSamplingQualitative, Mixed methods
Scale developmentMeasurementTurn a defined construct into defensible scoresSamplingQuantitative, Mixed methods
Scenario planningResearch designExplore plausible futures for decisions nowDesignQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Scoping reviewReview & synthesisMap what evidence exists and how it is describedReviewQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Secondary data analysisData collectionAsk a new question of existing evidenceCollectionQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Semi-structured interviewsData collectionA guide with room to follow meaningCollectionQualitative, Mixed methods
Sentiment analysis of financial textAnalysis · Finance, risk and efficiencyMeasure financial language with domain-aware validationAnalysisQuantitative
Simple random samplingSamplingGive every fixed-size sample an equal chanceSamplingQuantitative, Mixed methods
Simulation studiesResearch designExperiment inside an explicitly validated modelDesignQuantitative
Single and multiple case study: Stake traditionResearch designUnderstand the particular case in contextDesignQualitative, Mixed methods
Single and multiple case study: Yin traditionResearch designBound cases and test analytic propositionsDesignQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Single-case experimental and N-of-1 designsResearch designTest change repeatedly within a caseDesignQuantitative, Mixed methods
Snowball samplingSamplingReach participants through social connectionsSamplingQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Stochastic frontier analysisAnalysis · Finance, risk and efficiencySeparate modelled inefficiency from random production noiseAnalysisQuantitative
Stratified samplingSamplingSample separately within meaningful population strataSamplingQuantitative, Mixed methods
Stress testingResearch designExplore conditional vulnerability under adverse scenariosDesignQuantitative
Structural equation modellingAnalysis · Regression and multivariate modelsConnect measurement models with structural hypothesesAnalysisQuantitative
Structured interviewsData collectionSame questions, controlled deliveryCollectionQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Student voice methodsParticipatory data collectionGive learners expression, an audience and influenceCollectionQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Survey research at scaleResearch designMeasure organisations with consistent fieldworkDesignQuantitative, Mixed methods
System GMMAnalysis · Time series and panel modelsEstimate dynamic panels through defensible moment conditionsAnalysisQuantitative
System Usability ScaleMeasurementMeasure perceived usability with a standard scaleSamplingQuantitative
Systematic reviewReview & synthesisAnswer a bounded question with an auditable searchReviewQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Systematic samplingSamplingUse a random start and a planned selection intervalSamplingQuantitative, Mixed methods
t-testsAnalysis · Descriptive and inferential statisticsCompare means with the right dependence modelAnalysisQuantitative
Template analysisAnalysis · Qualitative and interpretiveIteratively refine a hierarchical coding templateAnalysisQualitative, Mixed methods
Text miningAnalysis · Computational methods and evaluationExtract reproducible patterns from a defined corpusAnalysisQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Theoretical samplingSamplingLet emerging concepts determine the next data to collectSamplingQualitative, Mixed methods
Think-aloud protocolsData collectionHear task-related thoughts with a defined protocolCollectionQualitative
Threshold GARCHAnalysis · Time series and panel modelsMake the sign and power of volatility shocks explicitAnalysisQuantitative
Topic modellingAnalysis · Computational methods and evaluationExplore recurring word patterns across documentsAnalysisQuantitative
Train, validation and test splitsSampling and evaluationKeep final evaluation outside every learning decisionSamplingQuantitative
Transformative and critical theoryPhilosophyMake power consequential for enquiryFoundationsQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
TriangulationResearch practiceCompare perspectives and investigate disagreementFoundationsQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Trustworthiness criteriaResearch practiceMake qualitative claims open to scrutinyFoundationsQualitative, Mixed methods
Unit-root and stationarity testsAnalysis · Time series and panel modelsDecide what kind of persistence a series supportsAnalysisQuantitative
Unstructured interviewsData collectionLet participants organise the accountCollectionQualitative
Usability testingData collectionObserve people attempting meaningful tasksCollectionQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Validity evidenceMeasurementJustify what a score means and how it will be usedSamplingQuantitative, Mixed methods
Value at riskAnalysis · Finance, risk and efficiencyEstimate a loss threshold at a stated probabilityAnalysisQuantitative
VAR and VECMAnalysis · Time series and panel modelsModel interacting time series and equilibrium adjustmentAnalysisQuantitative
Vignette and scenario experimentsData collectionManipulate realistic hypothetical situationsCollectionQuantitative, Mixed methods
Web scrapingData collectionExtract online records reproduciblyCollectionQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods
Within-subjects and repeated-measures designsResearch designObserve change or contrasts within the same personDesignQuantitative
Writing and defending a methodology chapterResearch practiceBuild a defensible chain of research decisionsFoundationsQualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods