Research Wiki · Topic cluster

Research fundamentals and study design

Foundational choices that turn a business uncertainty into an ethical, answerable and decision-relevant research design.

Cluster overview

Foundational choices that turn a business uncertainty into an ethical, answerable and decision-relevant research design.

What decision is being made? What evidence would change that decision? Which design can answer the question without overstating certainty?

What is market research

Market research is the systematic collection and interpretation of evidence about markets, customers, competitors and commercial choices. Its value lies in reducing a defined decision uncertainty, not in producing data for its own sake.

Read the full entry →
Primary research versus secondary research

Primary research collects new evidence for a specific decision; secondary research analyses evidence that already exists. Secondary work should usually come first, with primary research commissioned only for the gaps that materially affect the decision.

Read the full entry →
Quantitative versus qualitative research

Quantitative research estimates patterns, differences or relationships in structured data; qualitative research explores meaning, context and process in depth. The choice depends on the decision and evidence gap, and many strong programmes use both sequentially.

Read the full entry →
Exploratory, descriptive and causal research

Exploratory, descriptive and causal research is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Read the full entry →
Cross-sectional versus longitudinal research

Cross-sectional versus longitudinal research is a decision comparison between Cross-sectional and longitudinal research. The useful question is not which is universally better, but which approach fits the objective, evidence, population, timing and consequence of error.

Read the full entry →
Observational versus experimental research

Observational versus experimental research is a decision comparison between Observational and experimental research. The useful question is not which is universally better, but which approach fits the objective, evidence, population, timing and consequence of error.

Read the full entry →
Ad hoc research versus continuous research

Ad hoc research versus continuous research is a decision comparison between Ad hoc research and continuous research. The useful question is not which is universally better, but which approach fits the objective, evidence, population, timing and consequence of error.

Read the full entry →
Syndicated research versus custom research

Syndicated research versus custom research is a decision comparison between Syndicated research and custom research. The useful question is not which is universally better, but which approach fits the objective, evidence, population, timing and consequence of error.

Read the full entry →
B2B versus B2C research

B2B versus B2C research is a decision comparison between B2B and B2C research. The useful question is not which is universally better, but which approach fits the objective, evidence, population, timing and consequence of error.

Read the full entry →
Consumer research versus customer research

Consumer research versus customer research is a decision comparison between Consumer research and customer research. The useful question is not which is universally better, but which approach fits the objective, evidence, population, timing and consequence of error.

Read the full entry →
Market research versus user research

Market research is the systematic collection and interpretation of evidence about markets, customers, competitors and commercial choices. Its value lies in reducing a defined decision uncertainty, not in producing data for its own sake.

Read the full entry →
Market research versus business intelligence

Market research is the systematic collection and interpretation of evidence about markets, customers, competitors and commercial choices. Its value lies in reducing a defined decision uncertainty, not in producing data for its own sake.

Read the full entry →
Market research versus data analytics

Market research is the systematic collection and interpretation of evidence about markets, customers, competitors and commercial choices. Its value lies in reducing a defined decision uncertainty, not in producing data for its own sake.

Market research versus competitive intelligence

Market research is the systematic collection and interpretation of evidence about markets, customers, competitors and commercial choices. Its value lies in reducing a defined decision uncertainty, not in producing data for its own sake.

When should a company commission primary research

When should a company commission primary research is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

How to convert a business problem into research objectives

How to convert a business problem into research objectives is a practical research workflow for moving from a decision question to a defensible design, evidence trail and action. The method should make assumptions, quality checks and interpretation rules explicit before data collection begins.

How to write a market-research brief

How to write a market-research brief is a practical research workflow for moving from a decision question to a defensible design, evidence trail and action. The method should make assumptions, quality checks and interpretation rules explicit before data collection begins.

How to write a research proposal

How to write a research proposal is a practical research workflow for moving from a decision question to a defensible design, evidence trail and action. The method should make assumptions, quality checks and interpretation rules explicit before data collection begins.

How to develop a research framework

How to develop a research framework is a practical research workflow for moving from a decision question to a defensible design, evidence trail and action. The method should make assumptions, quality checks and interpretation rules explicit before data collection begins.

How to choose the right research methodology

How to choose the right research methodology is a practical research workflow for moving from a decision question to a defensible design, evidence trail and action. The method should make assumptions, quality checks and interpretation rules explicit before data collection begins.

How to define a research universe

How to define a research universe is a practical research workflow for moving from a decision question to a defensible design, evidence trail and action. The method should make assumptions, quality checks and interpretation rules explicit before data collection begins.

How to formulate research hypotheses

How to formulate research hypotheses is a practical research workflow for moving from a decision question to a defensible design, evidence trail and action. The method should make assumptions, quality checks and interpretation rules explicit before data collection begins.

Research questions versus questionnaire questions

Research questions versus questionnaire questions is a decision comparison between Research questions and questionnaire questions. The useful question is not which is universally better, but which approach fits the objective, evidence, population, timing and consequence of error.

Dependent, independent, control and confounding variables

Dependent, independent, control and confounding variables is a concept within research fundamentals and study design that helps organise evidence around what decision is being made? It should be defined operationally so different teams measure and interpret it consistently.

Unit of analysis in market research

Market research is the systematic collection and interpretation of evidence about markets, customers, competitors and commercial choices. Its value lies in reducing a defined decision uncertainty, not in producing data for its own sake.

Research validity and reliability

Research validity and reliability is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Internal versus external validity

Internal versus external validity is a decision comparison between Internal and external validity. The useful question is not which is universally better, but which approach fits the objective, evidence, population, timing and consequence of error.

Construct validity in consumer research

Construct validity in consumer research is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Ecological validity

Ecological validity is a concept within research fundamentals and study design that helps organise evidence around what decision is being made? It should be defined operationally so different teams measure and interpret it consistently.

Research triangulation

Research triangulation is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Mixed-method research designs

Mixed-method research designs is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Sequential exploratory research

Sequential exploratory research is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Sequential explanatory research

Sequential explanatory research is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Concurrent mixed-method research

Concurrent mixed-method research is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Pilot studies and feasibility studies

Pilot studies and feasibility studies is a concept within research fundamentals and study design that helps organise evidence around what decision is being made? It should be defined operationally so different teams measure and interpret it consistently.

Pre-testing versus pilot testing

Pre-testing versus pilot testing is a decision comparison between Pre-testing and pilot testing. The useful question is not which is universally better, but which approach fits the objective, evidence, population, timing and consequence of error.

Research design mistakes that distort decisions

Research design mistakes that distort decisions is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

When research should not be conducted

When research should not be conducted is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

How much research is enough

How much research is enough is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Agile market research

Market research is the systematic collection and interpretation of evidence about markets, customers, competitors and commercial choices. Its value lies in reducing a defined decision uncertainty, not in producing data for its own sake.

Lean research

Lean research is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Rapid research without sacrificing quality

Rapid research without sacrificing quality is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Research governance

Research governance is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Research among vulnerable populations

Research among vulnerable populations is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Confidentiality and anonymity in research

Confidentiality and anonymity in research is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Personally identifiable information in research

Personally identifiable information in research is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

GDPR, privacy and respondent-data protection

GDPR, privacy and respondent-data protection is a concept within research fundamentals and study design that helps organise evidence around what decision is being made? It should be defined operationally so different teams measure and interpret it consistently.

Research documentation and audit trails

Research documentation and audit trails is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Browse linked entries

Deep entry

What is market research

Market research is the systematic collection and interpretation of evidence about markets, customers, competitors and commercial choices. Its value lies in reducing a defined decision uncertainty, not in producing data for its own sake.

Open entry
Deep entry

Primary research versus secondary research

Primary research collects new evidence for a specific decision; secondary research analyses evidence that already exists. Secondary work should usually come first, with primary research commissioned only for the gaps that materially affect the decision.

Open entry
Deep entry

Quantitative versus qualitative research

Quantitative research estimates patterns, differences or relationships in structured data; qualitative research explores meaning, context and process in depth. The choice depends on the decision and evidence gap, and many strong programmes use both sequentially.

Open entry
Deep entry

Exploratory, descriptive and causal research

Exploratory, descriptive and causal research is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Open entry
Deep entry

Cross-sectional versus longitudinal research

Cross-sectional versus longitudinal research is a decision comparison between Cross-sectional and longitudinal research. The useful question is not which is universally better, but which approach fits the objective, evidence, population, timing and consequence of error.

Open entry
Deep entry

Observational versus experimental research

Observational versus experimental research is a decision comparison between Observational and experimental research. The useful question is not which is universally better, but which approach fits the objective, evidence, population, timing and consequence of error.

Open entry
Deep entry

Ad hoc research versus continuous research

Ad hoc research versus continuous research is a decision comparison between Ad hoc research and continuous research. The useful question is not which is universally better, but which approach fits the objective, evidence, population, timing and consequence of error.

Open entry
Deep entry

Syndicated research versus custom research

Syndicated research versus custom research is a decision comparison between Syndicated research and custom research. The useful question is not which is universally better, but which approach fits the objective, evidence, population, timing and consequence of error.

Open entry
Deep entry

B2B versus B2C research

B2B versus B2C research is a decision comparison between B2B and B2C research. The useful question is not which is universally better, but which approach fits the objective, evidence, population, timing and consequence of error.

Open entry
Deep entry

Consumer research versus customer research

Consumer research versus customer research is a decision comparison between Consumer research and customer research. The useful question is not which is universally better, but which approach fits the objective, evidence, population, timing and consequence of error.

Open entry
Deep entry

Market research versus user research

Market research is the systematic collection and interpretation of evidence about markets, customers, competitors and commercial choices. Its value lies in reducing a defined decision uncertainty, not in producing data for its own sake.

Open entry
Deep entry

Market research versus business intelligence

Market research is the systematic collection and interpretation of evidence about markets, customers, competitors and commercial choices. Its value lies in reducing a defined decision uncertainty, not in producing data for its own sake.

Open entry
Wiki definition

Market research versus data analytics

Market research is the systematic collection and interpretation of evidence about markets, customers, competitors and commercial choices. Its value lies in reducing a defined decision uncertainty, not in producing data for its own sake.

Open entry
Wiki definition

Market research versus competitive intelligence

Market research is the systematic collection and interpretation of evidence about markets, customers, competitors and commercial choices. Its value lies in reducing a defined decision uncertainty, not in producing data for its own sake.

Open entry
Wiki definition

When should a company commission primary research

When should a company commission primary research is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Open entry
Wiki definition

How to convert a business problem into research objectives

How to convert a business problem into research objectives is a practical research workflow for moving from a decision question to a defensible design, evidence trail and action. The method should make assumptions, quality checks and interpretation rules explicit before data collection begins.

Open entry
Wiki definition

How to write a market-research brief

How to write a market-research brief is a practical research workflow for moving from a decision question to a defensible design, evidence trail and action. The method should make assumptions, quality checks and interpretation rules explicit before data collection begins.

Open entry
Wiki definition

How to write a research proposal

How to write a research proposal is a practical research workflow for moving from a decision question to a defensible design, evidence trail and action. The method should make assumptions, quality checks and interpretation rules explicit before data collection begins.

Open entry
Wiki definition

How to develop a research framework

How to develop a research framework is a practical research workflow for moving from a decision question to a defensible design, evidence trail and action. The method should make assumptions, quality checks and interpretation rules explicit before data collection begins.

Open entry
Wiki definition

How to choose the right research methodology

How to choose the right research methodology is a practical research workflow for moving from a decision question to a defensible design, evidence trail and action. The method should make assumptions, quality checks and interpretation rules explicit before data collection begins.

Open entry
Wiki definition

How to define a research universe

How to define a research universe is a practical research workflow for moving from a decision question to a defensible design, evidence trail and action. The method should make assumptions, quality checks and interpretation rules explicit before data collection begins.

Open entry
Wiki definition

How to formulate research hypotheses

How to formulate research hypotheses is a practical research workflow for moving from a decision question to a defensible design, evidence trail and action. The method should make assumptions, quality checks and interpretation rules explicit before data collection begins.

Open entry
Wiki definition

Research questions versus questionnaire questions

Research questions versus questionnaire questions is a decision comparison between Research questions and questionnaire questions. The useful question is not which is universally better, but which approach fits the objective, evidence, population, timing and consequence of error.

Open entry
Wiki definition

Dependent, independent, control and confounding variables

Dependent, independent, control and confounding variables is a concept within research fundamentals and study design that helps organise evidence around what decision is being made? It should be defined operationally so different teams measure and interpret it consistently.

Open entry
Wiki definition

Unit of analysis in market research

Market research is the systematic collection and interpretation of evidence about markets, customers, competitors and commercial choices. Its value lies in reducing a defined decision uncertainty, not in producing data for its own sake.

Open entry
Wiki definition

Research validity and reliability

Research validity and reliability is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Open entry
Wiki definition

Internal versus external validity

Internal versus external validity is a decision comparison between Internal and external validity. The useful question is not which is universally better, but which approach fits the objective, evidence, population, timing and consequence of error.

Open entry
Wiki definition

Construct validity in consumer research

Construct validity in consumer research is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Open entry
Wiki definition

Ecological validity

Ecological validity is a concept within research fundamentals and study design that helps organise evidence around what decision is being made? It should be defined operationally so different teams measure and interpret it consistently.

Open entry
Wiki definition

Research triangulation

Research triangulation is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Open entry
Wiki definition

Mixed-method research designs

Mixed-method research designs is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Open entry
Wiki definition

Sequential exploratory research

Sequential exploratory research is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Open entry
Wiki definition

Sequential explanatory research

Sequential explanatory research is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Open entry
Wiki definition

Concurrent mixed-method research

Concurrent mixed-method research is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Open entry
Wiki definition

Pilot studies and feasibility studies

Pilot studies and feasibility studies is a concept within research fundamentals and study design that helps organise evidence around what decision is being made? It should be defined operationally so different teams measure and interpret it consistently.

Open entry
Wiki definition

Pre-testing versus pilot testing

Pre-testing versus pilot testing is a decision comparison between Pre-testing and pilot testing. The useful question is not which is universally better, but which approach fits the objective, evidence, population, timing and consequence of error.

Open entry
Wiki definition

Research design mistakes that distort decisions

Research design mistakes that distort decisions is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Open entry
Wiki definition

When research should not be conducted

When research should not be conducted is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Open entry
Wiki definition

How much research is enough

How much research is enough is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Open entry
Wiki definition

Agile market research

Market research is the systematic collection and interpretation of evidence about markets, customers, competitors and commercial choices. Its value lies in reducing a defined decision uncertainty, not in producing data for its own sake.

Open entry
Wiki definition

Lean research

Lean research is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Open entry
Wiki definition

Rapid research without sacrificing quality

Rapid research without sacrificing quality is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Open entry
Wiki definition

Research governance

Research governance is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Open entry
Wiki definition

Research ethics and informed consent

Research ethics and informed consent is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Open entry
Wiki definition

Research among vulnerable populations

Research among vulnerable populations is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Open entry
Wiki definition

Confidentiality and anonymity in research

Confidentiality and anonymity in research is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Open entry
Wiki definition

Personally identifiable information in research

Personally identifiable information in research is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Open entry
Wiki definition

GDPR, privacy and respondent-data protection

GDPR, privacy and respondent-data protection is a concept within research fundamentals and study design that helps organise evidence around what decision is being made? It should be defined operationally so different teams measure and interpret it consistently.

Open entry
Wiki definition

Research documentation and audit trails

Research documentation and audit trails is a research approach within research fundamentals and study design used to reduce uncertainty around what decision is being made? The design should connect the business question, target population, evidence source, analysis and decision rule.

Open entry

Need the method applied to a live decision?

Share the market, customer, product or investment question that needs a defensible evidence design.

Brief Ninth Atlas