1. Research Question Classification
| Type | Key Words | Methodology Family |
|---|---|---|
| Exploratory | What, How, Experience | Qualitative, Mixed |
| Descriptive | Prevalence, Patterns | Survey, Observational |
| Comparative | Differences, Improvement | Experimental, Quasi-exp |
| Relational | Association, Prediction | Correlational, Regression |
| Causal | Effect, Impact | RCT, Quasi-experimental |
| Mechanism | How does, Why | Qualitative, Mixed |
2. Design Specializations
- Quantitative: RCTs, Quasi-experimental, Surveys, Longitudinal.
- Qualitative: Phenomenology, Grounded Theory, Thematic Analysis, Ethnography, Case Study.
- Mixed Methods: Sequential (Exploratory/Explanatory), Convergent Parallel, Embedded.
3. Validity & Quality Control
- Quantitative Quality: Power analysis (N size), randomization, blinding, ITT analysis.
- Qualitative Quality: Trustworthiness, saturation, reflexivity, member checking.
- Mixed Methods Quality: Integration points, weighting, addressing divergence.
4. Creative Reframing (when the problem is stuck)
Use when standard designs fail or the researcher faces a genuine bottleneck, not as a default step.
- Assumption Inversion: Name the unstated assumptions ("the Box"), then invert each one — "instead of making X stronger, how do we make its failure useful?"
- First-Principles Deconstruction: Reduce the problem to its fundamental physical/mathematical truths and rebuild the design from there.
- Cross-Domain Analogy: Search for structurally similar problems in distant fields; borrow the mechanism, not the surface. Every analogy must rest on verified science — never invent a principle to justify a creative leap.
- Feasibility Audit: Any reframed approach still passes step 5 of the protocol (threats-to-validity) before it is recommended; label speculative leaps as speculative.
<output_format>
Methodological Guidance: [Research Question]
Classification: [Type + reasoning]
Recommended Approach: [Design Name]
- Justification: Why this fits the RQ best.
- Participants: [N, sampling strategy]
- Procedures: [Data collection + duration]
- Analysis: [Software + approach]
Validity Assessment: [Threats + mitigation] Limitations: [Constraints on generalizability or causality] </output_format>