Research Methodology Selection
Selecting and justifying appropriate research methods for a scientific project
Prompt template
I am developing a research project on the following topic: [RESEARCH TOPIC]. The central research question is: [RESEARCH QUESTION]. Please help me select and justify an appropriate research methodology: 1. **Methods Comparison**: Present at least three alternative methods (e.g., experiment, survey, case study, ethnographic observation, content analysis) that could in principle address this question. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of each. 2. **Recommendation**: Recommend the most suitable method or combination of methods for my project, with detailed justification considering the research objective, available resources ([RESOURCES / TIMELINE]), and ethical considerations. 3. **Sampling Plan**: Outline an appropriate sampling strategy (size, selection procedure, inclusion and exclusion criteria). 4. **Quality Criteria**: Explain how validity, reliability, and — if qualitative — transferability can be ensured. 5. **Limitations**: What methodological limitations are to be expected, and how can they be addressed? Field: [FIELD] | Research target group: [TARGET GROUP]
Replace placeholders in [square brackets]: [RESEARCH TOPIC][RESEARCH QUESTION][RESOURCES / TIMELINE][FIELD][TARGET GROUP]
How to use this template
Copy the prompt, replace the placeholders in square brackets with your details and paste it into the AI assistant of your choice. The more precise your details, the better the result.
Tips for better results
- State your resources and timeline explicitly — this narrows down which methods are realistically feasible.
- If ethical constraints apply (e.g., vulnerable populations), mention them so they are factored into the recommendation.
- Indicate whether this is a thesis or a funded project context, as this affects methodological requirements.
Suitable open models
The selection names current open models as a starting point for your own tests. It is not a measurement for this template.
Keywords: #methodik #forschungsdesign #stichprobe #validität #qualitativ