Most rejected manuscripts fail not because the study is “weak,” but because the claims are not licensed by the paradigm the author claims to use. Reviewers today are trained to identify mismatch between a researcher’s worldview and their methodological choices. A research paradigm combines four elements: If these elements do not logically align, your findings … Read more
Comparative research is one of the most widely used analytical approaches in social sciences, policy evaluation, development studies, and global market research. However, researchers frequently overlook one critical element: institutional context. When governance structures, cultural norms, or infrastructure differences remain uncontrolled, the results appear statistically sound but become substantively inaccurate. High-quality comparative research must account … Read more
The research world is full of theories—TAM, TPB, SDT, DOI, Social Learning Theory, and more. They appear across dissertations, journal articles, and conference papers. Yet most theories function as cosmetic citations, not analytical frameworks. Researchers cite them for legitimacy, but rarely apply them rigorously. At Research & Report Consulting, our reviews of 500+ academic manuscripts … Read more
In research and consulting practice, we often observe a common yet critical error: using measurement scales before ensuring the concept is fully defined. At Research & Report Consulting, we witness it time and time again — and the consequences are serious: data that misleads, reports that misinform, and decisions that rest on sand. Why It … Read more
Why Context Defines Research Quality In academic and applied research, data is often treated as objective truth. Yet, every dataset is shaped by the context in which it is produced—culture, geography, politics, and time. Ignoring context doesn’t just weaken results; it distorts reality. When researchers transfer models from the Global North to the Global South … Read more
Understanding the Problem: Translation Isn’t Enough In global research, translation is often mistaken for localization. Many researchers assume that once a questionnaire or scale is linguistically translated, it becomes universally applicable.However, translation alone rarely guarantees conceptual equivalence—the idea that a question measures the same construct in another language or culture. For example, a “satisfaction survey” … Read more
In data analysis and research, complexity is often mistaken for sophistication. Many assume that the more variables or equations a model has, the stronger it becomes. However, the reality is quite the opposite — simpler models often perform better than overly complex, overfitted ones. Let’s explore why simplicity often wins, both statistically and practically. What … Read more
In empirical research, mistaking mediators for moderators (or vice versa) is surprisingly common. Yet the distinction is critical for valid inference, model specification, and publication success. Below, we dig into the conceptual, statistical, and practical nuances—especially those many researchers overlook. Conceptual Foundations In other words: Baron & Kenny’s classic 1986 formulation laid this foundation in … Read more
Likert scales remain a staple in social science, management, and policy research. Their simplicity—“strongly disagree” to “strongly agree”—makes them appealing for capturing opinions. Yet, their misuse often leads to statistical pitfalls that undermine credibility. This article explains the risks, provides solutions, and highlights best practices with supporting evidence. Why Likert Scales Are Popular Despite their … Read more
Impact evaluations are often described as the gold standard of evidence-based decision-making. Governments, donors, and organizations rely on them to understand what works, what fails, and why. These evaluations inform billion-dollar policies and shape interventions that affect millions of lives. Yet, one of the most common—and costly—mistakes is attempting to measure impact without establishing a … Read more
