Choose a BIM research method by asking what evidence the question requires. Interviews, questionnaires, case studies, document analysis and systematic reviews answer different kinds of questions. The label “mixed methods” adds value only when the evidence is integrated for a clear reason.
A METHOD DECISION IN THREE TESTS
01
Fit
Does the evidence answer the wording of the question?
02
Feasibility
Can you secure the sample, access and time?
03
Traceability
Can a reader follow collection, analysis and limitations?
Qualitative designs
Interviews can investigate how people interpret coordination, adoption or information requirements. A case study can examine a bounded project or organisation using several sources. Define eligibility, recruitment, the interview or document protocol and the route from source material to codes, categories and themes. Include reflexivity and contrary evidence.
Quantitative designs
A questionnaire needs defined variables, a target population, a defensible sample and items that measure the intended concepts. Pilot the wording and response options. Descriptive statistics may be appropriate for a small or non-probability sample; avoid presenting them as industry-wide estimates without a valid design. Plan missing-data and assumption checks before choosing inferential tests.
Systematic and structured reviews
State the databases, search terms, dates, inclusion criteria, screening process and appraisal method before selecting studies. PRISMA 2020 provides reporting guidance and flow diagrams. A review is systematic because its decisions are explicit and reproducible, not because it contains many references.
Write the method as a chain of decisions
- Research question and design
- Population, case or evidence base
- Sampling and recruitment or search strategy
- Collection instrument and pilot
- Ethics and data management
- Analysis steps and quality checks
- Limitations and boundaries of the claims
Sources used to shape this guidance
Use the edition required by your university and check each source against your actual research context. These links provide methodological or professional guidance; they do not replace peer-reviewed literature for your topic.
PRISMA 2020 statement: Primary guidance used for this practical overview.
Government survey development toolkit: Primary guidance used for this practical overview.
The Aqua Book: guidance on producing quality analysis: Primary guidance used for this practical overview.