Research methodology at Pal-Think

The methodology Pal-Think follows in producing research and policy papers: rigour, independence and peer review.

Our research principles

Independence — funders do not influence findings or recommendations.
Transparency — publishing the methodology and the raw data wherever that is possible.
Verification — data is double-checked before anything is published.
Ethics — informed consent is obtained and participants' privacy is protected.

1. Framing the research question — a researchable, measurable question that answers a real need of a decision-maker.
2. Literature review — examining the relevant local, regional and international studies that already exist.
3. Designing the methodology — choosing the right data-collection instruments (quantitative, qualitative or mixed).
4. Data collection — applying the instruments with integrity and precision, within research ethics.
5. Analysis and writing — analysing the data and setting out findings and recommendations in plain language.
6. Peer review — every publication is read by at least two independent expert reviewers.

Policy Brief — 4–8 pages, 4–6 weeks: a focused document that states one clear policy problem and offers three recommended policy options with their advantages and their risks.
Strategic Estimate — 8–15 pages, 6–8 weeks: a forward-looking analysis that maps future scenarios for a strategic question and weighs how likely each is and what it would mean.
Working Paper — 15–30 pages, 8–12 weeks: a research paper presenting the results of fieldwork or analysis and opening them to comment from the research community.
Research Report — 30–60 pages, 12–16 weeks: an in-depth study combining quantitative and qualitative method to document a research question with several dimensions.