Research Methodology Guide

Standards and best practices for conducting rigorous climate and sustainability research that supports our initiatives.

Contents
Research PrinciplesResearch MethodsData CollectionData AnalysisPublication Standards
Core Research Principles

Rigor

Apply rigorous scientific methods, document all assumptions, and use peer-reviewed sources.

Transparency

Clearly document methodology, data sources, and limitations. Make research reproducible.

Objectivity

Minimize bias in research design and analysis. Report findings honestly, even if unexpected.

Integrity

Cite sources properly, disclose conflicts of interest, and avoid plagiarism.

Relevance

Ensure research directly supports our mission and provides actionable insights.

Research Methods

Select appropriate methods based on your research question:

Literature Review

Systematic analysis of existing research to identify gaps and synthesize findings.

Use for: Understanding current knowledge, identifying research gaps, supporting arguments

Quantitative Analysis

Statistical analysis of numerical data to identify patterns and relationships.

Use for: Measuring emissions, calculating ROI, analyzing trends

Qualitative Research

In-depth interviews, focus groups, and case studies to understand experiences and perspectives.

Use for: Understanding barriers, capturing stories, exploring motivations

Case Studies

Detailed examination of specific organizations or initiatives to draw lessons.

Use for: Demonstrating impact, identifying best practices, providing examples

Experimental Design

Controlled tests to evaluate effectiveness of interventions.

Use for: Testing new approaches, measuring impact, validating hypotheses

Data Collection Standards

Data Quality

  • • Use primary sources when possible (direct measurement, official records)
  • • Verify secondary sources for accuracy and credibility
  • • Document data provenance and collection date
  • • Assess data completeness and identify gaps
  • • Use consistent units and measurement standards

Sampling

  • • Use representative samples to minimize bias
  • • Document sample size and selection criteria
  • • Consider statistical power for quantitative studies
  • • Aim for diversity in qualitative research
  • • Report response rates and potential non-response bias

Ethics & Compliance

  • • Obtain informed consent from research participants
  • • Protect participant privacy and confidentiality
  • • Minimize risks and discomforts
  • • Disclose any conflicts of interest
  • • Follow institutional review board (IRB) guidelines if applicable
Data Analysis Standards

Best Practices

  • • Use appropriate statistical tests for your data type
  • • Report effect sizes and confidence intervals
  • • Test assumptions before running analyses
  • • Use multiple analytical approaches to validate findings
  • • Document all analysis steps and code
  • • Distinguish between correlation and causation

Common Pitfalls

  • • P-hacking or selective reporting of results
  • • Ignoring outliers without justification
  • • Using inappropriate statistical tests
  • • Over-interpreting findings beyond data support
  • • Failing to report limitations and uncertainties
  • • Cherry-picking supporting data
Publication Standards

When publishing research, follow these standards:

Structure

  • • Abstract: Brief summary of research and findings
  • • Introduction: Context and research question
  • • Methods: Detailed methodology for reproducibility
  • • Results: Objective presentation of findings
  • • Discussion: Interpretation and implications
  • • Conclusion: Summary and recommendations
  • • References: Complete citations of all sources

Citation Standards

  • • Use consistent citation format (APA, Chicago, or Harvard)
  • • Include complete publication information
  • • Cite all sources, including personal communications
  • • Use direct quotes sparingly with proper attribution
  • • Distinguish between facts and interpretations

Peer Review

  • • Submit to peer-reviewed journals when possible
  • • Respond thoughtfully to reviewer feedback
  • • Revise and resubmit with detailed responses
  • • Allow time for review process (typically 2-4 months)
Recommended Resources

IPCC Guidelines: Comprehensive methodology for climate research

Cochrane Handbook: Systematic review methodology

Open Science Framework: Tools for transparent research practices

PubMed Central: Access to peer-reviewed climate and health research