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Desk Research
Systematic Review
A structured process to locate, critically appraise, and combine findings from multiple existing studies to answer a specific research question, following a predefined protocol with explicit inclusion/exclusion criteria and quality appraisal of each study. When the included studies report comparable quantitative results, the synthesis can include a meta-analysis — statistically pooling those studies' data into a single combined effect-size estimate.
When This Method Fits
Typical duration
Weeks – Months
Typical cost
Medium – High
Fidelity level
N/A
Stage
Discovery
Hypothesis type
Exploratory, Outcome
Goal type
Find product-market fit, Deepen product-market fit, Maximize societal impact, Drive corporate innovation / R&D, Improve operational efficiency
Randomization
Required
Study design
Descriptive single-case study, Benchmarked single-case comparison
Minimum units needed
5
Causal rigor
Min 1 · Max 5 / 5
1Best Fit When
Best when substantial existing research already exists on a specific question and you need a rigorous, comprehensive synthesis of what it collectively shows.