Use methods that Permit Direct Investigation of the Question

The first key principle is pose significant questions that can be answered

empirically. In our pragmatic approach, the question and evidence requirement taken

together inform the choice of research method or technique (the terms are, for

pragmatic purposes, interchangeable). The technique must deliver data of a sort that

can answer the evidence requirement-that is fit for the purpose. This means that the

technique must generate data (and hence evidence) that is sufficiently rich, that it

must provide enough information to address the research question at the right

resolution, and that it must be feasible within available resources.