Methodological advice and research preparation
Build a sound methodology before problems arise
Many empirical research problems originate before statistical analysis: unclear questions, untestable hypotheses, unsuitable samples or instruments that do not measure the intended construct. Since 2011, PROEXPERTA has provided methodological advice to address these issues before data collection, when changes are less costly. If you have already collected data, we help assess what can reliably be learned from them.
We normally reply within one working day.
What the service includes
- ✓Research problem, objectives and questions
- ✓Testable hypotheses
- ✓Research design and implementation plan
- ✓Sampling and data collection
- ✓Instrument development and review
- ✓Analysis planning before data collection
- ✓Methodology chapter revisions
- ✓Quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research
Since 2011
Experience in academic and research support
Quantitative · qualitative · mixed methods
Methodological support for all three research approaches
HR · BA · RS · ME
Working with clients in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro
Confidential
Materials, data and communication remain confidential
When methodology becomes a bottleneck
Do any of these situations sound familiar?
Methodological weaknesses often arise when decisions about questions, samples and instruments are made under pressure. Their consequences become apparent during analysis, when correction is most difficult.
You are submitting a topic or research proposal
You need a robust framework: a clearly defined problem, objectives and research questions or hypotheses that can withstand expert review.
Your supervisor asks you to revise the methodology
The feedback does not specify exactly what to change, in what order or to what extent.
You are unsure which approach to choose
You are deciding between quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods, while considering your objectives, resources and deadline.
You are unsure how many participants you need
Sample size, recruitment and participant availability do not align with your planned analysis.
You are developing a questionnaire
You need an instrument that measures the intended construct and is ready for reliability and validity assessment.
You are writing the methodology chapter
The text must be precise and consistent, with aligned research questions, hypotheses, sampling and analysis plans.
These decisions require methodological experience developed through research practice.
Addressing them early reduces the need for later corrections.
Scope of support
What methodological support includes
Support is tailored to your research stage, academic level and institutional requirements. It can cover the entire methodological framework or a specific area.
Research problem, objectives and questions
Refining a topic into a researchable question and defining objectives and questions that the data can actually address.
Hypotheses
Formulating clear, testable hypotheses directly linked to objectives, with a defined testing approach for each.
Research design
Selecting a quantitative, qualitative or mixed-methods approach and a design suited to the objectives, resources and deadline.
Sampling
Sampling strategy, participant recruitment and sample-size justification appropriate to the project and planned analyses.
Instruments
Developing or adapting questionnaires and protocols, reviewing item logic and preparing reliability and validity checks.
Analysis plan
Defining in advance which analyses address each hypothesis, helping avoid collecting data that cannot answer the research questions.
We also review and refine methodology chapters, checking consistency, terminology and institutional requirements so the description accurately reflects the research conducted.
Once the methodological framework is established, explore the next stage on our statistical analysis page, and read about test selection in our article how to choose the right statistical test.
When to involve us
Before data collection: when changes have the greatest value
Before collection, research questions, hypotheses, sampling, instruments and analysis plans can be aligned. Once data have been collected, some decisions cannot be changed and must instead be accurately described, with their limitations acknowledged.
Before collecting data
This stage offers the greatest opportunity to align questions, hypotheses, sampling, instruments and analysis so every variable has a clear purpose.
During data collection
Targeted adjustments may include protocol checks, data-entry quality control and early identification of response-rate or sample-composition problems.
After data collection
We work with the available data, determining what can legitimately be concluded, how to report it accurately and which limitations to acknowledge.
Early support can mean fewer corrections later. A written assessment before data collection may reduce subsequent rounds of revisions following supervisor and reviewer feedback, while the research remains entirely yours.
Who the service is for
For anyone planning or conducting their own research
We support empirical studies and research projects both during planning and after data collection.
Doctoral researchers
During proposal preparation or research implementation, when the methodological framework must be consistent and well justified.
Undergraduate and master's students
For empirical studies requiring a design, sample and instrument aligned with the objectives.
Specialist trainees
For research alongside clinical or professional practice, where time and participant availability are limited.
Project researchers
For research designs, instruments and analysis plans during project applications and implementation.
Institutions and businesses
For evaluations, surveys and applied research with clearly defined objectives and analysis plans.
Send a short description of your research and current stage. After reviewing the materials, we will explain the appropriate methodological support and scope.
Levels of support
Three service levels
Support ranges from a one-off written assessment to comprehensive methodological development, depending on your research stage and existing materials.
Written methodological assessment and guidance
Expert review of your topic, existing design and guidelines, with a written assessment of key methodological issues and structured recommendations.
- Written review of the topic and research stage
- Feasibility assessment of design, sampling and instruments
- Written recommendations and next steps
Research design review and refinement
Expert review of your proposal, methodological design or instrument, with specific recommendations and agreed revisions.
- Review of the proposal or methodological design
- Specific recommendations for the framework, hypotheses, sampling and instruments
- Agreed revisions aligned with the analysis plan
Comprehensive methodological development
Integrated support covering the research problem, objectives, questions or hypotheses, design, sampling, instruments and analysis plan.
- Development of the problem, objectives and questions or hypotheses
- Research design, sampling plan and instrument development
- Analysis plan and support for the methodology chapter
The final price depends on research level, existing materials, methodological complexity, instruments and deadline. You receive a clear quote defining scope and deliverables before work begins.
How we work together
How we work in four steps
The process is straightforward and transparent, with scope and deliverables agreed in advance. Written communication keeps requirements, methodological decisions and recommendations documented for later review.
Send your materials
Send your topic, proposal or design, institutional guidelines and current difficulty. If no design exists yet, your topic and research interests are sufficient.
Receive an assessment and quote
We review your materials and normally provide an assessment of scope and a quote within one working day.
We work towards the agreed deliverables
Work follows predefined deliverables, with communication whenever a methodological decision or clarification is needed.
Receive your methodological framework
You receive a structured methodological framework and recommendations for the next research stage.
Good methodology need not be complicated. It must be consistent, feasible and clear enough for you to explain every decision in your own words.
Deliverables
What you receive
Written deliverables are defined in advance and designed to support your work and your ability to justify decisions as the researcher.
Expert assessment and research framework
A written review of the methodology, defining the problem, objectives and research questions or hypotheses.
Sampling plan
Sampling strategy, inclusion criteria, recruitment and sample-size justification appropriate to the project.
Instrument review
An annotated questionnaire or protocol with suggested item revisions and preparation for reliability and validity assessment.
Analysis plan and chapter recommendations
Analyses linked to each hypothesis, with specific recommendations for refining the methodology chapter.
A clearly defined scope
What is included and what we do not do
We define boundaries in advance so you know what is included and what remains your responsibility as the author.
What is included
Everything specified in your chosen service level, communication, agreed revision rounds, documented methodological recommendations and confidential handling of materials and data.
What we do not do
We do not fabricate data, conduct research without your genuine participation, make authorship decisions for you, communicate with your supervisor on your behalf or guarantee topic approval or academic outcomes.
Why PROEXPERTA
The principles behind our methodological support
We commit to expertise, documented recommendations and a clearly defined scope, without promising outcomes beyond our control.
Experience since 2011
Continuous work in academic and research support across projects of varying complexity.
Clients across the region
Working with clients in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro.
Quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research
The approach is chosen to suit the research objective rather than a single methodological school.
Documented methodological steps
Each recommendation has a rationale you can assess and explain in your own words.
Clearly defined deliverables
Scope, deliverables and deadlines are agreed before work begins.
Confidential materials and communication
Materials, data and communication are handled confidentially and used only for the agreed purpose.
Ethical framework
Methodological advice is an established form of professional research support. You remain the researcher and make all research decisions. We help ensure your methodology is sound, consistent and understandable. You communicate with your supervisor, supported by our documented methodological guidance.
If you are conducting doctoral research, also explore our doctoral dissertation support. For analysis after data collection, we offer statistical analysis page.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about empirical research
I have already collected data. Is it too late?
No. We help determine what can legitimately be concluded from your existing data and how to report it accurately, including research limitations.
Do you support qualitative research?
Yes. Support may include interview or focus-group design, protocol development, sampling plans and methodological preparation for thematic or other appropriate qualitative analysis.
Can you review only my questionnaire?
Yes. An instrument review can be a standalone service or part of broader methodological support.
Do you work directly with my supervisor?
We support you. You remain your supervisor's point of contact, with our reasoned methodological guidance to inform your discussion.
When should I seek methodological support?
Ideally before data collection, while questions, hypotheses, sampling, instruments and analysis can still be aligned. Later support is also possible, with a realistic assessment of existing limitations.
For the full sequence of dissertation preparation, see our guide how to write a dissertation step by step.
Will I receive written deliverables?
Yes. Deliverables are agreed in advance and may include an expert assessment, research framework, sampling plan, instrument review, analysis plan and methodology chapter recommendations.
Send your topic, proposal or design, institutional guidelines and deadline. After review, we will explain the required methodological work, scope and timeframe.
Send an enquiry
Request a methodological assessment
Whether you are planning your research or already have a design, send a short description of the topic, current stage and institutional guidelines. We will assess the required support, scope and timing.
Include your academic level, research area, planned sample and deadline. Attach the proposal, questionnaire or supervisor guidelines if available.
Your materials, data and communication are treated confidentially and used only for assessment and the agreed purpose.
Prefer to contact us directly?
You can find all contact options on our Contact.