Visual models, piloting, and triangulation as core formative research practices
Journal
International Journal of Social Research Methodology
ISSN
1464-5300
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Date Issued
November 5, 2025
Author(s)
Abstract
Social science researchers often face methodological challenges requiring pivotal yet often undocumented decisions that lead to changes in study design, data collection, and analysis. Scholars have characterized these occurrences as “messy areas” and reframed the subsequent decisions, or “messy turns,” as opportunities to enhance rigor and quality. Although implementing and documenting corrective strategies can enhance accuracy and transparency of a study, these efforts may feel time-consuming, restrictive, or conceptually problematic. This article presents four core practices for addressing these considerations (visual models, instrument pilots, analysis pilots, and triangulation) grounded in a formative evaluation approach. These practices apply continuous monitoring, adaptation, and documentation throughout conceptualization, planning, and testing to strengthen rigor and quality as aspects of validity. Although these practices are well established, two contributions of this article are novel. First, the practices are situated within a conceptual framework that reframes rigor and quality as ongoing formative activities rather than a summative validity exercise. Second, a concise decision guide with timing recommendations is offered, supported by published examples, for integrating continuous, formative checks throughout the research process. When effectively implemented, these practices can serve as core approaches across qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research to promote rigor and quality.
Disciplines
Comments
ChatGPT (version 04-mini) was used for language improvement, in accordance with Taylor & Francis policies. The tool assisted in refining the clarity and flow of the manuscript. ChatGPT was not used for text generation without rigorous review and revision.
Recommended Citation
Biddix, J. P. (2025). Visual models, piloting, and triangulation as core formative research practices. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1080/13645579.2025.2585271
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VisualModels_Preprint.pdf
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