Practical guides for research and teaching.
A free, plain-English library covering the decisions that shape a study — from framing a model to choosing a journal — and the craft of teaching well. Each guide pairs with a free, browser-based tool so you can go straight from reading to doing.
These guides are written for working academics and graduate students who want the why behind the method, not just the steps. They span the full research lifecycle — design, measurement, analysis, publication — plus qualitative methods, academic writing, and classroom teaching. Everything here is free and requires no account.
Research design & theory
How to Build a Research Model
From a research question to testable hypotheses — outcomes, predictors, mediators, moderators, and grounding every path in theory.
How to Choose the Right Theory
Selecting a theory that genuinely fits your question, applying it without over-claiming, and turning it into a real contribution.
A Methodology Section That Survives Review
The eight components reviewers check — design, power, measures, common method bias, analysis plan, ethics, transparency.
Measurement & data collection
Finding & Using Validated Scales
Locating an established scale, judging its reliability and validity, citing it, and adapting it without breaking it.
How to Design a Research Questionnaire
The eleven decisions behind a publishable instrument — plus the full SmartForm methodology blog.
Transcribing Research Interviews
Transcription styles, using AI responsibly, anonymisation, and preparing transcripts for coding.
Coding & Theming Qualitative Data
The six phases of thematic analysis, inductive vs deductive coding, and demonstrating trustworthiness.
Statistics & analysis
Which Statistical Test Should You Use?
A decision guide from your variables and design, the assumptions to check, and how to report each test.
Structural Equation Modeling for Beginners
CB-SEM vs PLS-SEM, measurement and structural models, fit indices, and a reporting checklist.
Using Statistical Calculators Correctly
Sample size and power, matching effect sizes to your design, reliability, and the inputs people get wrong.
Bibliometrics & publishing
How to Run a Bibliometric Analysis
A seven-step pipeline — scope, query, export, clean, performance metrics, science mapping, interpretation.
Choosing the Right Journal
Matching scope, reading rankings, weighing open-access fees, and spotting predatory journals.
Turning a Call for Papers into an Idea
Decoding a special-issue call, testing fit honestly, and planning a submission that lands.
Making a PRISMA Flow Diagram
The four PRISMA stages and the numbers each box needs, plus clean conceptual-framework figures.
Teaching & academic writing
Better Exam Questions & Rubrics
Constructive alignment, valid multiple-choice and essay items, analytic rubrics, and fair grading.
Running a Live Classroom Wall
Boosting participation with live walls — prompt design, anonymity, and turning notes into discussion.
Teaching OB & HRM with Simulations
Why experiential learning sticks, integrating a sim into a course, and running the debrief that teaches.
Editing AI-Drafted Writing Ethically
Using AI as a clarity tool for your own ideas — the integrity line, a safe workflow, and disclosure.
Every guide pairs with a free tool
DrAIStudio builds free, browser-based tools for research and teaching — questionnaire design, research modelling, SEM, bibliometrics, journal selection, transcription, qualitative coding, assessment and more. No account required.