Methodshave

Methodshave is a term used in research methodology to describe an approach in which researchers deliberately apply multiple methods to a single research question and assess the consistency of results across these methods. The goal is to increase confidence in findings by demonstrating that conclusions hold under different analytic or investigative perspectives.

Core principles include methodological transparency, preregistration of analysis plans, and cross-method replication. Proponents argue that methodshave reduces method-specific biases, reveals the boundaries of conclusions, and promotes robustness beyond single-method studies.

Origin and usage: The term appeared in methodological discussions in the 2010s as part of broader conversations about triangulation and robustness. It is used across disciplines such as psychology, social sciences, and data science, and is often described as an operationalization of methodological pluralism.

Practice: A methodshave study selects a set of complementary methods—quantitative, qualitative, and computational—and systematically compares findings. When methods disagree, researchers report the divergence and explore contextual reasons, rather than forcing harmony. Data and code are shared to enable replication.

Criticism and limitations: Critics contend that methodshave can require substantial resources and may blur specialized insights, if not carefully scoped. Critics also warn of superficial integration, where methods are included merely to check a box.

See also: triangulation, robustness checks, preregistration, methodological pluralism.