Research and practice

This chapter explores the Rigor/Relevance dimension of sweet spot research and addresses the fundamental question: As I conduct my research, how will my methods and approaches achieve both rigor and relevance? Scholars and practitioners want both but may define them in different ways. Drawing on traditional research methods, including research design, measurement, analysis, and interpretation, and standards of reliability and validity, the authors describe the process of pattern matching. Theoretical and conceptual patterns and compared with empirical and practice patterns to develop useful findings. This pattern matching approach is described for exploratory and descriptive research; research on differences, relationships, and processes; explanatory research; and direct engagement with practice.