The Article in Brief

Background A Methodological Think Tank has been held annually since 1994. A group of 3 to 4 research methodologists with diverse expertise work as a team, discussing a research question selected in advance. They explore the content area with the study investigator and help identify a desirable methodology for the study.

What This Study Found The Methodological Think Tank has been successful in developing innovative designs to answer important questions that are not easily addressed with conventional research designs. The 7 most recent think tanks produced research designs that received grant funding, including 1 K award (a National Institutes of Health career development award) and 4 R01 grants (research project grants based on the mission of the NIH). Participants attributed much of their success to participation in the Methodological Think Tank.

Implications

• The Think Tank process—a short-term collaboration involving researchers with diverse methodological expertise—can help bring about progress on complex research questions.
• Researchers and academic departments could use this process locally to develop innovative research designs.