Methodologies

Distinct quantitative and qualitative methods are available for the collection of facts and evidence.  The choice of best methodology is tailored to clients’ unique requirements.

Evidence collection is typically governed by the “scientific method”: null hypothesis, hypothesis testing, quantitative analysis, and statistical inference. Although no one research method is ever perfect, CorbinForensics uses the most fitting elements in designing studies. Alternative methods may also be incorporated to test or demonstrate the “convergent validity” of research conclusions.  Where research is to be used as expert evidence, the Supreme Court standards of reliability, validity and relevance are explicitly addressed.

CorbinForensics’ research is conducted with quality controls that meet or exceed the standards set by the the Canadian Research Insights Council (CRIC). 

Research methods may include any of the following (or a combination of):

Surveys and Interviewing

• In-Depth / One-on-one in-person interviews
• Focus Groups
• In-person / Internet / Mail / Mobile / Telephone Surveys
• Evaluation forms (for courses and conferences)

Database design and analysis

• Statistical analysis of large data bases, with user-friendly, illustrated summaries
• Royalty calculations for copyright tariffs
• Analysis of trends and predictors, with “what-if” calculations
• Split-sample reliability tests (to analyze whether results are replicated over different conditions)
• Market trend analysis

Social Media and Internet reconnaissance

• Social media monitoring, analyzed with statistical rigour, with option for historical tracking where accessible
• Statistical internet analysis (including capture of historical information where available)

Documented Investigations and Market Intelligence

• Audits of intellectual property customer experience and features/functionality
• Mystery-shopping
• Competitive intelligence gathering and analysis
• Media content analysis
• Expert literature reviews