Having identified whether a method uses quantitative or qualitative data, you now need to assess other aspects associated with it, to see if is the right method for you, your sport and chosen factor.

A simple checklist to assess your method against is PARV(M).

Practical

Consider the practicality of a method:

1. Is this method easy to use?
2. Is it easy to identify the results it produces?

Appropriate

Consider how appropriate a method is:

1. To what extent does it collect data on the factor I am interested in?
2. Does research prove this?

Reliable

Consider the reliability of a method:

1. Can I trust this data?
2. Is it quantitative and therefore factual?
3. If it is qualitative, can I trust myself to be honest when completing it?
4. Also, if it is qualitative, is the opinion I have of myself correct?
5. Will I be able to collect enough data to ensure it gives me the full picture?

Valid

Considering the validity of a method:

1. Will I be able to defend the process I go through?
2. Will I be able to defend the location I did it in?
3. Will I be able to defend when I completed it?
4. Will I be able to defend who my match was against?

Measurable

When considering if a method is measurable, you are questioning whether the results produced can be kept as a permanent record to allow for future comparisons.

Asking all of the above questions, helps you decide whether a method is right for your situation.

It is important to do this as it will help you in the process of data collection and give you a solid start to the cycle of analysis.