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+# Research Documentation - Format Selection Guide
+
+Choose the right format for your research output based on scope, complexity, and intended audience.
+
+## Quick Brief
+
+**Best for:** Initial findings, quick summaries, stakeholder updates
+
+**Length:** 1-2 pages
+**Structure:**
+- Question/Topic
+- Key Findings (3-5 bullet points)
+- Sources Used
+- Next Steps
+
+**Example Use:**
+"Should we adopt React or Vue?"
+→ Quick Brief comparing both with recommendation
+
+---
+
+## Comparison Matrix
+
+**Best for:** Evaluating multiple options against criteria
+
+**Structure:**
+```
+| Criteria | Option A | Option B | Option C |
+|----------|----------|----------|----------|
+| Cost | $ | $$ | $$$ |
+| Learning Curve | Easy | Medium | Hard |
+| ... | | | |
+```
+
+**Example Use:**
+Technology evaluation, vendor comparison, feature analysis
+
+---
+
+## Research Summary
+
+**Best for:** Balanced overview of a topic with findings and recommendations
+
+**Length:** 2-4 pages
+**Structure:**
+- Overview
+- Key Findings
+- Analysis & Synthesis
+- Recommendations
+- Sources & Citations
+
+**Example Use:**
+Market trends, industry analysis, competitive landscape
+
+---
+
+## Comprehensive Report
+
+**Best for:** Deep dives, detailed analysis, archival
+
+**Length:** 5-20 pages
+**Structure:**
+- Executive Summary
+- Introduction & Context
+- Methodology
+- Findings (organized by theme)
+- Analysis & Implications
+- Recommendations
+- Appendices
+- References
+
+**Example Use:**
+Product research, technical investigation, business analysis
+
+---
+
+## Decision Memo
+
+**Best for:** Research that informs a specific decision
+
+**Structure:**
+- Decision Required
+- Background
+- Research Findings
+- Options with Trade-offs
+- Recommendation
+- Implementation Steps
+
+**Example Use:**
+Technology selection, resource allocation, strategic direction
+
+---
+
+## Selection Flowchart
+
+```
+What are you researching?
+
+├─ Quick answer needed?
+│  └─ Quick Brief
+│
+├─ Comparing options?
+│  └─ Comparison Matrix
+│
+├─ Balanced overview?
+│  └─ Research Summary
+│
+├─ Supporting a decision?
+│  └─ Decision Memo
+│
+└─ Comprehensive documentation?
+   └─ Comprehensive Report
+```
+
+---
+
+## Format Standards
+
+**Citation Style**
+- APA, MLA, Chicago, or Harvard
+- Include author, date, source
+- Use consistent format throughout
+
+**Sourcing**
+- Link to actual sources
+- Note access date for web content
+- Mark primary vs. secondary sources
+- Include direct quotes with attribution
+
+**Structure**
+- Clear headings (H2, H3, etc.)
+- Short paragraphs (2-4 sentences)
+- Bullet points for lists
+- Tables for comparisons
+
+**Visual Elements**
+- Include relevant charts/graphs
+- Use consistent formatting
+- Add images/screenshots with captions
+- Label tables and figures clearly
+
+---
+
+## Examples by Format
+
+### Example 1: Quick Brief
+**Topic:** Headless CMS Options
+**Sources:** 2 tools evaluated
+**Decision Time:** 2 hours research
+**Outcome:** Recommendation selected in 1 day
+
+### Example 2: Comparison Matrix
+**Topic:** Email Service Providers
+**Sources:** 4 vendors evaluated
+**Decision Time:** 4 hours research
+**Outcome:** Feature matrix drives selection
+
+### Example 3: Research Summary
+**Topic:** AI Model Options for Product
+**Sources:** 10+ sources reviewed
+**Decision Time:** 8 hours research
+**Outcome:** Technical team briefed, approach chosen
+
+### Example 4: Comprehensive Report
+**Topic:** Market Analysis for New Product
+**Sources:** 20+ sources, interviews
+**Decision Time:** 40+ hours research
+**Outcome:** Business case developed, investment approved