Why we use this taxonomy
In academic publishing—especially in the age of AI—readers need to know whether a paper’s contribution comes from originating new data or from analyzing and synthesizing existing data. Many rigorous studies (meta‑analyses, bibliometrics, secondary data analysis) are empirical without collecting primary data. Classifying by data origination makes those differences explicit.
Generative Research
Generative Research creates original data points that did not exist before the project began. Without the researcher’s intervention (survey, experiment, interview protocol), the specific evidence would not be captured.
- Typical inputs: participants, instruments, lab/field context
- Typical outputs: datasets, measurements, transcripts, observations
- Common methods: experiments, surveys, interviews, ethnography, user testing
Non-Generative Research
Non‑Generative Research uses existing data, literature, or theories; novelty comes from the synthesis, analysis, critique, or lens applied—not from originating new data points.
- Empirical Non‑Generative: meta‑analysis, bibliometrics, secondary data analysis
- Theoretical Non‑Generative: conceptual papers, critical reviews, theoretical syntheses
- Typical outputs: pooled estimates, citation networks, evidence maps, structured arguments
Decision matrix
| Feature | Generative Research | Non‑Generative Research |
|---|---|---|
| Data at project start | Does not exist (created by the study) | Already exists (used/synthesized) |
| Primary novelty | New measurements / observations / responses | New synthesis, analysis, critique, or lens |
| Common ethics focus | Consent, privacy, participant protection (often IRB/ethics review) | Attribution, faithful synthesis, analytic integrity |
How this appears in AcademiaX Press
We expose this taxonomy in Research Articles as a filter and in article metadata as tags. Authors select a category at submission; the pipeline can validate the choice (based on the presence or absence of originated data) and flag mismatches for correction.
Submit with the taxonomy
If you’re submitting a manuscript, choose the category that best matches the paper’s primary goal. Mixed‑method work is welcome, but it should still have a clear primary intent.