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Quick Start Guide

Get started with the CMDS methodology in just a few steps.

Step 1: Understand Your Starting Point​

Before diving into CMDS, assess where you are:

  • Do you have a research question? → Start with Connect
  • Have existing literature to synthesize? → Start with Merge
  • Ready to collect data? → Start with Develop
  • Have findings to share? → Start with Share

Step 2: Map Your Knowledge Domain​

Create a simple map of your knowledge space:

## My Knowledge Map

### Themes (Connect)
- Theme 1: [Your first theme]
- Theme 2: [Your second theme]

### Key Literature (Merge)
- Source 1: [Reference]
- Source 2: [Reference]

### Data Sources (Develop)
- Data 1: [Description]

### Output Goals (Share)
- Output 1: [Target publication/product]

Step 3: Choose Your First Stage​

Connect Stage​

Best for: Early exploration, discovering patterns

  1. List all relevant themes
  2. Identify connections between themes
  3. Formulate research questions

Merge Stage​

Best for: Building theoretical foundations

  1. Conduct literature search
  2. Synthesize key findings
  3. Build conceptual framework

Develop Stage​

Best for: Creating tangible outputs

  1. Select methodology
  2. Collect and analyze data
  3. Build prototypes

Share Stage​

Best for: Disseminating results

  1. Document findings
  2. Choose publication channels
  3. Build partnerships

Next Steps​