One problem faced by researchers is the selection of the most appropriate research method or methods, given the context of the research setting. This dilemma does not concern the choice of the best research method given the program objectives or research questions, nor the selection of the best state-of-the-art methods. The issue concerns the matching of the research method with the organization environment. It is possible that under certain specifiable environmental conditions, the researcher may select research methods for data collection and analysis that are neither ideal nor fully scientifically justifiable. However, the appropriate matching of the method with the environment may increase the likelihood that the design and report will be accepted by decision-makers at the program or policy level. A simple model is presented as a decision tool, with four key variables (political complexity, technical complexity, scale, and cost-benefit ratio) identified as principle dimensions of the decision environment. (Author/PN)