[Home](https://gavek.dk/)/[AEO knowledge hub](https://gavek.dk/aeo/)/Original AEO research: publish the method before the headline result AEO · evidence and practical implementation # Original AEO research: publish the method before the headline result Create a reproducible study only when the data has actually been collected and can be shared appropriately. A protocol is a research asset, not a completed experiment. ## State a testable question Choose a bounded question such as variation in cited source types across a fixed buyer-task panel. Define sample selection, language, market, platform access, observation dates and exclusion rules before collection. Do not select only prompts that already favour the publisher. Check rights and privacy before retaining responses or publishing source material. ## Preserve the instrument Keep the exact prompts, coding definitions, collection procedure, response captures and reviewer decisions. Separate failed runs from negative observations. Describe whether repeated runs share context and why observations are not independent people. A second reviewer should be able to reproduce the classification or inspect disagreement. ## Publish limitations with the data Show counts and denominator, platform changes, collection gaps and uncertainty. A small panel can illustrate behaviour without representing the whole Danish market. Do not generalise a platform-specific association into a universal ranking factor. A research plan or hypothetical table must remain labelled until a real auditable dataset exists. ## Continue with the related decision - [AEO learning paths](https://gavek.dk/aeo/) - [Refresh AI-search content when facts or usefulness change](https://gavek.dk/learn/content-refresh-and-pruning/) - [Discuss the scope of AEO and AI-search work](https://gavek.dk/services/ai-search/) ### Sources, method and review information Editorial publisher: Gavek. Reviewed 8 November 2026. Practical methods and clearly labelled examples are original editorial guidance, not customer results or a disclosed platform algorithm. Check sources when implementing. - [Google Search · quality](https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/creating-helpful-content) Your next move starts here ## Make search a more useful part of your growth. Start with your website. Leave with a clearer picture of what to improve, what to measure and where to focus next. [Discuss your SEO project ↗](https://gavek.dk/contact/)[Explore our services ↗](https://gavek.dk/services/)