A critical examination of the use of research templates in accounting and finance

This study investigates the use of Robert Faff’s Pitching Research^® template (RF template) and its perceived benefits and disadvantages. Drawing on 38 interviews with accounting and finance researchers, this study finds that RF template is predominantly used by quantitative and finance academics, PhD students, and associate professors, although it provides benefits to both novice and experienced researchers. Concerns were raised relating to RF template’s usefulness, technical and process issues, and consequences on research outcomes. Suggestions are made with regards to further detail and modifications to structure and language. This study calls for reflective examination of the role played by templates in research practice.