Motivated by Bui's thought-provoking analysis regarding the perceived efficacy of research templates, our paper advances the debate by reviewing Faff's Pitching Research Ò framework and Lodhia's qualitative companion. The key premises of these research templates are highlighted and potential misconceptions are addressed. We reach common ground on the underlying philosophy and use of research templates for quantitative and qualitative research; and, more generally, on the process of research. As such, we provide a pathway for reducing the schism between the two 'rival' research camps.