As a result of these limitations, cause and effect may be attributed a bit more freely in these fields. Avoid the temptation to generalize from too few instances or inadequate statistics. Also, you will find it helpful to analyze whether a cause is necessary, sufficient, or simply a condition that contributed to but did not cause the effect. Even if you are writing about a field as unscientific as art, considering cause and effect will help you organize your thoughts and avoid making unjustified claims. Although some causes may be obvious, more remote ones may have just as great an influence or may establish the necessary condition for the effect to occur.
Any research has to begin with a question.
There are hundreds of quantifiable questions in art and art history. Another is to discover your own biases and use them or try to work against them. Being unaware of your biases may lead to flaws in your reasoning. Do not oversimplify causes . . . Do not oversimplify effects . .