One of the most important choices a researcher makes is selecting a research paradigm and methodology, without which they will be hampered in their search for knowledge and answers. Ideally, researchers consider all possible approaches and select the most appropriate one, but several factors work against this: time, familiarity with certain approaches, and the uncertainty of the benefit of change. Computer Science Education Research draws from many research disciplines, exposing new possibilities that may not be seized due to these constraints. The Research Alternatives Exercise is designed to expand researchers' awareness of different research approaches through a rapid, card-based prototyping exercise. The card-based approach reduces the formality and potentially confrontational aspects of being asked to consider new approaches, allowing participants to examine their current research and plans through different paradigms, methodologies, and constraints, without it being a direct criticism of their current choices. This can increase the level of understanding of research framing and practice, strengthening the arguments for using a given approach and introducing valid arguments to adopt different approaches, with low time investment.