Research process
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The research process involves 8 key steps: 1) selecting a topic, 2) reviewing relevant literature, 3) developing theoretical and conceptual frameworks, 4) clarifying the research question, 5) designing the research methodology, 6) collecting data, 7) analyzing the data, and 8) drawing conclusions. Each step builds upon the previous ones by refining the research topic and question, justifying the theoretical and methodological approaches, and ultimately answering the research question based on an analysis of the collected data. The overall process is iterative and allows the research to be conducted in a logical and systematic manner.
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Research process
- 2. • Research is not just about collection of data. Data collection is important, but it is simply part of a wider process – the research process. • Relating your project to research process will allow you to develop and answer your research question in a logical and systematic manner.
- 3. Definition Research process involves identifying, locating, assessing and analysing the information needs to support research question, and then developing and expressing ideas. These are same skills you need any time you write a report, proposal, or put together a presentation.
- 4. STEPS OF RESEARCH PROCESS 1. Selection of topic 2. Reviewing the literature 3. Development of theoretical and conceptual frameworks 4. Clarification of research question/hypothesis 5. Research design 6. Data collection 7. Data analysis 8. Drawing conclusions
- 5. 1. SELECTION OF TOPIC 1.A crucial stage, as an inappropriate topic or question will often lead to irretrievable difficulties later in the research. 2.It is unlikely that you will develop a final question and set of objectives at this stage of the research process, and steps 2 and 3 are important in developing and assessing your question more fully.
- 6. 2. REVIEWING THE LITERATURE • A literature review essentially consists of critically reading, evaluating and organising existing literature on the topic to assess the state of knowledge in the area. • During this stage you should aim to become an ‘expert’ in your field of research. • Generally done alongside the development of theoretical and conceptual frameworks (step 3 of research process).
- 7. 3. DEVELOPMENT OF THEORETICAL & CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORKS • As you read the literature, you should be continually developing and refining your theoretical and conceptual frameworks. • Your theoretical framework refers to the underlying theoretical approach that you adopt to underpin your study. • The conceptual framework defines and organises the concepts important within your study.
- 8. 4. CLARIFICATION OF RESEARCH QUESTION Initial research questions are chosen, investigated and often rejected for a number of reasons, for example: • The question lacks sufficient focus. • The conceptual framework has identified problems in either defining and/or measuring appropriate concepts. • There are too many moderating or intervening variables. • The project is unfeasible in terms of complexity, access, facilities or resources.
- 9. 5. RESEARCH DESIGN • What data do I need to collect to answer this question? • What is the best way to collect this data? • What overall research design should I use? For example, a cross-sectional or experimental? • Will I need to collect primary or secondary data? • Which methods, for example interviews, questionnaire surveys and so on, will be best to collect the primary data? •Who should participate in the research and how will I access to them? •What are the exact procedures that I should adopt in my data collection to ensure reliability and validity? •Are there any ethical issues associated with the research?
- 10. 6. DATA COLLECTION It is the process of gathering and measuring information on targeted variables in an established system, which then enables one to answer relevant questions and evaluate outcomes. You have to consider following: • Which methodology to choose • Which methods to utilise.
- 11. 7. DATA ANALYSIS & DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS 1. The data collected needs to be analysed to provide answers to research question. 2. In discussion of results, reference should also be made back to the literature reviewed in step 2, for example: • How do the findings add to this literature? • Do they support the literature? • If not, what are the possible reasons, why?
- 12. 8. DRAWING CONCLUSIONS • Conclusions should relate back to the research question. • Evaluate how successful you have been in achieving research objectives and highlight strengths and weaknesses of the research. • You may also want to make recommendations for further research.