the 8 steps of research process

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Research Process Steps: What they are + How To Follow

There are various approaches to conducting basic and applied research. This article explains the research process steps you should know. Whether you are doing basic research or applied research, there are many ways of doing it. In some ways, each research study is unique since it is conducted at a different time and place.

Conducting research might be difficult, but there are clear processes to follow. The research process starts with a broad idea for a topic. This article will assist you through the research process steps, helping you focus and develop your topic.

Research Process Steps

The research process consists of a series of systematic procedures that a researcher must go through in order to generate knowledge that will be considered valuable by the project and focus on the relevant topic.

To conduct effective research, you must understand the research process steps and follow them. Here are a few steps in the research process to make it easier for you:

Step 1: Identify the Problem

Finding an issue or formulating a research question is the first step. A well-defined research problem will guide the researcher through all stages of the research process, from setting objectives to choosing a technique. There are a number of approaches to get insight into a topic and gain a better understanding of it. Such as:

• A preliminary survey
• Case studies
• Interviews with a small group of people
• Observational survey

Step 2: Evaluate the Literature

A thorough examination of the relevant studies is essential to the research process . It enables the researcher to identify the precise aspects of the problem. Once a problem has been found, the investigator or researcher needs to find out more about it.

This stage gives problem-zone background. It teaches the investigator about previous research, how they were conducted, and its conclusions. The researcher can build consistency between his work and others through a literature review. Such a review exposes the researcher to a more significant body of knowledge and helps him follow the research process efficiently.

Step 3: Create Hypotheses

Formulating an original hypothesis is the next logical step after narrowing down the research topic and defining it. A belief solves logical relationships between variables. In order to establish a hypothesis, a researcher must have a certain amount of expertise in the field. 

It is important for researchers to keep in mind while formulating a hypothesis that it must be based on the research topic. Researchers are able to concentrate their efforts and stay committed to their objectives when they develop theories to guide their work.

Step 4: The Research Design

Research design is the plan for achieving objectives and answering research questions. It outlines how to get the relevant information. Its goal is to design research to test hypotheses, address the research questions, and provide decision-making insights.

The research design aims to minimize the time, money, and effort required to acquire meaningful evidence. This plan fits into four categories:

• Exploration and Surveys
• Data Analysis
• Observation

Step 5: Describe Population

Research projects usually look at a specific group of people, facilities, or how technology is used in the business. In research, the term population refers to this study group. The research topic and purpose help determine the study group.

Suppose a researcher wishes to investigate a certain group of people in the community. In that case, the research could target a specific age group, males or females, a geographic location, or an ethnic group. A final step in a study’s design is to specify its sample or population so that the results may be generalized.

Step 6: Data Collection

Data collection is important in obtaining the knowledge or information required to answer the research issue. Every research collected data, either from the literature or the people being studied. Data must be collected from the two categories of researchers. These sources may provide primary data.

• Questionnaire

Secondary data categories are:

• Literature survey
• Official, unofficial reports
• An approach based on library resources

Step 7: Data Analysis

During research design, the researcher plans data analysis. After collecting data, the researcher analyzes it. The data is examined based on the approach in this step. The research findings are reviewed and reported.

Data analysis involves a number of closely related stages, such as setting up categories, applying these categories to raw data through coding and tabulation, and then drawing statistical conclusions. The researcher can examine the acquired data using a variety of statistical methods.

Step 8: The Report-writing

After completing these steps, the researcher must prepare a report detailing his findings. The report must be carefully composed with the following in mind:

• The Layout: On the first page, the title, date, acknowledgments, and preface should be on the report. A table of contents should be followed by a list of tables, graphs, and charts if any.
• Introduction: It should state the research’s purpose and methods. This section should include the study’s scope and limits.
• Summary of Findings: A non-technical summary of findings and recommendations will follow the introduction. The findings should be summarized if they’re lengthy.
• Principal Report: The main body of the report should make sense and be broken up into sections that are easy to understand.
• Conclusion: The researcher should restate his findings at the end of the main text. It’s the final result.

LEARN ABOUT: 12 Best Tools for Researchers

The research process involves several steps that make it easy to complete the research successfully. The steps in the research process described above depend on each other, and the order must be kept. So, if we want to do a research project, we should follow the research process steps.

QuestionPro’s enterprise-grade research platform can collect survey and qualitative observation data. The tool’s nature allows for data processing and essential decisions. The platform lets you store and process data. Start immediately!

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Home » Research Process – Steps, Examples and Tips

Research Process – Steps, Examples and Tips

Table of Contents

Research Process

Definition:

Research Process is a systematic and structured approach that involves the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data or information to answer a specific research question or solve a particular problem.

Research Process Steps

Research Process Steps are as follows:

Identify the Research Question or Problem

This is the first step in the research process. It involves identifying a problem or question that needs to be addressed. The research question should be specific, relevant, and focused on a particular area of interest.

Conduct a Literature Review

Once the research question has been identified, the next step is to conduct a literature review. This involves reviewing existing research and literature on the topic to identify any gaps in knowledge or areas where further research is needed. A literature review helps to provide a theoretical framework for the research and also ensures that the research is not duplicating previous work.

Formulate a Hypothesis or Research Objectives

Based on the research question and literature review, the researcher can formulate a hypothesis or research objectives. A hypothesis is a statement that can be tested to determine its validity, while research objectives are specific goals that the researcher aims to achieve through the research.

Design a Research Plan and Methodology

This step involves designing a research plan and methodology that will enable the researcher to collect and analyze data to test the hypothesis or achieve the research objectives. The research plan should include details on the sample size, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques that will be used.

Collect and Analyze Data

This step involves collecting and analyzing data according to the research plan and methodology. Data can be collected through various methods, including surveys, interviews, observations, or experiments. The data analysis process involves cleaning and organizing the data, applying statistical and analytical techniques to the data, and interpreting the results.

Interpret the Findings and Draw Conclusions

After analyzing the data, the researcher must interpret the findings and draw conclusions. This involves assessing the validity and reliability of the results and determining whether the hypothesis was supported or not. The researcher must also consider any limitations of the research and discuss the implications of the findings.

Communicate the Results

Finally, the researcher must communicate the results of the research through a research report, presentation, or publication. The research report should provide a detailed account of the research process, including the research question, literature review, research methodology, data analysis, findings, and conclusions. The report should also include recommendations for further research in the area.

Review and Revise

The research process is an iterative one, and it is important to review and revise the research plan and methodology as necessary. Researchers should assess the quality of their data and methods, reflect on their findings, and consider areas for improvement.

Ethical Considerations

Throughout the research process, ethical considerations must be taken into account. This includes ensuring that the research design protects the welfare of research participants, obtaining informed consent, maintaining confidentiality and privacy, and avoiding any potential harm to participants or their communities.

Dissemination and Application

The final step in the research process is to disseminate the findings and apply the research to real-world settings. Researchers can share their findings through academic publications, presentations at conferences, or media coverage. The research can be used to inform policy decisions, develop interventions, or improve practice in the relevant field.

Research Process Example

Following is a Research Process Example:

Research Question : What are the effects of a plant-based diet on athletic performance in high school athletes?

Step 1: Background Research Conduct a literature review to gain a better understanding of the existing research on the topic. Read academic articles and research studies related to plant-based diets, athletic performance, and high school athletes.

Step 2: Develop a Hypothesis Based on the literature review, develop a hypothesis that a plant-based diet positively affects athletic performance in high school athletes.

Step 3: Design the Study Design a study to test the hypothesis. Decide on the study population, sample size, and research methods. For this study, you could use a survey to collect data on dietary habits and athletic performance from a sample of high school athletes who follow a plant-based diet and a sample of high school athletes who do not follow a plant-based diet.

Step 4: Collect Data Distribute the survey to the selected sample and collect data on dietary habits and athletic performance.

Step 5: Analyze Data Use statistical analysis to compare the data from the two samples and determine if there is a significant difference in athletic performance between those who follow a plant-based diet and those who do not.

Step 6 : Interpret Results Interpret the results of the analysis in the context of the research question and hypothesis. Discuss any limitations or potential biases in the study design.

Step 7: Draw Conclusions Based on the results, draw conclusions about whether a plant-based diet has a significant effect on athletic performance in high school athletes. If the hypothesis is supported by the data, discuss potential implications and future research directions.

Step 8: Communicate Findings Communicate the findings of the study in a clear and concise manner. Use appropriate language, visuals, and formats to ensure that the findings are understood and valued.

Applications of Research Process

The research process has numerous applications across a wide range of fields and industries. Some examples of applications of the research process include:

• Scientific research: The research process is widely used in scientific research to investigate phenomena in the natural world and develop new theories or technologies. This includes fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science.
• Social sciences : The research process is commonly used in social sciences to study human behavior, social structures, and institutions. This includes fields such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, and economics.
• Education: The research process is used in education to study learning processes, curriculum design, and teaching methodologies. This includes research on student achievement, teacher effectiveness, and educational policy.
• Healthcare: The research process is used in healthcare to investigate medical conditions, develop new treatments, and evaluate healthcare interventions. This includes fields such as medicine, nursing, and public health.
• Business and industry : The research process is used in business and industry to study consumer behavior, market trends, and develop new products or services. This includes market research, product development, and customer satisfaction research.
• Government and policy : The research process is used in government and policy to evaluate the effectiveness of policies and programs, and to inform policy decisions. This includes research on social welfare, crime prevention, and environmental policy.

Purpose of Research Process

The purpose of the research process is to systematically and scientifically investigate a problem or question in order to generate new knowledge or solve a problem. The research process enables researchers to:

• Identify gaps in existing knowledge: By conducting a thorough literature review, researchers can identify gaps in existing knowledge and develop research questions that address these gaps.
• Collect and analyze data : The research process provides a structured approach to collecting and analyzing data. Researchers can use a variety of research methods, including surveys, experiments, and interviews, to collect data that is valid and reliable.
• Test hypotheses : The research process allows researchers to test hypotheses and make evidence-based conclusions. Through the systematic analysis of data, researchers can draw conclusions about the relationships between variables and develop new theories or models.
• Solve problems: The research process can be used to solve practical problems and improve real-world outcomes. For example, researchers can develop interventions to address health or social problems, evaluate the effectiveness of policies or programs, and improve organizational processes.
• Generate new knowledge : The research process is a key way to generate new knowledge and advance understanding in a given field. By conducting rigorous and well-designed research, researchers can make significant contributions to their field and help to shape future research.

Tips for Research Process

Here are some tips for the research process:

• Start with a clear research question : A well-defined research question is the foundation of a successful research project. It should be specific, relevant, and achievable within the given time frame and resources.
• Conduct a thorough literature review: A comprehensive literature review will help you to identify gaps in existing knowledge, build on previous research, and avoid duplication. It will also provide a theoretical framework for your research.
• Choose appropriate research methods: Select research methods that are appropriate for your research question, objectives, and sample size. Ensure that your methods are valid, reliable, and ethical.
• Be organized and systematic: Keep detailed notes throughout the research process, including your research plan, methodology, data collection, and analysis. This will help you to stay organized and ensure that you don’t miss any important details.
• Analyze data rigorously: Use appropriate statistical and analytical techniques to analyze your data. Ensure that your analysis is valid, reliable, and transparent.
• I nterpret results carefully : Interpret your results in the context of your research question and objectives. Consider any limitations or potential biases in your research design, and be cautious in drawing conclusions.
• Communicate effectively: Communicate your research findings clearly and effectively to your target audience. Use appropriate language, visuals, and formats to ensure that your findings are understood and valued.
• Collaborate and seek feedback : Collaborate with other researchers, experts, or stakeholders in your field. Seek feedback on your research design, methods, and findings to ensure that they are relevant, meaningful, and impactful.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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Research Process: A Step-By-Step Guide: Get Started

• Get Started
• 1a. Select a Topic
• 1b. Develop Research Questions
• 1c. Identify Keywords
• 1d. Find Background Information
• 1e. Refine a Topic
• 2a. Books & E-Books
• 2b. Videos & Images
• 2c. Articles
• 2d. Websites
• 2e. Grey Literature
• 2f. Search Strategies
• 3a. Evaluate Sources
• 3b. Primary vs. Secondary
• 3c. Types of Periodicals
• 4a. Take Notes
• 4b. Outline the Paper
• 4c. Incorporate Source Material
• 5a. Avoid Plagiarism
• 5b. Works Cited Examples
• 5c. Annotated Bibliographies

Research Process Overview

Step 1.  Develop a topic Select a Topic | Develop Research Questions | Identify Keywords | Find Background Information | Refine a Topic

Step 2. Locate information Books & E-Books | Videos & Images | Articles  | Websites | Grey Literature | Search Strategies

Step 3. Evaluate and analyze information Evaluate Sources | Primary vs Secondary | Types of Periodicals

Step 4. Write, organize, and communicate information Take Notes | Outline the Paper | Incorporate Source Material

Step 5. Cite sources Avoid Plagiarism |  Works Cited Examples | Annotated Bibliographies

Related Information

• Academic Support Center Provides writing help and tutoring services to MSUB students.
• APA Citation Style
• Chicago Citation Style
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• Turabian Citation Style

Recommended Book

Recommended E-Book

• Next: Step 1: Develop a Topic >>
• Last Updated: Aug 1, 2024 4:25 PM
• URL: https://libguides.msubillings.edu/researchprocess

Key Steps in the Research Process - A Comprehensive Guide

Embarking on a research journey can be both thrilling and challenging. Whether you're a student, journalist, or simply inquisitive about a subject, grasping the research process steps is vital for conducting thorough and efficient research. In this all-encompassing guide, we'll navigate you through the pivotal stages of what is the research process, from pinpointing your topic to showcasing your discoveries.

We'll delve into how to formulate a robust research question, undertake preliminary research, and devise a structured research plan. You'll acquire strategies for gathering and scrutinizing data, along with advice for effectively disseminating your findings. By adhering to these steps in the research process, you'll be fully prepared to confront any research endeavor that presents itself.

Step 1: Identify and Develop Your Topic

Identifying and cultivating a research topic is the foundational first step in the research process. Kick off by brainstorming potential subjects that captivate your interest, as this will fuel your enthusiasm throughout the endeavor. 

Employ the following tactics to spark ideas and understand what is the first step in the research process:

• Review course materials, lecture notes, and assigned readings for inspiration
• Engage in discussions with peers, professors, or experts in the field
• Investigate current events, news pieces, or social media trends pertinent to your field of study to uncover valuable market research insights.
• Reflect on personal experiences or observations that have sparked your curiosity

Once you've compiled a roster of possible topics, engage in preliminary research to evaluate the viability and breadth of each concept. This initial probe may encompass various research steps and procedures to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the topics at hand.

• Scanning Wikipedia articles or other general reference sources for an overview
• Searching for scholarly articles, books, or media related to your topic
• Identifying key concepts, theories, or debates within the field
• Considering the availability of primary sources or data for analysis

While amassing background knowledge, begin to concentrate your focus and hone your topic. Target a subject that is specific enough to be feasible within your project's limits, yet expansive enough to permit substantial analysis. Mull over the following inquiries to steer your topic refinement and address the research problem effectively:

• What aspect of the topic am I most interested in exploring?
• What questions or problems related to this topic remain unanswered or unresolved?
• How can I contribute new insights or perspectives to the existing body of knowledge?
• What resources and methods will I need to investigate this topic effectively?

Step 2: Conduct Preliminary Research

Having pinpointed a promising research topic, it's time to plunge into preliminary research. This essential phase enables you to deepen your grasp of the subject and evaluate the practicality of your project. Here are some pivotal tactics for executing effective preliminary research using various library resources:

• Literature Review

To effectively embark on your scholarly journey, it's essential to consult a broad spectrum of sources, thereby enriching your understanding with the breadth of academic research available on your topic. This exploration may encompass a variety of materials.

• Online catalogs of libraries (local, regional, national, and special)
• Meta-catalogs and subject-specific online article databases
• Digital institutional repositories and open access resources
• Works cited in scholarly books and articles
• Print bibliographies and internet sources
• Websites of major nonprofit organizations, research institutes, museums, universities, and government agencies
• Trade and scholarly publishers
• Discussions with fellow scholars and peers
• Identify Key Debates

Engaging with the wealth of recently published materials and seminal works in your field is a pivotal part of the research process definition. Focus on discerning the core ideas, debates, and arguments that define your topic, which will in turn sharpen your research focus and guide you toward formulating pertinent research questions.

• Narrow Your Focus

Hone your topic by leveraging your initial findings to tackle a specific issue or facet within the larger subject, a fundamental step in the research process steps. Consider various factors that could influence the direction and scope of your inquiry.

• Subtopics and specific issues
• Key debates and controversies
• Timeframes and geographical locations
• Organizations or groups of people involved

A thorough evaluation of existing literature and a comprehensive assessment of the information at hand will pinpoint the exact dimensions of the issue you aim to explore. This methodology ensures alignment with prior research, optimizes resources, and can bolster your case when seeking research funding by demonstrating a well-founded approach.

Step 3: Establish Your Research Question

Having completed your preliminary research and topic refinement, the next vital phase involves formulating a precise and focused research question. This question, a cornerstone among research process steps, will steer your investigation, keeping it aligned with relevant data and insights. When devising your research question, take into account these critical factors:

Initiate your inquiry by defining the requirements and goals of your study, a key step in the research process steps. Whether you're testing a hypothesis, analyzing data, or constructing and supporting an argument, grasping the intent of your research is crucial for framing your question effectively.

Ensure that your research question is feasible, given your constraints in time and word count, an important consideration in the research process steps. Steer clear of questions that are either too expansive or too constricted, as they may impede your capacity to conduct a comprehensive analysis.

Your research question should transcend a mere 'yes' or 'no' response, prompting a thorough engagement with the research process steps. It should foster a comprehensive exploration of the topic, facilitating the analysis of issues or problems beyond just a basic description.

• Researchability

Ensure that your research question opens the door to quality research materials, including academic books and refereed journal articles. It's essential to weigh the accessibility of primary data and secondary data that will bolster your investigative efforts.

When establishing your research question, take the following steps:

• Identify the specific aspect of your general topic that you want to explore
• Hypothesize the path your answer might take, developing a hypothesis after formulating the question
• Steer clear of certain types of questions in your research process steps, such as those that are deceptively simple, fictional, stacked, semantic, impossible-to-answer, opinion or ethical, and anachronistic, to maintain the integrity of your inquiry.
• Conduct a self-test on your research question to confirm it adheres to the research process steps, ensuring it is flexible, testable, clear, precise, and underscores a distinct reason for its importance.

By meticulously formulating your research question, you're establishing a solid groundwork for the subsequent research process steps, guaranteeing that your efforts are directed, efficient, and yield productive outcomes.

Step 4: Develop a Research Plan

Having formulated a precise research question, the ensuing phase involves developing a detailed research plan. This plan, integral to the research process steps, acts as a navigational guide for your project, keeping you organized, concentrated, and on a clear path to accomplishing your research objectives. When devising your research plan, consider these pivotal components:

• Project Goals and Objectives

Articulate the specific aims and objectives of your research project with clarity. These should be in harmony with your research question and provide a structured framework for your investigation, ultimately aligning with your overarching business goals.

• Research Methods

Select the most appropriate research tools and statistical methods to address your question effectively. This may include a variety of qualitative and quantitative approaches to ensure comprehensive analysis.

• Quantitative methods (e.g., surveys, experiments)
• Qualitative methods (e.g., interviews, focus groups)
• Mixed methods (combining quantitative and qualitative approaches)
• Access to databases, archives, or special collections
• Specialized equipment or software
• Funding for travel, materials, or participant compensation
• Assistance from research assistants, librarians, or subject matter experts
• Participant Recruitment

If your research involves human subjects, develop a strategic plan for recruiting participants. Consider factors such as the inclusion of diverse ethnic groups and the use of user interviews to gather rich, qualitative data.

• Target population and sample size
• Inclusion and exclusion criteria
• Recruitment strategies (e.g., flyers, social media, snowball sampling)
• Informed consent procedures
• Instruments or tools for gathering data (e.g., questionnaires, interview guides)
• Data storage and management protocols
• Statistical or qualitative analysis techniques
• Software or tools for data analysis (e.g., SPSS, NVivo)

Create a realistic project strategy for your research project, breaking it down into manageable stages or milestones. Consider factors such as resource availability and potential bottlenecks.

• Literature review and background research
• IRB approval (if applicable)
• Participant recruitment and data collection
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Writing and revising your findings
• Dissemination of results (e.g., presentations, publications)

By developing a comprehensive research plan, incorporating key research process steps, you'll be better equipped to anticipate challenges, allocate resources effectively, and ensure the integrity and rigor of your research process. Remember to remain flexible and adaptable to navigate unexpected obstacles or opportunities that may arise.

Step 5: Conduct the Research

With your research plan in place, it's time to dive into the data collection phase. As you conduct your research, adhere to the established research process steps to ensure the integrity and quality of your findings.

Conduct your research in accordance with federal regulations, state laws, institutional SOPs, and policies. Familiarize yourself with the IRB-approved protocol and follow it diligently, as part of the essential research process steps.

• Roles and Responsibilities

Understand and adhere to the roles and responsibilities of the principal investigator and other research team members. Maintain open communication lines with all stakeholders, including the sponsor and IRB, to foster cross-functional collaboration.

• Data Management

Develop and maintain an effective system for data collection and storage, utilizing advanced research tools. Ensure that each member of the research team has seamless access to the most up-to-date documents, including the informed consent document, protocol, and case report forms.

• Quality Assurance

Implement comprehensive quality assurance measures to verify that the study adheres strictly to the IRB-approved protocol, institutional policy, and all required regulations. Confirm that all study activities are executed as planned and that any deviations are addressed with precision and appropriateness.

• Participant Eligibility

As part of the essential research process steps, verify that potential study subjects meet all eligibility criteria and none of the ineligibility criteria before advancing with the research.

To maintain the highest standards of academic integrity and ethical conduct:

• Conduct research with unwavering honesty in all facets, including experimental design, data generation, and analysis, as well as the publication of results, as these are critical research process steps.
• Maintain a climate conducive to conducting research in strict accordance with good research practices, ensuring each step of the research process is meticulously observed.
• Provide appropriate supervision and training for researchers.
• Encourage open discussion of ideas and the widest dissemination of results possible.
• Keep clear and accurate records of research methods and results.
• Exercise a duty of care to all those involved in the research.

When collecting and assimilating data:

• Use professional online data analysis tools to streamline the process.
• Use metadata for context
• Assign codes or labels to facilitate grouping or comparison
• Convert data into different formats or scales for compatibility
• Organize documents in both the study participant and investigator's study regulatory files, creating a central repository for easy access and reference, as this organization is a pivotal step in the research process.

By adhering to these guidelines and upholding a commitment to ethical and rigorous research practices, you'll be well-equipped to conduct your research effectively and contribute meaningful insights to your field of study, thereby enhancing the integrity of the research process steps.

Step 6: Analyze and Interpret Data

Embarking on the research process steps, once you have gathered your research data, the subsequent critical phase is to delve into analysis and interpretation. This stage demands a meticulous examination of the data, spotting trends, and forging insightful conclusions that directly respond to your research question. Reflect on these tactics for a robust approach to data analysis and interpretation:

• Organize and Clean Your Data

A pivotal aspect of the research process steps is to start by structuring your data in an orderly and coherent fashion. This organizational task may encompass:

• Creating a spreadsheet or database to store your data
• Assigning codes or labels to facilitate grouping or comparison
• Cleaning the data by removing any errors, inconsistencies, or missing values
• Converting data into different formats or scales for compatibility
• Calculating measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode)
• Determining measures of variability (range, standard deviation)
• Creating frequency tables or histograms to visualize the distribution of your data
• Identifying any outliers or unusual patterns in your data
• Perform Inferential Analysis

Integral to the research process steps, you might engage in inferential analysis to evaluate hypotheses or extrapolate findings to a broader demographic, contingent on your research design and query. This analytical step may include:

• Selecting appropriate statistical tests (e.g., t-tests, ANOVA, regression analysis)
• As part of the research process steps, establishing a significance threshold (e.g., p < 0.05) is essential to gauge the likelihood of your results being a random occurrence rather than a significant finding.
• Interpreting the results of your statistical tests in the context of your research question
• Considering the practical significance of your findings, in addition to statistical significance

When interpreting your data, it's essential to:

• Look for relationships, patterns, and trends in your data
• Consider alternative explanations for your findings
• Acknowledge any limitations or potential biases in your research design or data collection
• Leverage data visualization techniques such as graphs, charts, and infographics to articulate your research findings with clarity and impact, thereby enhancing the communicative value of your data.
• Seek feedback from peers, mentors, or subject matter experts to validate your interpretations

It's important to recognize that data interpretation is a cyclical process that hinges on critical thinking, inventiveness, and the readiness to refine your conclusions with emerging insights. By tackling data analysis and interpretation with diligence and openness, you're setting the stage to derive meaningful and justifiable inferences from your research, in line with the research process steps.

Step 7: Present the Findings

After meticulous analysis and interpretation of your research findings, as dictated by the research process steps, the moment arrives to disseminate your insights. Effectively presenting your research is key to captivating your audience and conveying the importance of your findings. Employ these strategies to create an engaging and persuasive presentation:

• Organize Your Findings : 

Use the PEEL method to structure your presentation:

• Point: Clearly state your main argument or finding
• Evidence: Present the data and analysis that support your point
• Explanation: Provide context and interpret the significance of your evidence
• Link: Connect your findings to the broader research question or field
• Tailor Your Message

Understanding your audience is crucial to effective communication. When presenting your research, it's important to tailor your message to their background, interests, and level of expertise, effectively employing user personas to guide your approach.

• Use clear, concise language and explain technical terms
• Highlight what makes your research unique and impactful
• Craft a compelling narrative with a clear structure and hook
• Share the big picture, emphasizing the significance of your findings
• Engage Your Audience : Make your presentation enjoyable and memorable by incorporating creative elements:
• Use visual aids, such as tables, charts, and graphs, to communicate your findings effectively
• To vividly convey your research journey, consider employing storytelling techniques, such as UX comics or storyboards, which can make complex information more accessible and engaging.
• Injecting humor and personality into your presentation can be a powerful tool for communication. Utilize funny messages or GIFs to lighten the mood, breaking up tension and refocusing attention, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of humor in communication.

By adhering to these strategies, you'll be well-prepared to present your research findings in a manner that's both clear and captivating. Ensure you follow research process steps such as citing your sources accurately and discussing the broader implications of your work, providing actionable recommendations, and delineating the subsequent phases for integrating your findings into broader practice or policy frameworks.

The research process is an intricate journey that demands meticulous planning, steadfast execution, and incisive analysis. By adhering to the fundamental research process steps outlined in this guide, from pinpointing your topic to showcasing your findings, you're setting yourself up for conducting research that's both effective and influential. Keep in mind that the research journey is iterative, often necessitating revisits to certain stages as fresh insights surface or unforeseen challenges emerge.

As you commence your research journey, seize the chance to contribute novel insights to your field and forge a positive global impact. By tackling your research with curiosity, integrity, and a dedication to excellence, you're paving the way towards attaining your research aspirations and making a substantial difference with your work, all while following the critical research process steps.

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The Research Process | Steps, How to Start & Tips

Introduction

Basic steps in the research process, conducting a literature review, designing the research project, collecting and analyzing data.

• Interpretation, conclusion and presentation of findings

Key principles for conducting research

The research process is a systematic method used to gather information and answer specific questions. The process ensures the findings are credible, high-quality, and applicable to a broader context. It can vary slightly between disciplines but typically follows a structured pathway from initial inquiry to final presentation of results.

What is the research process?

At its core, the research process involves several fundamental activities: identifying a topic that needs further investigation, reviewing existing knowledge on the subject, forming a precise research question , and designing a method to investigate it. This is followed by collecting and analyzing data , interpreting the results, and reporting the findings. Each step is crucial and builds upon the previous one, requiring meticulous attention to detail and rigorous methodology.

The research process is important because it provides a scientific basis for decision-making. Whether in academic, scientific, or commercial fields, research helps us understand complex issues, develop new tools or products, and improve existing practices. By adhering to a structured research process , researchers can produce results that are not only insightful but also transparent so that others can understand how the findings were developed and build on them in future studies. The integrity of the research process is essential for advancing knowledge and making informed decisions that can have significant social, economic, and scientific impacts.

The research process fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It demands a clear articulation of a problem, thorough investigation, and thoughtful interpretation of data, all of which are valuable skills in any professional field. By following this process, researchers are better equipped to tackle complex questions and contribute meaningful solutions to real-world problems.

From finding the key theoretical concepts to presenting the research findings in a report, every step in the research process forms a cohesive pathway that supports researchers in systematically uncovering deep insights and generating meaningful knowledge, which is crucial for the success of any qualitative investigation.

Identifying key theoretical concepts

The first step in the research process involves finding the key theoretical concepts or words that specify the research topic and are always included in the title of the investigation. Without a definition, these words have no sense or meaning (Daft, 1995). To identify these concepts, a researcher must ask which theoretical keywords are implicit in the investigation. To answer this question a researcher should identify the logical relationships among the two words that catch the focus of the investigation. It is also crucial that researchers provide clear definitions for their theoretical keywords. The title of the research can then include these theoretical keywords and signal how they are being studied.

A piece of useful advice is to draw a conceptual map to visualize the direct or indirect relationships between the key theoretical words and choose a relationship between them as the focus of the investigation.

Developing a research question

One of the most important steps in the research endeavor is identifying a research question. Research questions answer aspects of the topic that need more knowledge or shed light on information that has to be prioritized before others. It is the first step in identifying which participants or type of data collection methods. Research questions put into practice the conceptual framework and make the initial theoretical concepts more explicit.

A research question carries a different implicit meaning depending on how it is framed. Questions starting with what, who, and where usually identify a phenomenon or elements of one, while how, why, when and how much describe, explain, predict or control a phenomenon.

Overall, research questions must be clear, focused and complex. They must also generate knowledge relevant to society and the answers must pose a comprehensive understanding that contributes to the scientific community.

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A literature review is the synthesis of the existing body of research relevant to a research topic . It allows researchers to identify the current state of the art of knowledge of a particular topic. When conducting research, it is the foundation and guides the researcher to the knowledge gaps that need to be covered to best contribute to the scientific community.

Common methodologies include miniaturized or complete reviews, descriptive or integrated reviews, narrative reviews, theoretical reviews, methodological reviews and systematic reviews.

When navigating through the literature, researchers must try to answer their research question with the most current peer-reviewed research when finding relevant data for a research project. It is important to use the existing literature in at least two different databases and adapt the key concepts to amplify their search. Researchers also pay attention to the titles, summaries and references of each article. It is recommended to have a research diary for useful previous research as it could be the researcher´s go-to source when writing the final report.

A good research design involves data analysis methods suited to the research question, and where data collection generates appropriate data for the analysis method (Willig, 2001).

Designing a qualitative study is a critical step in the research process, serving as the blueprint for the research study. This phase is a fundamental part of the planning process, ensuring that the chosen research methods align perfectly with the research's purpose. During this stage, a researcher decides on a specific approach—such as narrative , phenomenological , grounded theory , ethnographic , or case study —tailoring the design to the unique research problem and needs of the research project. By carefully selecting the research method and planning how to approach the data, researchers can ensure that their work remains focused and relevant to the intended study area.

A well-constructed research design is vital for maintaining the integrity and credibility of the study. It guides the researcher through the research process steps, from data collection to analysis, helping to manage and mitigate potential interpretations and errors. This detailed planning is crucial, particularly in qualitative studies, where the depth of understanding and interpretive nature of analysis can significantly influence outcomes.

The design of a qualitative study is more than a procedural formality; it is a strategic component of the research that enhances the quality of the results. It requires thoughtful consideration of the research question, ensuring that every aspect of the methodology contributes effectively to the overarching goals of the project.

Collecting data

Gathering data can involve various methods tailored to the study's specific needs. To collect data , techniques may include interviews , focus groups, surveys and observations , each chosen for its ability to target a specific group relevant to the research population. For example, focus groups might explore attitudes within a specific age group, while observations might analyze behaviours in a community for population research projects. Data may also come from secondary sources with quantitative and qualitative approaches such as library resources, market research, customer feedback or employee evaluations.

Effective data management is crucial, ensuring that primary data from direct collection and secondary data from sources like public health records are organized and maintained properly. This step is vital for maintaining the integrity of the data throughout the research process steps, supporting the overall goal of conducting thorough and coherent research.

Analyzing data

Once research data has been collected, the next critical step is to analyze the data. This phase is crucial for transforming raw data into high-quality information for meaningful research findings.

Analyzing qualitative data often involves coding and thematic analysis , which helps identify patterns and themes within the data. While qualitative research typically does not focus on drawing statistical conclusions, integrating basic statistical methods can sometimes add depth to the data interpretation, especially in mixed-methods research where quantitative data complements qualitative insights.

In each of the research process steps, researchers utilize various research tools and techniques to conduct research and analyze the data systematically. This may include computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) such as ATLAS.ti, which assists in organizing, sorting, and coding the data efficiently. It can also host the research diary and apply analysis methods such as word frequencies and network visualizations.

Interpretation, conclusion and presentation of research findings

Interpreting research findings.

By meticulously following systematic procedures and working through the data, researchers can ensure that their interpretations are grounded in the actual data collected, enhancing the trustworthiness and credibility of the research findings.

The interpretation of data is not merely about extracting information but also involves making sense of the data in the context of the existing literature and research objectives. This step is not only about what the data is, but what it means in the broader context of the study, enabling researchers to draw insightful conclusions that contribute to the academic and practical understanding of the field.

Concluding and presenting research findings

The final step is concluding and presenting the research data which are crucial for transforming analyzed data into meaningful insights and credible findings.

The results are typically shared in a research report or academic paper, detailing the findings and contextualizing them within the broader field. This document outlines how the insights contribute to existing knowledge, suggests areas for future research, and may propose practical applications.

Effective presentation is key to ensuring that these findings reach and impact the intended audience. This involves not just articulating the conclusions clearly but also using engaging formats and visual aids to enhance comprehension and engagement with the research.

The research process is a dynamic journey, characterized by a series of systematic research process steps designed to guide researchers successfully from inception to conclusion. Each step—from designing the study and collecting data to analyzing results and drawing conclusions—plays a critical role in ensuring the integrity and credibility of the research.

Qualitative research is guided by key principles designed to ensure the rigour and depth of the research study. Credibility is crucial, achieved through accurate representations of participant experiences, often verified by peer-review revision. Transferability is addressed by providing rich context, allowing others to evaluate the applicability of findings to similar settings. Dependability emphasizes the stability and consistency of data, maintained through detailed documentation of the research process (such as in a research diary), facilitating an audit trail. This aligns with confirmability, where the neutrality of the data is safeguarded by documenting researcher interpretations and decisions, ensuring findings are shaped by participants and not researcher predispositions.

Ethical integrity is paramount, upholding standards like informed consent and confidentiality to protect participant rights throughout the research journey. Qualitative research also strives for a richness and depth of data that captures the complex nature of human experiences and interactions, often exploring these phenomena through an iterative learning process. This involves cycles of data collection and analysis, allowing for ongoing adjustments based on emerging insights. Lastly, a holistic perspective is adopted to view phenomena in their entirety, considering all aspects of the context and environment, which enriches the understanding and relevance of the research outcomes. Together, these principles ensure qualitative research is both profound and ethically conducted, yielding meaningful and applicable insights.

Daft, R. L. (1995). Organization Theory and Design. West Publishing Company.

Willig, C. (2001). Introducing Qualitative Research in Psychology: Adventures in Theory and Method. McGraw-Hill Companies, Incorporated.

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The seven steps of the research process.

1. Seven Steps of the Research Process

The following seven steps outline a simple and effective strategy for finding information for a research paper and documenting the sources you find.

Depending on your topic and your familiarity with the library or web resources, you may need to rearrange or recycle these steps.

1a. Identify and Develop Your Topic

When you're starting a research project, it can be helpful to state your topic as a question.

Once you've phrased your topic as a question to be answered, you can identify the main concepts or keywords in that question.

1b. Find Background Information

Before getting too deep into research, it's important to ensure you have solid background information on your topic.

A great way of finding background information is looking up your keywords in the indexes of subject encyclopedias. Then, you can read articles in these encyclopedias to set the context for your research.

You can also note any relevant items in the bibliographies at the end of the encyclopedia articles and look into those sources for further research.

1c. Use Catalogs to Find Books and Media

If you go to a public or academic library to do your research, use guided keyword searching to find materials by topic or subject in the library catalogue. Print or write down the citation (author, title, etc.) and the location information (call number).

When you pull the book from the shelf, scan the bibliography for additional sources. Watch for book-length bibliographies and annual reviews on your subject because they list citations to hundreds of books and articles in one subject area.

1d. Use Indexes to Find Periodical Articles

Next, you can use periodical indexes and abstracts to find citations to articles. The indexes and abstracts may be in print, in computer-based formats, or in both.

Choose the indexes and format best suited to your particular topic; ask at the reference desk if you need help figuring out which index and format will be best. You can find periodical articles by the article author, title, or keyword using the periodical indexes in the library's catalogue.

1e. Find Internet Resources

Using a search engine, such as Google, is often an efficient way to find web-based sources on your topic.

If you are searching for material that includes key phrases, a good strategy is to use quotation marks around these phrases in the search box. This ensures that you will only be shown results in which the words in those phrases appear together.

1f. Evaluate What You Find

You now need to evaluate the authority and quality of the books and articles you located.

If you have found too many or too few sources, you may need to narrow or broaden your topic. When you’re ready to write, keep an annotated list of books to help you organize, format, and draft your paper.

1g. Cite What You Find Using a Standard Format

In order to give credit where credit is due, you must cite your sources.

Citing or documenting the sources used in your research serves two purposes:

• It gives proper credit to the authors of the materials used.
• It allows readers to duplicate your research and locate the sources.

summary In this lesson, you learned that research is a process much like writing itself. The seven steps of the research process are identifying and developing your topic , finding background information , using catalogues to find books and media , using indexes to find periodical articles , finding internet resources , evaluating what you find , and citing what you find using a standard format . Depending on your topic and the amount of research experience you have, you may need to repeat or adjust some of these steps. Best of luck in your learning!

Source: This content has been adapted from Lumen Learning's "The Seven Steps of the Research Process" tutorial.

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3 The research process

In Chapter 1, we saw that scientific research is the process of acquiring scientific knowledge using the scientific method. But how is such research conducted? This chapter delves into the process of scientific research, and the assumptions and outcomes of the research process.

Paradigms of social research

Our design and conduct of research is shaped by our mental models, or frames of reference that we use to organise our reasoning and observations. These mental models or frames (belief systems) are called paradigms . The word ‘paradigm’ was popularised by Thomas Kuhn (1962) [1] in his book The structure of scientific r evolutions , where he examined the history of the natural sciences to identify patterns of activities that shape the progress of science. Similar ideas are applicable to social sciences as well, where a social reality can be viewed by different people in different ways, which may constrain their thinking and reasoning about the observed phenomenon. For instance, conservatives and liberals tend to have very different perceptions of the role of government in people’s lives, and hence, have different opinions on how to solve social problems. Conservatives may believe that lowering taxes is the best way to stimulate a stagnant economy because it increases people’s disposable income and spending, which in turn expands business output and employment. In contrast, liberals may believe that governments should invest more directly in job creation programs such as public works and infrastructure projects, which will increase employment and people’s ability to consume and drive the economy. Likewise, Western societies place greater emphasis on individual rights, such as one’s right to privacy, right of free speech, and right to bear arms. In contrast, Asian societies tend to balance the rights of individuals against the rights of families, organisations, and the government, and therefore tend to be more communal and less individualistic in their policies. Such differences in perspective often lead Westerners to criticise Asian governments for being autocratic, while Asians criticise Western societies for being greedy, having high crime rates, and creating a ‘cult of the individual’. Our personal paradigms are like ‘coloured glasses’ that govern how we view the world and how we structure our thoughts about what we see in the world.

Paradigms are often hard to recognise, because they are implicit, assumed, and taken for granted. However, recognising these paradigms is key to making sense of and reconciling differences in people’s perceptions of the same social phenomenon. For instance, why do liberals believe that the best way to improve secondary education is to hire more teachers, while conservatives believe that privatising education (using such means as school vouchers) is more effective in achieving the same goal? Conservatives place more faith in competitive markets (i.e., in free competition between schools competing for education dollars), while liberals believe more in labour (i.e., in having more teachers and schools). Likewise, in social science research, to understand why a certain technology was successfully implemented in one organisation, but failed miserably in another, a researcher looking at the world through a ‘rational lens’ will look for rational explanations of the problem, such as inadequate technology or poor fit between technology and the task context where it is being utilised. Another researcher looking at the same problem through a ‘social lens’ may seek out social deficiencies such as inadequate user training or lack of management support. Those seeing it through a ‘political lens’ will look for instances of organisational politics that may subvert the technology implementation process. Hence, subconscious paradigms often constrain the concepts that researchers attempt to measure, their observations, and their subsequent interpretations of a phenomenon. However, given the complex nature of social phenomena, it is possible that all of the above paradigms are partially correct, and that a fuller understanding of the problem may require an understanding and application of multiple paradigms.

Two popular paradigms today among social science researchers are positivism and post-positivism. Positivism , based on the works of French philosopher Auguste Comte (1798–1857), was the dominant scientific paradigm until the mid-twentieth century. It holds that science or knowledge creation should be restricted to what can be observed and measured. Positivism tends to rely exclusively on theories that can be directly tested. Though positivism was originally an attempt to separate scientific inquiry from religion (where the precepts could not be objectively observed), positivism led to empiricism or a blind faith in observed data and a rejection of any attempt to extend or reason beyond observable facts. Since human thoughts and emotions could not be directly measured, they were not considered to be legitimate topics for scientific research. Frustrations with the strictly empirical nature of positivist philosophy led to the development of post-positivism (or postmodernism) during the mid-late twentieth century. Post-positivism argues that one can make reasonable inferences about a phenomenon by combining empirical observations with logical reasoning. Post-positivists view science as not certain but probabilistic (i.e., based on many contingencies), and often seek to explore these contingencies to understand social reality better. The post-positivist camp has further fragmented into subjectivists , who view the world as a subjective construction of our subjective minds rather than as an objective reality, and critical realists , who believe that there is an external reality that is independent of a person’s thinking but we can never know such reality with any degree of certainty.

Burrell and Morgan (1979), [2] in their seminal book Sociological p aradigms and organizational a nalysis , suggested that the way social science researchers view and study social phenomena is shaped by two fundamental sets of philosophical assumptions: ontology and epistemology. Ontology refers to our assumptions about how we see the world (e.g., does the world consist mostly of social order or constant change?). Epistemology refers to our assumptions about the best way to study the world (e.g., should we use an objective or subjective approach to study social reality?). Using these two sets of assumptions, we can categorise social science research as belonging to one of four categories (see Figure 3.1).

If researchers view the world as consisting mostly of social order (ontology) and hence seek to study patterns of ordered events or behaviours, and believe that the best way to study such a world is using an objective approach (epistemology) that is independent of the person conducting the observation or interpretation, such as by using standardised data collection tools like surveys, then they are adopting a paradigm of functionalism . However, if they believe that the best way to study social order is though the subjective interpretation of participants, such as by interviewing different participants and reconciling differences among their responses using their own subjective perspectives, then they are employing an interpretivism paradigm. If researchers believe that the world consists of radical change and seek to understand or enact change using an objectivist approach, then they are employing a radical structuralism paradigm. If they wish to understand social change using the subjective perspectives of the participants involved, then they are following a radical humanism paradigm.

To date, the majority of social science research has emulated the natural sciences, and followed the functionalist paradigm. Functionalists believe that social order or patterns can be understood in terms of their functional components, and therefore attempt to break down a problem into small components and studying one or more components in detail using objectivist techniques such as surveys and experimental research. However, with the emergence of post-positivist thinking, a small but growing number of social science researchers are attempting to understand social order using subjectivist techniques such as interviews and ethnographic studies. Radical humanism and radical structuralism continues to represent a negligible proportion of social science research, because scientists are primarily concerned with understanding generalisable patterns of behaviour, events, or phenomena, rather than idiosyncratic or changing events. Nevertheless, if you wish to study social change, such as why democratic movements are increasingly emerging in Middle Eastern countries, or why this movement was successful in Tunisia, took a longer path to success in Libya, and is still not successful in Syria, then perhaps radical humanism is the right approach for such a study. Social and organisational phenomena generally consist of elements of both order and change. For instance, organisational success depends on formalised business processes, work procedures, and job responsibilities, while being simultaneously constrained by a constantly changing mix of competitors, competing products, suppliers, and customer base in the business environment. Hence, a holistic and more complete understanding of social phenomena such as why some organisations are more successful than others, requires an appreciation and application of a multi-paradigmatic approach to research.

Overview of the research process

So how do our mental paradigms shape social science research? At its core, all scientific research is an iterative process of observation, rationalisation, and validation. In the observation phase, we observe a natural or social phenomenon, event, or behaviour that interests us. In the rationalisation phase, we try to make sense of the observed phenomenon, event, or behaviour by logically connecting the different pieces of the puzzle that we observe, which in some cases, may lead to the construction of a theory. Finally, in the validation phase, we test our theories using a scientific method through a process of data collection and analysis, and in doing so, possibly modify or extend our initial theory. However, research designs vary based on whether the researcher starts at observation and attempts to rationalise the observations (inductive research), or whether the researcher starts at an ex ante rationalisation or a theory and attempts to validate the theory (deductive research). Hence, the observation-rationalisation-validation cycle is very similar to the induction-deduction cycle of research discussed in Chapter 1.

Most traditional research tends to be deductive and functionalistic in nature. Figure 3.2 provides a schematic view of such a research project. This figure depicts a series of activities to be performed in functionalist research, categorised into three phases: exploration, research design, and research execution. Note that this generalised design is not a roadmap or flowchart for all research. It applies only to functionalistic research, and it can and should be modified to fit the needs of a specific project.

The first phase of research is exploration . This phase includes exploring and selecting research questions for further investigation, examining the published literature in the area of inquiry to understand the current state of knowledge in that area, and identifying theories that may help answer the research questions of interest.

The first step in the exploration phase is identifying one or more research questions dealing with a specific behaviour, event, or phenomena of interest. Research questions are specific questions about a behaviour, event, or phenomena of interest that you wish to seek answers for in your research. Examples include determining which factors motivate consumers to purchase goods and services online without knowing the vendors of these goods or services, how can we make high school students more creative, and why some people commit terrorist acts. Research questions can delve into issues of what, why, how, when, and so forth. More interesting research questions are those that appeal to a broader population (e.g., ‘how can firms innovate?’ is a more interesting research question than ‘how can Chinese firms innovate in the service-sector?’), address real and complex problems (in contrast to hypothetical or ‘toy’ problems), and where the answers are not obvious. Narrowly focused research questions (often with a binary yes/no answer) tend to be less useful and less interesting and less suited to capturing the subtle nuances of social phenomena. Uninteresting research questions generally lead to uninteresting and unpublishable research findings.

The next step is to conduct a literature review of the domain of interest. The purpose of a literature review is three-fold: one, to survey the current state of knowledge in the area of inquiry, two, to identify key authors, articles, theories, and findings in that area, and three, to identify gaps in knowledge in that research area. Literature review is commonly done today using computerised keyword searches in online databases. Keywords can be combined using Boolean operators such as ‘and’ and ‘or’ to narrow down or expand the search results. Once a shortlist of relevant articles is generated from the keyword search, the researcher must then manually browse through each article, or at least its abstract, to determine the suitability of that article for a detailed review. Literature reviews should be reasonably complete, and not restricted to a few journals, a few years, or a specific methodology. Reviewed articles may be summarised in the form of tables, and can be further structured using organising frameworks such as a concept matrix. A well-conducted literature review should indicate whether the initial research questions have already been addressed in the literature (which would obviate the need to study them again), whether there are newer or more interesting research questions available, and whether the original research questions should be modified or changed in light of the findings of the literature review. The review can also provide some intuitions or potential answers to the questions of interest and/or help identify theories that have previously been used to address similar questions.

Since functionalist (deductive) research involves theory-testing, the third step is to identify one or more theories can help address the desired research questions. While the literature review may uncover a wide range of concepts or constructs potentially related to the phenomenon of interest, a theory will help identify which of these constructs is logically relevant to the target phenomenon and how. Forgoing theories may result in measuring a wide range of less relevant, marginally relevant, or irrelevant constructs, while also minimising the chances of obtaining results that are meaningful and not by pure chance. In functionalist research, theories can be used as the logical basis for postulating hypotheses for empirical testing. Obviously, not all theories are well-suited for studying all social phenomena. Theories must be carefully selected based on their fit with the target problem and the extent to which their assumptions are consistent with that of the target problem. We will examine theories and the process of theorising in detail in the next chapter.

The next phase in the research process is research design . This process is concerned with creating a blueprint of the actions to take in order to satisfactorily answer the research questions identified in the exploration phase. This includes selecting a research method, operationalising constructs of interest, and devising an appropriate sampling strategy.

Operationalisation is the process of designing precise measures for abstract theoretical constructs. This is a major problem in social science research, given that many of the constructs, such as prejudice, alienation, and liberalism are hard to define, let alone measure accurately. Operationalisation starts with specifying an ‘operational definition’ (or ‘conceptualization’) of the constructs of interest. Next, the researcher can search the literature to see if there are existing pre-validated measures matching their operational definition that can be used directly or modified to measure their constructs of interest. If such measures are not available or if existing measures are poor or reflect a different conceptualisation than that intended by the researcher, new instruments may have to be designed for measuring those constructs. This means specifying exactly how exactly the desired construct will be measured (e.g., how many items, what items, and so forth). This can easily be a long and laborious process, with multiple rounds of pre-tests and modifications before the newly designed instrument can be accepted as ‘scientifically valid’. We will discuss operationalisation of constructs in a future chapter on measurement.

Simultaneously with operationalisation, the researcher must also decide what research method they wish to employ for collecting data to address their research questions of interest. Such methods may include quantitative methods such as experiments or survey research or qualitative methods such as case research or action research, or possibly a combination of both. If an experiment is desired, then what is the experimental design? If this is a survey, do you plan a mail survey, telephone survey, web survey, or a combination? For complex, uncertain, and multifaceted social phenomena, multi-method approaches may be more suitable, which may help leverage the unique strengths of each research method and generate insights that may not be obtained using a single method.

Researchers must also carefully choose the target population from which they wish to collect data, and a sampling strategy to select a sample from that population. For instance, should they survey individuals or firms or workgroups within firms? What types of individuals or firms do they wish to target? Sampling strategy is closely related to the unit of analysis in a research problem. While selecting a sample, reasonable care should be taken to avoid a biased sample (e.g., sample based on convenience) that may generate biased observations. Sampling is covered in depth in a later chapter.

At this stage, it is often a good idea to write a research proposal detailing all of the decisions made in the preceding stages of the research process and the rationale behind each decision. This multi-part proposal should address what research questions you wish to study and why, the prior state of knowledge in this area, theories you wish to employ along with hypotheses to be tested, how you intend to measure constructs, what research method is to be employed and why, and desired sampling strategy. Funding agencies typically require such a proposal in order to select the best proposals for funding. Even if funding is not sought for a research project, a proposal may serve as a useful vehicle for seeking feedback from other researchers and identifying potential problems with the research project (e.g., whether some important constructs were missing from the study) before starting data collection. This initial feedback is invaluable because it is often too late to correct critical problems after data is collected in a research study.

Having decided who to study (subjects), what to measure (concepts), and how to collect data (research method), the researcher is now ready to proceed to the research execution phase. This includes pilot testing the measurement instruments, data collection, and data analysis.

Pilot testing is an often overlooked but extremely important part of the research process. It helps detect potential problems in your research design and/or instrumentation (e.g., whether the questions asked are intelligible to the targeted sample), and to ensure that the measurement instruments used in the study are reliable and valid measures of the constructs of interest. The pilot sample is usually a small subset of the target population. After successful pilot testing, the researcher may then proceed with data collection using the sampled population. The data collected may be quantitative or qualitative, depending on the research method employed.

Following data collection, the data is analysed and interpreted for the purpose of drawing conclusions regarding the research questions of interest. Depending on the type of data collected (quantitative or qualitative), data analysis may be quantitative (e.g., employ statistical techniques such as regression or structural equation modelling) or qualitative (e.g., coding or content analysis).

The final phase of research involves preparing the final research report documenting the entire research process and its findings in the form of a research paper, dissertation, or monograph. This report should outline in detail all the choices made during the research process (e.g., theory used, constructs selected, measures used, research methods, sampling, etc.) and why, as well as the outcomes of each phase of the research process. The research process must be described in sufficient detail so as to allow other researchers to replicate your study, test the findings, or assess whether the inferences derived are scientifically acceptable. Of course, having a ready research proposal will greatly simplify and quicken the process of writing the finished report. Note that research is of no value unless the research process and outcomes are documented for future generations—such documentation is essential for the incremental progress of science.

Common mistakes in research

The research process is fraught with problems and pitfalls, and novice researchers often find, after investing substantial amounts of time and effort into a research project, that their research questions were not sufficiently answered, or that the findings were not interesting enough, or that the research was not of ‘acceptable’ scientific quality. Such problems typically result in research papers being rejected by journals. Some of the more frequent mistakes are described below.

Insufficiently motivated research questions. Often times, we choose our ‘pet’ problems that are interesting to us but not to the scientific community at large, i.e., it does not generate new knowledge or insight about the phenomenon being investigated. Because the research process involves a significant investment of time and effort on the researcher’s part, the researcher must be certain—and be able to convince others—that the research questions they seek to answer deal with real—and not hypothetical—problems that affect a substantial portion of a population and have not been adequately addressed in prior research.

Pursuing research fads. Another common mistake is pursuing ‘popular’ topics with limited shelf life. A typical example is studying technologies or practices that are popular today. Because research takes several years to complete and publish, it is possible that popular interest in these fads may die down by the time the research is completed and submitted for publication. A better strategy may be to study ‘timeless’ topics that have always persisted through the years.

Unresearchable problems. Some research problems may not be answered adequately based on observed evidence alone, or using currently accepted methods and procedures. Such problems are best avoided. However, some unresearchable, ambiguously defined problems may be modified or fine tuned into well-defined and useful researchable problems.

Favoured research methods. Many researchers have a tendency to recast a research problem so that it is amenable to their favourite research method (e.g., survey research). This is an unfortunate trend. Research methods should be chosen to best fit a research problem, and not the other way around.

Blind data mining. Some researchers have the tendency to collect data first (using instruments that are already available), and then figure out what to do with it. Note that data collection is only one step in a long and elaborate process of planning, designing, and executing research. In fact, a series of other activities are needed in a research process prior to data collection. If researchers jump into data collection without such elaborate planning, the data collected will likely be irrelevant, imperfect, or useless, and their data collection efforts may be entirely wasted. An abundance of data cannot make up for deficits in research planning and design, and particularly, for the lack of interesting research questions.

• Kuhn, T. (1962). The structure of scientific revolutions . Chicago: University of Chicago Press. ↵
• Burrell, G. & Morgan, G. (1979). Sociological paradigms and organisational analysis: elements of the sociology of corporate life . London: Heinemann Educational. ↵

Social Science Research: Principles, Methods and Practices (Revised edition) Copyright © 2019 by Anol Bhattacherjee is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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WashU Libraries

Conducting research.

• The Process
• Step 1: Exploring an idea
• Step 2: Finding background info.
• Step 3: Finding Print/E-Books
• Step 4: Finding Articles (Current Research)
• Step 5: Evaluating your sources
• Step 6: Citing your sources
• FAQs This link opens in a new window
• Library Vocabulary
• Research in the Humanities
• Research in the Social Sciences
• Research in the Sciences

The Research Process

If you have any questions, please reach out to a Subject Librarian.

The Research Process can be broken up into many steps. For the purposes of this guide, it has been broken into six (6) steps:

• Exploring an Idea
• Finding Background Information
• Gathering More Information
• Locating Current Research
• Evaluating your Sources
• Citing your Sources

Additionally, the guide also provides information on conducting research in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Sciences.

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• Last Updated: Sep 6, 2024 11:41 AM
• URL: https://libguides.wustl.edu/research

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The Research Process | Eight steps you need to carry out research

September 25, 2016 by admin 2 Comments

The research process eight steps

• Formulation of a research problem.
• Conceptualising a research design.
• Constructing a research instrument or tool for data collection.
• Selecting a sample.
• Writing a research proposal.
• Collecting data.
• Processing data.
• Writing a research report.

1-Formulation of a research problem

This is the first and the most important step of the research process. It identifies your destination.

As in the absence of destination, it is impossible to identify the shortest route. In the absence of a clear research problem, a clear and economical plan is impossible. 

If one wants to solve the problem, then it must be clear to him that what actually is the problem. It can be said that large part of the problem lies in knowing what one trying to do.

A research problem may take a number of forms, from the very simple to the very complex one. The way you formulate the problem determines every step that follows:

• the type of study design that can be used.
• the type of sampling strategy.
• research instrument that can be used or developed.
• the type of analysis that can be undertaken.

Hence you should give it considerable and careful thought at this stage.

It is extremely important to evaluate research problem in the light of the financial resources available, time available, your and your research supervisor’s expertise and knowledge in the field of study. It is equally important to identify any gaps in your knowledge of relevant disciplines, such as statistics, required for analysis. If you have a plan to use computer software then you must have sufficient knowledge of that.

2- Conceptualising a research design

An extremely important feature of research is the use of scientific methods. Research process involves systematic, controlled, valid and carefully established associations and causes that permit similar outcomes under the given set of conditions.

Research process also involves

• identifying gaps in knowledge.
• verification of what is already known.
• Identification of past errors and limitations.

The validity of what you find largely rest on how it was found.

Main function of research design

• Main function of research design is to explain how you will find the answers to a research problem.
• The research design sets out the logic of our inquiry.

The research design should include the following:

• The study design.
• Logistical arrangements that you suppose to undertake.
• Measurement procedures.
• Sampling strategy.
• Frame of analysis and time frame.

For any inquiry, the selection of an appropriate research design enable you to arrive at valid findings. A faulty design will result in misleading findings and is therefore wasting human and financial resources.

When selecting a research design it is important to ensure that:

• It is valid workable, and manageable.

There are number of study designs. You need to be equipped with the most common ones. Select or develop the design that is most suited to your study. You must have strong reasons for selecting a particular design. You must be aware of its weaknesses and limitations.

 3-Constructing a Research tool for data collection

Research tool may be defined as:

Anything that becomes a means of collecting information for your study is called a research tool or a research instrument. For example, observation forms, interview schedules, questionnaires, and interview guides are all classified as research tools.

Constructing a research tool is the first practical step in carrying out research process. You will need to decide how you will collect the data then you construct a research instrument for this.

If you are planning to collect data specifically for your research then you have to develop a research instrument or select an already developed one.

If you are using a secondary data (information already collected for other purposes), develop a form to extract required data.

Field testing a research tool is an important part. But as a rule, field testing should not be carried out on the sample of your study but on a similar population.

4-Selecting a Sample

The accuracy of your estimates largely rest on the way you select your sample. The basic objective of any sampling design is to minimise the gap between the values obtained from your sample and those prevalent or dominant in the population.

The underlying theory in sampling is that, if a relatively small number of units is scientifically selected, it can provide a fairly true reflection of the sampling population being studied.

Sampling theory is guided by two principles:

• Avoidance of bias in selecting sample.
• the attainment of maximum precision for a given outlay of resources.

There are three categories of sampling design:

• Random sampling designs.
• Non random sampling designs.
• Mixed sampling designs.

There are many sampling strategies within the first two categories. You need to be equipped with these sampling designs to select the one most appropriate for your study. You need to know the strength and limitations of each. You also need to know the situations in which it can or it cannot be applied in order to select the most appropriate design. The type of sampling strategy you use also determines your ability to generalise from the sample to the total population and the type of statistical tests you can perform on the data.

5-Writing a research proposal

Before writing a research proposal, you have done all the preparatory work. Next put everything together in a way that provides adequate information. This will give information about your research report to your research supervisor and others.

This overall plan tells a reader about your research problem and how you are planning to investigate, and is called a research proposal.

The main function of research proposal is to detail the operational plan for obtaining answers to your research questions. It ensures readers of the validity of methodology adopted to obtain answers.

Universities and other institutions may have different requirements about the contents of research proposal. Requirements may also vary within an institution, from discipline to discipline or from supervisor to supervisor.

A research proposal may tell you, your supervisor and the reader the following things:

• What are you proposing to do.
• How you plan to proceed.
• Why you selected the proposed strategy.

A research proposal must contain following information about your study.

• A statement of the objectives of the study.
• a list of hypothesis, if you are testing any.
• the study design you are proposing to use.
• the setting for your study.
• the research tool you are planning to use.
• information on sample size and sampling design.
• information on data processing procedures.
• an outline of the proposed chapters of the report.
• the study problems and limitations.
• the proposed time frame.

6-Collection of Data

Having formulated a research problem, developed a study design, constructed a research instrument and selected a sample. Now you collect the data from which you will draw influences and conclusions for your study.

Many methods could be used to gather the required information. As a part of research design, you will decide the procedure through which you want to collect the data.

At this stage you actually collect the data.

For example, depending upon your plans, you might commence interviews, mail questionnaire, conduct group discussions or make observations. Collection of data by any method may involve some ethical issues as well.

7-Processing of data

The way you analyse the information largely depends on two things:

• the type of information: descriptive, qualitative, quantitative or attitudinal.
• the way you want to write your report.

There are two broad categories of report: quantitative and qualitative. The difference is more academic than real. Because in reality you need to combine quantitative and qualitative skills. But there are some only qualitative and some only quantitative studies.

In addition to qualitative and quantitative distinction, it is equally important for data analysis that you want to analyse it manually or by a computer.

If your study is purely descriptive, you can write your report on the basis of your field notes, manually analyse the contents of your notes, or use a computer program such as Nudist or Ethnograph for this purpose.

If you want quantitative analysis, it is also necessary to decide:

• upon the type of analysis required. For example frequency distribution, cross-tabulations, regression analysis, factor analysis or analysis of variance etc.
• how it should be presented.
• variables to be subjected to these statistical procedures.

8- Writing a research report

Writing the report is the last and for many, the most difficult step of the research process. This report informs the world of

• what you have done.
• what you have discovered.
• and what conclusions you have drawn from your findings.

If you are clear about the whole research process, you will also clear about the way you want to write your research report. Your report should be written in academic style and be divided into different chapters and sections based upon the main theme of your study.

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• Research process

A Beginner's Guide to Starting the Research Process

When you have to write a thesis or dissertation , it can be hard to know where to begin, but there are some clear steps you can follow.

The research process often begins with a very broad idea for a topic you’d like to know more about. You do some preliminary research to identify a  problem . After refining your research questions , you can lay out the foundations of your research design , leading to a proposal that outlines your ideas and plans.

This article takes you through the first steps of the research process, helping you narrow down your ideas and build up a strong foundation for your research project.

Table of contents

Step 1: choose your topic, step 2: identify a problem, step 3: formulate research questions, step 4: create a research design, step 5: write a research proposal.

First you have to come up with some ideas. Your thesis or dissertation topic can start out very broad. Think about the general area or field you’re interested in—maybe you already have specific research interests based on classes you’ve taken, or maybe you had to consider your topic when applying to graduate school and writing a statement of purpose .

Even if you already have a good sense of your topic, you’ll need to read widely to build background knowledge and begin narrowing down your ideas. Conduct an initial literature review to begin gathering relevant sources. As you read, take notes and try to identify problems, questions, debates, contradictions and gaps. Your aim is to narrow down from a broad area of interest to a specific niche.

Make sure to consider the practicalities: the requirements of your programme, the amount of time you have to complete the research, and how difficult it will be to access sources and data on the topic. Before moving onto the next stage, it’s a good idea to discuss the topic with your thesis supervisor.

>>Read more about narrowing down a research topic

Prevent plagiarism, run a free check.

So you’ve settled on a topic and found a niche—but what exactly will your research investigate, and why does it matter? To give your project focus and purpose, you have to define a research problem .

The problem might be a practical issue—for example, a process or practice that isn’t working well, an area of concern in an organization’s performance, or a difficulty faced by a specific group of people in society.

Alternatively, you might choose to investigate a theoretical problem—for example, an underexplored phenomenon or relationship, a contradiction between different models or theories, or an unresolved debate among scholars.

To put the problem in context and set your objectives, you can write a problem statement . This describes who the problem affects, why research is needed, and how your research project will contribute to solving it.

>>Read more about defining a research problem

Next, based on the problem statement, you need to write one or more research questions . These target exactly what you want to find out. They might focus on describing, comparing, evaluating, or explaining the research problem.

A strong research question should be specific enough that you can answer it thoroughly using appropriate qualitative or quantitative research methods. It should also be complex enough to require in-depth investigation, analysis, and argument. Questions that can be answered with “yes/no” or with easily available facts are not complex enough for a thesis or dissertation.

In some types of research, at this stage you might also have to develop a conceptual framework and testable hypotheses .

>>See research question examples

The research design is a practical framework for answering your research questions. It involves making decisions about the type of data you need, the methods you’ll use to collect and analyze it, and the location and timescale of your research.

There are often many possible paths you can take to answering your questions. The decisions you make will partly be based on your priorities. For example, do you want to determine causes and effects, draw generalizable conclusions, or understand the details of a specific context?

You need to decide whether you will use primary or secondary data and qualitative or quantitative methods . You also need to determine the specific tools, procedures, and materials you’ll use to collect and analyze your data, as well as your criteria for selecting participants or sources.

>>Read more about creating a research design

Finally, after completing these steps, you are ready to complete a research proposal . The proposal outlines the context, relevance, purpose, and plan of your research.

As well as outlining the background, problem statement, and research questions, the proposal should also include a literature review that shows how your project will fit into existing work on the topic. The research design section describes your approach and explains exactly what you will do.

You might have to get the proposal approved by your supervisor before you get started, and it will guide the process of writing your thesis or dissertation.

>>Read more about writing a research proposal

Is this article helpful?

Other students also liked, how to write a dissertation proposal | a step-by-step guide, dissertation & thesis outline | example & free templates, how to write a thesis or dissertation introduction, more interesting articles.

• How to Choose a Dissertation Topic | 8 Steps to Follow
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• How to Write a Problem Statement | Guide & Examples
• How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates
• Relevance of Your Dissertation Topic | Criteria & Tips
• What Is a Fishbone Diagram? | Templates & Examples
• What Is Root Cause Analysis? | Definition & Examples
• Writing Strong Research Questions | Criteria & Examples

Research Process :: Step by Step

• Introduction
• Select Topic
• Identify Keywords
• Background Information
• Develop Research Questions
• Refine Topic
• Search Strategy
• Popular Databases
• Evaluate Sources
• Types of Periodicals
• Reading Scholarly Articles
• Primary & Secondary Sources
• Organize / Take Notes
• Writing & Grammar Resources
• Annotated Bibliography
• Literature Review
• Citation Styles
• Paraphrasing
• Privacy / Confidentiality

__________________________

Questions? Contact your subject librarian .

___________________________

Welcome to the UTA Library Research Process Guide!

This guide is designed to assist you at every step of the research process, from determining what you want to research to the citation process and everything in between. Use the menu to navigate quickly to the information you need the most.

If you find yourself uncertain with any of the information provided here, feel free to reach out to your subject area librarian or schedule an appointment with a Research Mav at this link: https://libraries.uta.edu/about/dept/rss/researchmavs

Step 1.   DEVELOP TOPIC Select Topic | Develop Research Question  | Identify Keywords | Background Information | Refine Topic

Step 2. LOCATE INFORMATION Search Strategy   |  Find Books  |  Find Videos | Find Articles  | Find Websites  

Step 3. EVALUATE INFORMATION   Evaluate Sources | Primary v Secondary Sources | Types of Periodicals

Step 4.   WRITE & ORGANIZE   Organize/Take Notes | Writing & Grammar Resources | Annotated Bibliography   | Literature Review

Step 5.   CITE SOURCES Citation Styles  |  Paraphrasing   |  Plagiarism

Step 6.   LEGAL / ETHICAL USE Privacy & Confidentiality | Copyright  |  Censorship

• Next: Step 1: Develop a Topic >>
• Last Updated: Sep 5, 2024 1:38 PM
• URL: https://libguides.uta.edu/researchprocess

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Introduction to Research: The Research Process

• The Research Process
• Resource Evaluation
• Where to Search
• Google Smart
• Research Guides

What is Research?

Research is the process of searching for and gathering information about a question or concern that you have.  The question you ask can be simple or complex, but in either case you are still doing research.

How do I pick a topic?

A good topic is one that:

• researchers have written about,
• meets your assignment requirements,
• you are interested in,
• you can come up with questions about,
• involves multiple viewpoints, and
• has a scope that is not too broad or narrow.

If you are looking for help thinking up a topic, brainstorming can help.  There are many different ways to brainstorm .

• Analyze Your Research Strategy This tutorial from Portland State University will help you choose a topic, focus that topic, select evidence, and brainstorm keywords. more... less... Note that the tutorial has a Portland State University login window, but any viewer can click past it. It's worth it!

What is the Research Process?

The steps in the research process are to:

• choose a topic
• find background information
• create a research question
• develop a tentative thesis
• find out what evidence you need
• search and find evidence
• evaluate evidence, and
• create your paper or presentation

What if I can't find any information?

Here are some tips.

• Don't panic.
• Are you getting no results or too many?  You may need to broaden or narrow your topic/research question.
• Try brainstorming other ways to say the same thing.  Often academic articles use more formal language than we do.  Also, language changes.  What we call something now used to be called something else ten or twenty years ago.
• Next: Resource Evaluation >>
• Last Updated: Aug 29, 2019 2:22 PM
• URL: https://libguides.mcny.edu/research_process

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The steps in the research process

The next presentation describes the research process and the steps involved.

The fundamentals (Part B)

You should now have a good understanding of what science and research are. Next, you need to become more familiar with the process of scientific research, i.e. the series of steps researchers use. You'll also see how these steps can help you to conduct your own research projects.

When scientists conduct a study, they usually follow a series of steps that provides them with a framework that helps them to organize and conduct their studies. These steps that were first identified as the 'scientific method' are based on the procedures used to conduct research in the physical sciences. The scientific method is a process for experimentation that is used to ask and answer scientific questions by making observations and doing experiments.

Scientists use the scientific method to search for cause-and-effect relationships in nature. In other words, by making use of their observations, scientists design an experiment so that a change to one item causes something else to vary in a predictable way.

For example, let's say a scientist observes that the growth of bacteria slows down at a low temperature. The scientist may then speculate that the growth rate of bacteria is affected by temperature, and he will design an experiment to try to prove his idea. For example, in this case he could measure the growth rate of bacteria in various temperatures.

Even though you now know that the scientific method contains a series of steps, bear in mind that it is an iterative process. This means that new information or thinking might cause a scientist to back up and repeat steps at any point during the process.

In addition, different types of research have their own specific purposes, so they may use various steps and parts of the scientific method differently.

As you can see in this diagram, the research process is cyclical; this is what I meant by the word 'iterative'.

Research begin with Identifying a research problem , just like the example we used of how temperature affects bacterial growth. Once we have identified a research problem, then we can search for more information by reviewing the literature to give us a better understanding of the topic, and especially so that we can sub-divide our research problem into sub-problems. I will talk more about this later. Then we need to specify a purpose for the research. This is also called forming questions and hypotheses. In our example, the hypothesis could be 'the growth rate of bacteria is affected by temperature'. Then we need to design the experiments and collect data , and finally we'll need to analyse the data and interpret the research.

Please keep in mind that the research process is cyclical – scientific research is an iterative process.

This means that new information or thinking might cause a scientist to back up and repeat steps at any point during the process.

Just as this diagram shows, you need go through these steps when you perform your own research, remembering that the process is iterative.

After finishing the eight steps, you may find that your research results either support or reject your hypothesis. No matter what your result is, you may find it beneficial to start the process over from construction of hypothesis again.

These steps in fact provide the foundation for scientific research today. Although not all studies include all eight steps, researchers use this overall process as a framework whenever they undertake a research study.

To make it easier for you to understand the steps of the scientific method, I've summarized the key steps involved in the process:

• Identifying a research problem
• Reviewing the literature
• Specifying a purpose for the research; that is, forming questions and hypotheses
• Experimental design and collecting data
• Analysing data
• Reporting results
• Interpreting the research
• Disseminating and evaluating the research

Please note that the steps for scientific methods described in various sources or textbooks may be slightly different from each other. For example, some descriptions of the scientific research process say there are nine steps because they add a step called 'prediction' after the forming of a hypothesis. Therefore, please bear in mind that the eight steps I describe here are only the generalized key steps for a typical scientific research project.

Now let's take a look at an example.

Imagine one day that a boy Tom does to a beach and observes that there is a lot of sand there. Of course there should be sand on a beach! No big deal! But he comes up with a question: 'where does the sand on the beach come from'?

Now Tom has identified a research problem, and has asked a question, that is, 'where does the sand on the beach come from?' His next step is to try to get more information about his topic so that he can refine his question; that is, he needs to break the problem into sub-problems. Besides searching the literature, he may simply look around the environment to see if he can get some clues. Let's say Tom notices that there are rivers flowing from the nearby mountains to the beach. This triggers him to refine his question and ask himself 'does the sand come from the mountains by the way of river streams?'

So now Tom could make up a hypothesis such as 'the sand comes from the mountains.'

Now we get into experimental design. Can you think any method for testing Tom's hypothesis? What Tom might do is to examine and compare the mineral content of sand from the river streams, beach, and rocks from the mountains.

Let's say Tom collects this kind of data, analyses them, and comes to a conclusion. If the mineral contents of the sand extracted from the three places are the same, then he could accept his hypothesis. Remember, however, that this really doesn't mean that the hypothesis is true . More experimental tests should be done before it can be proposed as a theory.

On the other hand, if the mineral contents of the sand extracted from the three places are not the same, then Tom could reject his hypothesis. He would then to figure out a new hypothesis by repeating the steps again. Remember this is a cyclical process.

Before we end this section, I would like to introduce you to some research tools.

When scientists conduct a research, they need specialized tools in order to make their research effective, just as a carpenter needs a hammer, a screwdriver and a saw when making a table or chair.

The tools of research can be anything such as:

The library and its resources can help you find more information about your study topic.

• A computer and its software are useful for data storage and analysis.
• Measurement techniques are needed to use the equipment and protocols you need for your experiment.
• Statistics and the human mind are needed for data analysis.
• And even language is a tool for report writing and oral presentations.

Getting to know how to best use these tools will help a lot in your research.

One key point from this presentation that you will have noted is that the research process is cyclical; this is what I meant by the word iterative . After finishing the eight steps, you may either find your research results support or reject your hypothesis. No matter what your result is, you may find it beneficial to start the process over from step 1 or step 3. These steps in fact provide the foundation for scientific research today. Although not all studies include all eight steps, researchers use this overall process as a framework whenever they undertake a research study.

You should now be able to identify the nine steps that comprise the scientific method. You also learned that when scientists conduct research, they need specialized tools in order to make their research effective. Several key tools are used by researchers when performing their research. These tools can be effective and helpful — but they must be used correctly. One effective and helpful way of learning about research tools is to work closely with or talk to an experienced researcher in your field. For example, you could talk to your tutor, course coordinator and even the professors in your school about their experiences in using these research tools in their fields.

You can now test your understanding by completing the following Self-test 2 .

You have now learned all of the fundamental and universal steps of research. Although you may find not all of these steps are involved in some kinds of research, they provide you with a framework for conducting your own research.

In the next section of this module you will start to learn about the first major step of the research process: identifying problems.

•  Front Matter
• About this module
• Introduction
• Activity 1 feedback
• Self-test 1 feedback
• The steps in the research process The fundamentals (Part B)
• Activity 2 Feedback
• Self-test 2 Feedback
• Activity 3 Feedback
• Self-test 3 Feedback
• Self-test 4 Feedback
•  Back Matter

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Research Process Guide

• Step 1 - Identifying and Developing a Topic
• Step 2 - Narrowing Your Topic
• Step 3 - Developing Research Questions
• Step 4 - Conducting a Literature Review
• Step 5 - Choosing a Conceptual or Theoretical Framework
• Step 6 - Determining Research Methodology
• Step 6a - Determining Research Methodology - Quantitative Research Methods
• Step 6b - Determining Research Methodology - Qualitative Design
• Step 7 - Considering Ethical Issues in Research with Human Subjects - Institutional Review Board (IRB)
• Step 8 - Collecting Data
• Step 9 - Analyzing Data
• Step 10 - Interpreting Results
• Step 11 - Writing Up Results

Research Process

Research Process Handbook: A Step-by-Step Guide

                                                                 Mary A. Garofalo, Ph.D., Adjunct Faculty / Research Consultant                                                                                 Edited by Linda Cifelli, M.L.S., Ed.S.                                                                                    

Executive Summary

This research guide provides a framework and process for designing, conducting, and communicating the results of a qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research project. This guide is intended for students and faculty who seek assistance in preparing, proposing, and conducting a research project for a ranked scholarly journal, dissertation, thesis, or application for grant funded research. On a broader level, this guide may be useful as an additional reference for courses in research methods across disciplines.

The guide begins with tips to identify a research topic and then discusses the significant elements with an eye to understanding theoretical concepts and the ins and outs of conducting empirical research and then communicating the results with alacrity.

Additionally, this guide is divided into steps, highlighting the benchmarks and significant elements of the process. Included in this guide are practical tips and tricks to help each researcher along the way. It is important to remember that designing and conducting research is a process- there will be moments when researchers might feel like they are going one step forward and two steps back. Take heart! That is the beauty of discovering new things, seeking answers to questions, and joining the larger discourse of the academic community. Persistence and Perseverance. As the historian, Pan-Africanist, civil rights activist, and one of the fathers of qualitative research W. E. B. Du Bois (2008) noted:

The function of the university is not simply to teach bread-winning, or to furnish teachers for the public schools, or to be a centre of polite society; it is, above all, to be the organ of that fine adjustment between real life and the growing knowledge of life, an adjustment which forms the secret of civilization. (p. 68)  

                                                                                              Reference Du Bois, W. E. B. (2008). Of the wings of Atalanta. In B. H. Edwards (Ed.), The souls of black folk (pp. 61-70). Oxford University Press. (Original work published 1903)

• Last Updated: Jun 29, 2023 1:35 PM
• URL: https://libguides.kean.edu/ResearchProcessGuide

Scholarly Research Resources

• Topic Selection
• Preemption Checks & Setting Alerts

Scholarly Research Process

• Shelf Checking Resources
• Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Instructions
• TTU Law Review & Journal Services
• Resources for Journal Students

The research process is a continuous cycle. Research does not follow a one-way linear progression; rather, it is a continuous process of checking and re-checking, evaluating and analyzing, and repeating the entire process over and over again. While painstaking, the research process is enables writers to become subject matter experts and draft a publishable article, comment, or case note.

There are many different ways to break down the research process. For our purposes, we’ve broken the process down into 6 steps:

1.  Analyze

First, establish the purpose of your research. What is your topic, question, or problem? Define the scope of your research, know what you are looking for, and avoid the rabbit holes. When researching it’s easy to get off topic and after hours of researching realize you’ve drifted too far away from your topic. By defining a specific scope—the scope will change throughout the process—you will find pertinent and relevant information for each stage of your research. You may have to do some preliminary, background research on the issue you are interested in before narrowing your scope.

2.  Determine Research Tools

The research tools you will use vary depending on what topic you are researching as well as what step in the research process you are on. Initially, you may look for secondary sources that enable you to get a better grasp of what your topic or problems entails. As your topic develops, you will need to determine what type of sources you are looking for. For example, government websites often have search features that provide both legislative histories and other reasoning behind certain bills and treaties being passed. Scientific websites may offer more numerical and hard factual data analysis. If a specific business or industry is relevant you will need to know what resources are most helpful for researching information pertinent to the field.

Students in need of help narrowing down which resources to use should contact Professor Arrington to set up a research consult on their paper.

3.  Search

The first search will often include preliminary data gathering that generally ensures you have appropriately identified the issue. This preliminary search will be used to help you develop your thesis statement, and guide the remainder of your research.

The search process will develop and become increasingly in-depth each time you repeat the process. This steps evolves from the preliminary search of secondary resources and becomes a detailed review of primary sources. The material you search for evolves as you grasp the full extent of your topic and create a well-defined thesis.

4.  Evaluate

Take time to review the sources you have gathered and ensure your topic and question are still relevant. This means conducting a preemption check to ensure your topic and question are still relevant.

5.  Keep a Record

Keep a list of the sources you have used, how you located those sources, and how each is helpful to your paper. An annotated bibliography is a great way to ensure that you can recall where the information came from when you begin the writing process .

6.  Repeat

The research process is a cycle, so once you’ve completed preliminary research, you go back through the cycle. After preliminary analysis, determining the appropriate research tools, searching, evaluating, and recording what you’ve found, begin again. Using the information you have already located, re-analyze your topic or thesis, consider what sub-issues still need further research, and follow the steps again with those issues in mind. Your research will continue to evolve as you write drafts of your paper, as you will begin to see missing pieces that need further research.

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• Next: Plagiarism >>
• Last Updated: May 21, 2024 12:46 PM
• URL: https://libguides.law.ttu.edu/scholarlyresearch

Library Research at Cornell: The Research Steps

• The Research Steps
• Which Topic?
• Find the Context
• Find Articles
• Evaluate Sources
• Cite Sources
• Review the Steps
• Find Primary Sources
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Library Jargon: Common Terms Defined

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Broadband Equity Access & Deployment (BEAD) Program

The BEAD program is administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and allocates $147 million to Massachusetts. The BEAD program prioritizes broadband serviceable locations that are unserved (below a 25/3 mpbs threshold), and underserved (below a 100/20 mbps threshold). MBI is committed to achieving universal service in Massachusetts by bringing affordable, reliable high-speed internet to every home in the state.

The BEAD program will primarily fund infrastructure projects through the Deployment phase which will connect the remaining unserved and underserved locations in the State. Once universal service is achieved, any remaining BEAD funds will be invested to enhance Community Anchor Institute connectivity and support digital equity initiatives. 

To unlock BEAD funding MBI has completed the following:  

• Massachusetts Initial Proposal Volume I -  Approved by NTIA April 2024 
• Massachusetts Initial Proposal Volume II – Approved by NTIA July 2024 
• Massachusetts BEAD Challenge Process

BEAD Pre-Qualification Process

MBI will administer a pre-qualification process for the (BEAD) Program. This process will support the review and approval of subgrantee applications to certify that potential applicants meet the minimum necessary qualification requirements. Potential BEAD applicants are strongly encouraged, but not required to prequalify now for BEAD deployment grant eligibility. Applicants that elect not to participate in the initial, standalone prequalification process will still be subject to a full review of qualifications during the funding round(s) that they participate in.  

The pre-qualification process will open on September 26, 2024, and will be conducted in accordance with the procedures set forth in Volume II of the BEAD Initial Proposal for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts , as approved by NTIA. Interested parties will be able to access the BEAD Pre-Qualification Guide and the Application once they are published. The process will close on October 28, 2024. Visit this page for future updates.

Pre-qualification Guidelines            Pre-Qualification Application Page

Massachusetts challenge process.

Massachusetts facilitated the BEAD Challenge Process during the summer of 2024. The Challenge Process was a crucial step to ensure the accuracy of internet availability data and maps for MBI to deploy funding to expand broadband access across the state.  

The Massachusetts Challenge Portal was based on the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) map, with version 4 of the CostQuest fabric data and availability data as of December 31, 2023. 

Massachusetts Broadband Map

Archived challenge process materials.

Watch Past Webinar Recordings  

Underserved Locations  (CSV) 

Unserved Locations (CSV)

Community Anchor Institutes (CSV) 

FCC Broadband Serviceable Locations by Municipality (PDF)

Challenges by Municipality (XLS)

Archived Challenge Process Technical Assistance

FAQs, June 2024 (PDF)

FAQs, April 2024 (PDF)

Standard Operating Procedures/Evidence Review Guidelines (PDF)   ( updated 8/16/24)

Area & Multiple Dwelling Unit (MDU) Challenges Flyer (PDF)

BEAD Challenge Process Overview Flyer (PDF)

Community Anchor Institutions Flyer (PDF)

No thanks, please take me to the website. 

Redirect Notice

First level: peer review.

The first level of review is carried out by a scientific review group (SRG), also referred to as a study section, composed primarily of non-federal scientists who have expertise in relevant scientific disciplines and current research areas. The role of SRGs is to assess the overall impact that your proposed project (or resource, or training, or center, etc.) will likely have on the biomedical research field(s) involved.

Learn more about how the first level of peer review works, scoring, roles, and more.

NIH peer review policy is intended to promote a process whereby grant applications submitted to the NIH are evaluated in a fair, equitable, and timely manner that strives to be free of bias.

The core values of peer review drive the NIH to seek the highest level of ethical standards, and form the foundation for the laws, regulations, and policies that govern the NIH peer review process. The NIH dual peer review system is mandated by statute in accordance with section 492 of the Public Health Service Act and federal regulations governing "Scientific Peer Review of Research Grant Applications and Research and Development Contract Projects.”

Who Reviews Your Application?

NIH peer reviewers are scientists, mostly from academia. Serving as a peer reviewer for NIH is an important way in which scientists participate in the ecosystem of scientific discovery.

Given that they must provide objective, fair, and timely reviews free from inappropriate influences, reviewers are fully vetted for appropriate expertise, potential conflicts of interest, and other requirements based on NIH peer review policies.

NIH provides reviewers extensive orientation and training to ensure they are prepared. (Learn more on our Information for Reviewers page). As part of this orientation reviewers are reminded that NIH review meetings are confidential and not to divulge any information outside the meeting.

Depending on the type of expertise required, peer review meetings are run by either the NIH Center of Scientific Review or an NIH institute or center .

Meeting Overview and Roles

Each SRG is led by a scientific review officer (SRO). The SRO is an NIH extramural staff scientist and the designated federal official responsible for ensuring that each application receives an objective and fair initial peer review, and that all applicable laws, regulations, and policies are followed.

Other key roles include the chair, who is a SRG member and is responsible for leading the discussions, and scientists serving on the SRG who review your application.

Before the meeting. The SRO assigns at least three reviewers to assess each application and gives all reviewers on the panel (except those with conflicts of interest) access to the applications to be reviewed. Before the meeting, assigned reviewers will read each application thoroughly, write a critique summarizing the strengths and weaknesses of the application, and assign it a preliminary Overall Impact score. Learn more about scoring below.

At the meeting. At the review meeting, the SRO actively manages the meeting to ensure fair and effective review, manage conflicts of interest, and ensure compliance with review policy. The chairperson facilitates the discussions.

After the SRO opens the meeting, any reviewer with a conflict of interest is asked to leave the room before the group begins reviewing an individual application. The primary reviewer then presents the application to the group and starts off the discussion of it. The other two assigned reviewers may provide additional comments. All panelists not in conflict, not just the assigned reviewers, then discuss and score the application.

Roles. Learn more about the roles of the SRO and reviewers in the table below.

Other Federal Officials. Federal officials who have a need-to-know are permitted to attend review meetings with advance approval from the responsible SRO. These staff members may provide programmatic or grants management input at the SRO's discretion.

Peer Review Criteria and Considerations

Each grant application submitted to NIH is evaluated according to established review criteria that must be stated clearly in a notice of funding opportunity. For most application types, the required review criteria are defined in NIH Peer Review regulations (see resources under See Also below), however they may be re-defined to facilitate the goals of the grant program and/or specific criteria may be added.

Scored Review Criteria

Reviewers assign individual criterion scores for all scored review criteria. These scored criteria contribute to the Overall Impact score of an application.

Each reviewer uses their own judgement to determine how each criterion weighs into the Overall Impact score of the application, unless specified differently in the funding opportunity. Criterion scores typically use a numerical scale of 1 to 9 but may also include non-numerical ratings. For example, the Expertise and Resources factor for many research grants may be evaluated as either sufficient or not.

Additional Review Criteria

Additional review criteria do not receive individual criterion scores but contribute to the Overall Impact score. Some of these criteria need to be considered acceptable before the NIH can award a grant (for example, the protections for human subjects, vertebrate animals, and biohazards criteria).

Additional Review Considerations

Additional review considerations do not receive individual criterion scores and do not contribute to the Overall Impact score. The NIH uses additional review considerations to seek the input of scientific experts concerning programmatic issues that do not directly reflect the scientific and technical merit of the work proposed, and therefore do not affect the scoring. For example, reviewers may be asked whether an application’s budget is sufficiently justified by the proposed project, or whether the project could be completed for a small budget (or in fewer years) than requested.

Most review criteria, as well as an application’s overall impact, are rated using numerical scoring.

The NIH utilizes a 9-point rating scale (1 = exceptional; 9 = poor) in whole numbers (no decimals). Before the SRG meeting, each reviewer assigned to an application gives a separate score for each review criterion. The individual scores of the assigned reviewers for these criteria are provided to the applicant.

In addition, each reviewer assigned to an application gives a preliminary Overall Impact score for that application. In many review meetings, the preliminary scores are used to determine which applications will be discussed in full at the meeting. For each discussed application, a final Overall Impact score is given by each eligible panelist (individuals without a conflict of interest).

A final Overall Impact score for each discussed application is determined by calculating the mean score from the final impact scores from all the eligible members and multiplying the average by 10. This calculation results in final Overall Impact scores ranging from 10 (high impact) through 90 (low impact).

Not Discussed (ND) applications. Applications unanimously judged by the SRG to be less competitive (typically rank in the bottom half) are not discussed at the meeting. These application do not receive a numerical final Overall Impact score.

Summary Statement

After the meeting, all reviewed applications receive an impact score and a summary statement prepared by the SRO.

NIH typically releases scores in the eRA Commons system within 3 business days and uploads your summary statement within about 30 days. Users who have the principal investigator or signing official role in eRA Commons can view the released scores and summary statement.

The summary statement includes:

• Impact Score and Percentile (if applicable)
• Brief summary of the SRG discussion (written by the SRO)
• Criterion scores from the assigned reviewers
• Bulleted critiques (strengths and weaknesses) from the assigned reviewer
• Budget recommendations
• Any administrative comments

NIH's peer review appeal system provides investigators and applicant organizations the opportunity to seek reconsideration of the initial review results if, after consideration of the summary statement, they believe the review process was flawed for reasons of either bias of a reviewer, conflict of interest, absence of appropriate expertise, or factual errors by one or more reviewers that could have substantially altered the review outcome. This policy does not apply to appeals of NIH funding decisions, appeals of decisions concerning extensions of MERIT awards, or appeals of the technical evaluation of R&D contract projects through the NIH peer review process.

• 42 C.F.R. Part 52h for NIH research grants and cooperative agreements;
• 42 C.F.R. Part 52a for select NIH Health Center grant applications;
• 42 C.F.R. Part 52b for applications for NIH construction grants;
• 42 C.F.R. Part 66 for applications for NIH NRSA fellowship and training awards.

Check online guidance and direct your questions to staff in your organization's sponsored programs office. If you still need assistance, find NIH contacts at Need Help?