Unit 1
Assignment in Research
What are the stages in the research process?
Research is a process to discover new knowledge. Research is defined as: “A systematic
investigation (i.e., the gathering and analysis of information) designed to develop or contribute
to generalizable knowledge.
The stages in the research process are:
Identifying the problem
Reviewing literature
Setting research questions, objectives, and hypotheses
Choosing the study design
Deciding on the sample design
Collecting data
Processing and analyzing data
Writing the report
Step – 1: Identifying the Problem
The first and foremost task in the entire process of scientific research is to identify a research
problem. A well-identified problem will lead the researcher to accomplish all-important phases of
the research process, starting from setting objectives to the selection of the research
methodology.
Step – 2: Reviewing of Literature
A review of relevant literature is an integral part of the research process. It enables the
researcher to formulate his problem in terms of the specific aspects of the general area of his
interest that has not been so far researched. Such a review not only provides him exposure to a
larger body of knowledge but also equips him with enhanced knowledge to efficiently follow the
research process.
Step – 3: Setting research questions, objectives, and hypotheses
After discovering and defining the research problem, researchers should make a formal
statement of the problem leading to research objectives. An objective will precisely say what
should be researched, to delineate the type of information that should be collected, and provide
a framework for the scope of the study. The best expression of a research objective is a well-
formulated, testable research hypothesis.
Step -4: Choosing the study design
The research design is the blueprint or framework for fulfilling objectives and answering
research questions. It is a master plan specifying the methods and procedures for collecting,
processing, and analyzing the collected data.
Step – 5: Deciding on the sample design
Sampling is an important and separate step in the research process. The basic idea of sampling
is that it involves any procedure that uses a relatively small number of items or portions (called a
sample) of a universe (called population) to conclude the whole population. It contrasts with the
process of complete enumeration, in which every member of the population is included.
Step – 6: Collecting data
The gathering of data may range from simple observation to a large-scale survey in any defined
population. There are many ways to collect data. The approach selected depends on the
objectives of the study, the research design, and the availability of time, money, and personnel.
Step-7: Processing and Analyzing Data
Data processing generally begins with the editing and coding of data. Data are edited to ensure
consistency across respondents and to locate omissions if any. In survey data, editing reduces
errors in the recording, improves legibility, and clarifies unclear and inappropriate responses. In
addition to editing, the data also need coding. Because it is impractical to place raw data into a
report, alphanumeric codes are used to reduce the responses to a more manageable form for
storage and future processing.
Step-8: Writing the report – Developing Research
The entire task of a research study is accumulated in a document called a proposal. A research
proposal is a work plan, prospectus, outline, an offer, a statement of intent or commitment from
an individual researcher or an organization to produce a product or render a service to a
potential client or sponsor. The proposal will be prepared to keep in view the sequence
presented in the research process. The proposal tells us what, how, where, and to whom it will
be done. It must also show the benefit of doing it. It always includes an explanation of the
purpose of the study (the research objectives) or a definition of the problem. It systematically
outlines the particular research methodology and details the procedures that will be utilized at
each stage of the research process.
