Abstract

Research Process
Research process consists of sequence of actions or steps necessary

to effectively carry out research and the desired progression of
these steps. The chart shown in Figure 1represents a research
process.
Fig. 1: Flow chart of research process
The figure shows that the research process having a number of
closely related actions, as shown from step 1 to 7. But these
activities should be following in a strictly prescribed sequence
otherwise researcher may face the problem in completion of the
research. In the research process, each step is specific and they are
separate and distinct from each other. However, the following
order relating to various steps provides a useful procedural
instruction regarding the research process:
1) Identification of research problem
2) Broad literature survey
3) Hypothesis formulation
4) Preparation of research design
5) Determining sample design
6) Data collection
7) Analysis of data
8) Hypothesis testing
9) Generalizations and interpretation
10) Preparation of the report or presentation of the results,
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Shanti Bhushan Mishra, Shashi Alok
6
A brief description of the above stated steps are as follows:
1. Identification of research problem: There are two types of
research problems like, those which relate to states of nature means
that denote the hypothetical conditions of what the lives of people
might have been like before societies came into existence and
those which relate to relationships between different variables.
Initially the researcher must recognize the problem he wants to
study, i.e., he must decide the general area of interest or part of a
subject-matter that he would like to inquire into. At the onset the
problem may be discussed in a broad way and then the doubts, if
any, relating to the problem may be resolved. Then, the probability
of a particular clarification has to be considered before working on
formulation of the problem. Basically two steps are involved in
formulating the research problem, viz., understanding the problem
systematically, and reshape the same into significant terms from an
analytical point of view.
The most excellent way of understanding the problem is to
discuss it with contemporaries or with those having some
knowledge in the related matter. In an academic institution the
researcher can take the assistance from a guide who is usually an
experienced man and has several research problems in his mind. In
private business units or in governmental organizations, the
problem is usually allocate by the administrative agencies with
whom the researcher can discuss the problem originally that how it
is came about and what reflections are involved in its possible
clarification.
2. Broad literature survey: After the identification of research
problem, the researcher must at study all available literature to get
himself familiar with the selected problem. He may review two
types of literature first is the conceptual literature which is related
to the concepts and theories, and second is the empirical literature
which consisting of previous studies similar to the proposed
research problem. The researcher should undertake vast literature
survey concerned with the problem. For this purpose, the
abstracting and indexing journals and published or unpublished
bibliographies are the first place where researcher can get the
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Page 22
Handbook of Research Methodology
7
information or knowledge. Academic journals, conference
proceedings, government reports, books etc., must be hit
depending on the nature of the problem. After this the researcher
revise the problem into analytical or operational terms i.e., to put
the problem in as specific terms as possible. This assignment of
formulating, or defining, a research problem is a important step in
the entire research process. Once the problem is formulated, a
synopsis of it should be written down.
3. Hypotheses formulation: After the literature survey, researcher
should make a hypothesis or working hypothesis. Working
hypothesis is a guess made to test the logical or empirical outcome
of a research. A hypothesis assists to explain the research problem
and objective into a comprehensive explanation or prediction of
the expected results of the study. Hypothesis is derived from the
research problem, literature review and conceptual framework.
Since Hypothesis is to be tested therefore it should be very specific
and limited to the piece of research. It sharpens the researcher’s
thinking and focus on the important facts of the problem.
Hypothesis formulation could be done by using the following
approaches:
(a) Discussions with colleagues and experts about the research
problem, its source, cause and the objectives in search of a
solution;
(b) Assessment of data and records,
(c) Evaluation of similar previous studies in the area similar
problems; and
(d) Personal investigation which involves original field survey
Thus, any hypotheses take place as a result of a-prior thinking
about the subject, assessment of the available data and material
including related previous studies. Formulation of working
hypotheses is a basic step of any research process.

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Research Process

Research process consists of sequence of actions or steps necessary

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