Research Process: 8 Steps in Research Process

There are a variety of approaches to research in any field of

investigation, irrespective of whether it is applied research or basic
research. Each particular research study will be unique in some ways
because of the particular time, setting, environment, and place in which
it is being undertaken.

Nevertheless, all research endeavors share a common goal of furthering

our understanding of the problem and thus all traverse through certain
basic stages, forming a process called the research process.

An understanding of the research process is necessary to effectively

carry out research and sequencing of the stages inherent in the process.

These 8 stages in the research process are;

1. Identifying the problem.

2. Reviewing literature.
3. Setting research questions, objectives, and hypotheses.
4. Choosing the study design.
5. Deciding on the sample design.
6. Collecting data.
7. Processing and analyzing data.
8. Writing the report.

A close examination of the above stages reveals that each of these

stages, by and large, is dependent upon the others.

One cannot analyze data (step 7) unless he has collected data (step 6). It
is also true that one cannot write a report (step 8) unless he has collected
and analyzed data (step 7).

Research then is a system of interdependent related stages. Violation of

this sequence can cause irreparable harm to the study.
It is also true that several alternatives are available to the researcher
during each of the stages stated above. A research process can be
compared with a route map.

The map analogy is useful for the researcher because at each stage of the
research process, and there are several alternatives to follow.

Choosing the best alternative in terms of time constraints, money, and

human resources in our research decision is our primary goal.

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.

Through a proper review of the literature, the researcher may develop

the coherence between the results of his study and those of the others.

We enumerate the following arguments in favor of reviewing the

literature:
• It avoids duplication of the work that has been done in the recent past.
• It helps the researcher to find out what others have learned and reported
on the problem.
• It helps the researcher to become familiar with the types of methodology
followed by others.
• It helps the researcher to understand what concepts and theories are
relevant to his area of investigation.
• It helps the researcher to understand if there are any significant
controversies, contradictions, and inconsistencies in findings.
• It allows the researcher to understand if there are any unanswered
research questions.
• It might help the researcher to develop an analytical framework.
• It will help the researcher to consider the inclusion of variables in his
research that he might not otherwise have thought about.

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.

A hypothesis is an unproven statement or proposition that can be refuted

or supported by empirical data. Hypothetical statements assert a possible
answer to a research question.

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.
 The type of research design to be chosen depends primarily on four
factors:

• The type of problem

• The objectives of the study,
• The existing state of knowledge about the problem that is being studied,
and
• The resources are available for the study.

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.

Such a complete enumeration is referred to as census.

A population is the total collection of elements about which we wish to

make some inference or generalization.

A sample is a part of the population, carefully selected to represent that

population. If certain statistical procedures are followed in selecting the
sample, it should have the same characteristics as the population as a
whole. These procedures are embedded in the sample design.

Sample design refers to the methods to be followed in selecting a

sample from the population and the estimating technique, vis-a-vis
formula for computing the sample statistics.

The basic question is, then, how to select a sample?

To answer this question, we must have acquaintance with the sampling
methods.

These methods are basically of two types: probability sampling and non-
probability sampling. Probability sampling ensures every unit a known
nonzero probability of selection within the target population.

If there is no feasible alternative, a non-probability sampling method

may be employed.

The basis of such selection is entirely dependent on the researcher’s

discretion. This approach is variously called judgment sampling,
convenience sampling, accidental sampling, and purposive sampling.

The most widely used probability sampling methods are simple random
sampling, stratified random sampling, cluster
sampling, and systematic sampling. They have been classified by their
representation basis and unit selection techniques.

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.

With the variation in the type of data (qualitative or quantitative) to be

collected, the method of data collection also varies.

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.

This coding process facilitates processing the data. The personal

computer offers an excellent opportunity in data editing and coding
processes.

Data analysis usually involves reducing accumulated data to a

manageable size, developing summaries, searching for patterns, and
applying statistical techniques for understanding and interpreting the
findings in the light of the research questions.

Further, the researcher, based on his analysis, determines if his findings

are consistent with the formulated hypotheses and theories.

The techniques to be used in analyzing data may range from simple

graphical technique to very complex multivariate analysis depending on
the objectives of the study, research design employed, and the nature of
data collected.

As in the case of methods of data collection, an analytical technique

appropriate in one situation may not be appropriate for another.

Step-8: Writing the report – Developing Research Proposal, Writing

Report, Disseminating and Utilizing Results

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.

The end goal of a scientific study is to interpret the results and draw
conclusions.

To this end, it is necessary to prepare a report and transmit the findings

and recommendations to administrators, policymakers, and program
managers for the intended purpose of making a decision.

There are various forms of research reports: term papers, dissertations,

journal articles, papers for presentation at professional conferences and
seminars, books, and so on. The results of a research investigation
prepared in any form are of little utility if they are not communicated to
others.

The primary purpose of a dissemination strategy is to identify the most

effective media channels to reach different audience groups with study
findings most relevant to their needs.

The dissemination may be made through a conference, a seminar, a

report, or an oral or poster presentation.
 The style and organization of the report will differ according to the
target audience, the occasion, and the purpose of the research. Reports
should be developed from the client’s perspectives.

A report is an excellent means that helps to establish the researcher’s

credibility. At a bare minimum, a research report should contain sections
on:

• An executive summary;
• Background of the problem;
• Literature review;
• Methodology;
• Findings;
• Discussion;
• Conclusions and
• Recommendations.

The results of the study can also be disseminated through peer-reviewed

journals published by academic institutions and reputed publishers both
at home and abroad.