Research Process

Research is a systematic process based on the scientific method that facilitates the
identification of
relationships and determination of differences in order to answer a question. The scientific
method is a
process that uses an organized structure to formulate questions and determine answers in a
research project.
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.
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 analysing data.
8. Writing the report.
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_x0002_important phases of the research process, starting from setting
objectives to the selection of the
research methodology. But the core question is: whether all problems require research.
We have
countless problems around us, but all that we encounter do not qualify as research
problems, and
thus, these do not need to be researched. Keeping this point in view, we must draw a line
between
a research problem and a non-research problem. Intuitively, researchable problems are
those who
have a possibility of thorough verification investigation, which can be effected through the
analysis
Once we have chosen a research problem, a few more related steps are
required to be followed
before a decision is taken to undertake a research study.
These include, among others, the following: -
▪ Statement of the problem.
▪ Justifying the problem.
▪ Analysing the problem.
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. A confident and
expert
researcher is more crucial in his questioning of the others’ methodology, the choice of the
data, and
the quality of the inferences drawn from the study results
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.
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. There
are four basic
research designs that a researcher can use to conduct his or her study;
▪ survey,
▪ experiment,
▪ secondary data study,
▪ observational study.
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.
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. The most common means for collecting quantitative data is the structured
interview. Studies that obtain data by interviewing respondents are called surveys. Data can also be
collected by using self-administered questionnaires. Telephone interviewing is another way in
which data may be collected.
7. Processing and Analysing 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.
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.