Research Process: An

Overview

The Research Process

Various steps provides a useful procedural
guideline regarding the research process:
1. Formulating the research problem;
2. Extensive literature survey;
3. Developing the hypothesis;
4. Identify the objective;
5. Plan your data collection and collect
data using one or more of:
a. Sample/Sampling, b. Secondary data,
c. Observation,
d. Survey

The Research Process

i. In-depth group interviews and
ii. Questionnaires:
- By post
- On-line
- Door to door or
- Face to face
e. Preparing the research design;
f. Determining sample design or size;
g. Collecting the data;
h. Execution of the project;

The Research Process

6. Analysis of data / results;
Quantitative methods
and
qualitative methods

7. Hypothesis testing;
8. Generalizations and interpretation, and
9. Preparation of the report or presentation of
the results, i.e., formal write-up of
conclusions reached.

Common Error in the Research Process

Since research by definition involves asking a new
question or solving a problem that has not been
addressed before, every research project is
different. Even the most experienced of researchers
often finds "trouble spots" during the research
process. It is helpful to learn what possible
problems might arise and watch for these. This
partial list of the more common mistakes made
during research may useful in designing the
research plan.
Problem

statement too vague (not clear) to develop

a specific plan
Objectives

not stated in measurable terms

Neglecting

to review the related literature to

prevent duplication of effort
Failure

to define assumptions in designing the

research plan
Bias

enters into the wording of research questions

Failure

to define research population

Sampling
Plan

not developed for the distribution of results

Expected
Plan

techniques not clearly outlined

results not described

not developed for implementing or applying

project results, for action research