Developing Research Process

The following are the various steps in developing research process

Step 1: Formulating the research problem/Identify the Problem

• Preliminary step in the research process is to identify the research problem. There are two types of research problems i.e., 

a) Those relates to the state of nature. 

b) Those having relationship between variables. 

• Generally, there are two steps in defining research problem they are:

a) Understanding the problem thoroughly.

b) Rephrasing the same into meaningful terms from a point of view.

Step2: Extensive literature survey/ Review the Literature

·       Once the problem has been identified, a summary (synopsis) of it should be prepared.

·       In concern to this, various bibliography, authorized journals etc.… must be collected and studied carefully to get through the ideas of the same topic from the earlier works.

Step 3: Formulate hypothesis:

·       It is the tentative assumption made to draw out and test logical and empirical consequences.

·       Hypothesis which is formulated should be very specific and limited.

·       The major role of hypothesis is to guide the researcher by delimiting the area of research and to keep him on right track.

Step 4: Preparing the research design:

·       The function of research design is to provide for the collection of relevant evidence on par with the research problem with minimum expenditure of time, effort and money.

·       The purpose of the research is grouped into the following groups such as

a)    Exploration

b)    Description

c)    Diagnosis

d)    Experimentation

Step 5: Determining sample design:

·       The way of selecting a sample is popularly known as the sample design.

a)    Samples can be either probability samples or non-probability samples. The probability samples are those based on simple random sampling, systematic sampling, stratified sampling, cluster/area sampling.

b)    The non-probability samples are those based on convenience sampling, judgement sampling and quota sampling techniques.

Step 6: Collection of data:

·       In dealing with any research problem, it is necessary to collect data for smooth conduction of research process.

·       There are several ways to collect primary data which are as follows

a)    By observation

b)    Through personal interviews

c)    Through telephonic interviews

d)     By mailing of questionnaires

e)    Through schedules

Step 7: Analysis of data:

·       After the data is collected, the researcher has to analyze them and the analysis of data requires number of closely related operations such as

a)    Establishment of categories.

b)    Application of these categories to raw data from the following process:

i)                Coding: In this stage raw data is transformed into symbols.

ii)              Editing: It is the procedure that improves the quality of data for coding.

iii)            Tabulation: It is the technical part wherein the classified data is put in the form of tables.

Step 8: Hypothesis-testing:

·       After analyzing the data, the next step is the hypotheses test. Various tests, such as Chi square test, t-test, F-test, have been developed by statisticians for the purpose. These tests depending upon the nature and object of research inquiry.

·        Hypothesis-testing will result in either accepting the hypothesis or in rejecting it.

Step 9: Interpretation and report writing:

·       Finally, the researcher must prepare the report of what has been done by him.

Writing the report includes

a)    Preliminary pages: Includes title, acknowledgement, foreword, contents, list of graphs, tables etc.

b)    Main text: Includes introduction, summary of findings, main report and conclusion.

      c)   End matter: Includes all technical data, bibliography, published journals etc.