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.
