THE RESEARCH

PROCESS
WHAT IS RESEARCH?
Definition:
An organized, systematic, data-based
critical scientific inquiry or investigation
into a specific problem, undertaken with
the objective of finding answers or
solutions to it.

Outcome:
Information that enables managers to make
decisions to rectify problems.

Data:
Primary (first-hand) or Secondary (readily
available); Quantitative or Qualitative
THE RESEARCH PROCESS
The Research Process consists of eight steps, which
are given below:
Phase I:
1. Formulating a research problem
Phase II:
2. Conceptualizing a research design
3. Constructing an instrument for data collection
4. Selecting a sample
5. Writing a research proposal
Phase III:
6. Collecting data
7. Processing data
8. Writing a research report
 STEPS IN A RESEARCH PROCESS (CONT.)
1. Formulating a research problem
A research problem is a definite or clear expression [statement] about
an area of concern, a condition to be improved upon, a difficulty
to be eliminated, or a troubling question that exists in scholarly
literature, in theory, or within existing practice that points to a
need for meaningful understanding and deliberate investigation.

It is extremely important to evaluate the research problem in the light

of the financial resources, the availability of time, and the
researcher’s & the research supervisor’s expertise and knowledge in
the field of study.
1. Formulating a research problem (Cont.)
5 Steps To Formulate The Research Problem
1. Specify the research objectives
2. Review the environment or context of the research problem
3. Explore the nature of the problem
4. Define the variable relationships (Cause & Effect Relationship)
5. The consequences of alternative courses of action
At a glance
 first and foremost step
 to decide what you want to find out about a specific issue
 financial resources, time, own and supervisors expertise and
knowledge
2. Conceptualizing a research design
An extremely important feature of research is the use of appropriate
methods.

The main function of a research design is to explain how the researcher will
find answers to the research questions. The research design sets out the
specific details of the enquiry. A research design is a framework that has
been created to find answers to research questions.

For any investigation, the selection of an appropriate research design is

crucial in enabling you to arrive at valid findings, comparisons and
conclusions. A faulty design results in misleading findings and is resulting to
wasting human and financial resources.

For example, the researchers may choose qualitative or quantitative research

design; or they may select cross sectional or longitudinal study designs and
so on for their studies based on the different perspectives.
2. Conceptualizing a research design (Cont..)
At a glance
--to explain how you will find answers to the research questions
--the study design and logistical arrangements that the researcher
propose to undertake, measurement procedures, sampling strategy,
frame of analysis and time-frame.
3. Constructing An Instrument For Data Collection
Anything that becomes a means of collecting information for the study is
called a ‘research tool’ or a ‘research instrument’.
For example, observation forms, interviewing and questionnaires.
The construction of a research instrument is the first ‘practical’ step in
carrying out a study. The researcher will need to decide how he/she are
going to collect data for the proposed study and then construct a research
instrument for data collection.
The selected instrument can be different based on the nature of the data (primary
data and secondary data) used in the study.
Collecting data using primary sources:
a) Observation
b) The interview
c) The questionnaire
Collecting data using secondary sources: Government or semi-government
publications, Earlier research, Personal records, Mass media and so on.
3. Constructing An Instrument For Data Collection (Cont.)
At a glance
--deciding about the ‘research tool’ or ‘research instrument
--observation forms, interview schedules, questionnaires, etc.

--validity and reliability of research tool

4. Selecting A Sample
The accuracy of your findings largely depends upon the way you select your
sample.
The underlying premise in sampling is that a relatively small number of
units, if selected in a manner that they genuinely represent the study
population, can provide – with a sufficiently high degree of probability – a
fairly true reflection of the sampling population that is being studied.

Two key aims to select sampling are

a) the avoidance of bias in the selection of a sample;
b) the attainment of maximum precision for a given outlay of resources.

There are three categories of sampling design:

c) random/probability sampling designs,
d) non-random/non-probability sampling designs
e) Mixed sampling design
4. Selecting A Sample (Cont.)
At a glance
accuracy of findings largely depends on the way of sample selection

objective is to minimize the gap between the values obtained from

the selected samples and those common in the population.
avoidance of bias and attaining maximum precision

random/non-random/mixed sampling
5. Writing A Research Proposal
A Research Proposal is a document that is typically written by a researcher
which describes the ideas for an investigation on a certain topic. The research
proposal outlines the process from beginning to end of the study. This is
prepared for the research supervisor and others.

A research proposal must tell about the following information

a) what you are proposing to do;

b) how you plan to proceed;

c) why you selected the proposed strategy.

5. Writing A Research Proposal (Cont.)

Therefore it should contain the following information about your study:

i. a statement of the objectives of the study;
ii. a list of hypotheses, if you are testing any;
iii. the study design you are proposing to use;
iv. the setting for your study;
v. the research instrument(s) you are planning to use;
vi. information on sample size and sampling design;
vii. information on data processing procedures;
viii. an outline of the proposed chapters for the report;
ix. the study’s problems and limitations; and
x. the proposed time-frame.
6. Collecting Data
In this phase the researcher actually collect the data.

For example, depending upon the plans, the researcher might commence
interviews, mail out a questionnaire, conduct nominal/ focus group
discussions or make observations.

At a glance
--in research design, the researcher decided upon the procedure he/she
wanted to adopt to collect the data.
--at this stage, the researcher actually collects the data.
7. Processing Data
The 7th step focuses on two things, which are given below:
a) the type of information (descriptive, quantitative, qualitative or
attitudinal); and
b) the way the researcher want to communicate the researcher’s findings to
the readers.
It is important for data analysis that the researcher consider whether the data is to
be analyzed manually or by a computer. Moreover, depends on the type of
information, the data can be processed by descriptive, quantitative, qualitative, or
attitudinal research design.
8. Writing A Research Report
There are two broad categories of reports: quantitative and qualitative.
As mentioned earlier, the distinction is more academic than real as in most
studies the researcher need to combine quantitative and qualitative skills.
Nevertheless, there are some solely qualitative and some solely
quantitative studies.
There are two broad categories of reports: quantitative and qualitative. As
mentioned earlier, the difference is more academic than real as in most
studies you need to combine quantitative and qualitative skills.
Nevertheless, there are some solely qualitative and some solely
quantitative studies. Your report should be written in an academic style
and be divided into different chapters and/or sections based upon the main
themes of your study.
It includes findings, recommendations, conclusion, future direction,
implications to policy makers, etc.
 PLACE OF LITERATURE REVIEW IN RESEARCH

-Finding available body of knowledge

-Finding the research gap
-Compare findings with that of others
Literature review has a number functions:
•Provides theoretical background to your
study
•It helps to refine methodology

•It shows how it will contribute to the

existing body of knowledge
1. Bring clarity and focus to research problem
2. Improve methodology
3. Broaden knowledge base in research area
4. Contextualize findings
Procedure for Reviewing Literature
--books, journals, dissertations, etc.
--writing abstracts from available literature
Theoretical framework
--Setting parameters by reviewing the literature in relation to
some main themes pertinent to your research topic.
--problem may have roots in a number of theories that have
been developed from different perspectives.
Conceptual framework
--consists of the theories or issues in which your study is
embeded