The research process involves 8 key steps: 1) selecting a topic, 2) reviewing relevant literature, 3) developing theoretical and conceptual frameworks, 4) clarifying the research question, 5) designing the research methodology, 6) collecting data, 7) analyzing the data, and 8) drawing conclusions. Each step builds upon the previous ones by refining the research topic and question, justifying the theoretical and methodological approaches, and ultimately answering the research question based on an analysis of the collected data. The overall process is iterative and allows the research to be conducted in a logical and systematic manner.

1. THE RESEARCH
PROCESS

2. • Research is not just about collection
of data. Data collection is important,
but it is simply part of a wider
process – the research process.
• Relating your project to research
process will allow you to develop
and answer your research question
in a logical and systematic manner.

3. Definition
Research process involves identifying, locating,
assessing and analysing the information needs to
support research question, and then developing and
expressing ideas. These are same skills you need any
time you write a report, proposal, or put together a
presentation.

4. STEPS OF RESEARCH PROCESS
1. Selection of topic

2. Reviewing the literature

3. Development of theoretical and conceptual frameworks

4. Clarification of research question/hypothesis

5. Research design

6. Data collection

7. Data analysis

8. Drawing conclusions

5. 1. SELECTION OF TOPIC
1.A crucial stage, as an inappropriate topic or question
will often lead to irretrievable difficulties later in the
research.
2.It is unlikely that you will develop a final question and
set of objectives at this stage of the research process,
and steps 2 and 3 are important in developing and
assessing your question more fully.

6. 2. REVIEWING THE LITERATURE
• A literature review essentially consists of critically
reading, evaluating and organising existing literature on
the topic to assess the state of knowledge in the area.
• During this stage you should aim to become an ‘expert’
in your field of research.
• Generally done alongside the development of
theoretical and conceptual frameworks (step 3 of
research process).

7. 3. DEVELOPMENT OF THEORETICAL &
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORKS
• As you read the literature, you should be continually
developing and refining your theoretical and conceptual
frameworks.
• Your theoretical framework refers to the underlying
theoretical approach that you adopt to underpin your
study.
• The conceptual framework defines and organises the
concepts important within your study.

8. 4. CLARIFICATION OF RESEARCH QUESTION
Initial research questions are chosen, investigated and
often rejected for a number of reasons, for example:
• The question lacks sufficient focus.
• The conceptual framework has identified problems in
either defining and/or measuring appropriate concepts.
• There are too many moderating or intervening
variables.
• The project is unfeasible in terms of complexity,
access, facilities or resources.

9. 5. RESEARCH DESIGN
• What data do I need to collect to answer this question?
• What is the best way to collect this data?
• What overall research design should I use? For example, a
cross-sectional or experimental?
• Will I need to collect primary or secondary data?
• Which methods, for example interviews, questionnaire surveys
and so on, will be best to collect the primary data?
•Who should participate in the research and how will I access to
them?
•What are the exact procedures that I should adopt in my data
collection to ensure reliability and validity?
•Are there any ethical issues associated with the research?

10. 6. DATA COLLECTION
It is the process of gathering and
measuring information on targeted
variables in an established
system, which then enables one
to answer relevant questions and
evaluate outcomes.
You have to consider following:
• Which methodology to choose
• Which methods to utilise.

11. 7. DATA ANALYSIS & DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
1. The data collected needs to be analysed to provide
answers to research question.
2. In discussion of results, reference should also be
made back to the literature reviewed in step 2, for
example:
• How do the findings add to this literature?
• Do they support the literature?
• If not, what are the possible reasons, why?

12. 8. DRAWING CONCLUSIONS
• Conclusions should relate back
to the research question.
• Evaluate how successful you
have been in achieving research
objectives and highlight strengths
and weaknesses of the research.
• You may also want to make
recommendations for further
research.