RESEARCH PROCESS

Research Process :
The research process consists of a series of systematic procedures
that a researcher must go through in order to generate knowledge
that will be considered valuable by the project and focus on the
relevant topic.
Each step of research process is interlinked with one another.
It is the systematic manner in which a researcher
approaches their area of study to produce knowledge which
the community will consider worth.
Step1: Defining/Formulating Research
problem
• Problem : a question/difficulty/issue
• Research Problem: It refers to a statement or issue that addresses the
gap in knowledge in any field. The formulation of a general topic
into a specific research problem is the first step . Essentially two
steps are involved in formulating the research problem :
• understanding the problem thoroughly, and
• rephrasing the same into meaningful terms from an analytical
point of view.
Contd ……
• A well-defined problem will guide the researcher through all stages of the
research process. There are a number of approaches to get insight into a
topic and gain a better understanding of it. Such as:
• A preliminary survey
• Case studies
• Interviews with a small group of people
• Observational survey
Step2:Reviewing Literature :
• It refers to the thorough examination or an overview of the
previous studies
•  It enables the researcher to identify the precise aspects of the
problem. 
• This stage gives problem-zone background. It teaches the
investigator about previous research, how they were conducted,
and its conclusions.
• A review exposes the researcher to a more significant body of knowledge
and helps to follow the research process efficiently.
 Review of Literature

Conceptual Review: Empirical Review:

Concerns with consisting of studies
concepts and theories made earlier which are
similar to the one
proposed
Step3: Setting Research Questions, Objectives and
hypothesis :
• After discovering and defining the research problem, researchers should 
make a formal statement of the problem leading to research objectives.
• An objective will precisely say what should be researched, what type of
information should be collected and provide a framework for the scope
of the study.
• A well-formulated, testable research hypothesis is the best expression of
a research objective.
• A hypothesis is an unproven statement or proposition that can be
supported by empirical data. Hypothetical statements assert a possible
answer to a research question.
Step4:Research Design
• The research design is the blueprint or framework for collection,
measurement and analysis of data for fulfilling objectives and 
answering research questions. It is a conceptual framework which outlines :
• The type of problem
• Nature of data required
• Sample design
• Time period needed
• From where data will be collected and techniques of data collection
• Methods of data analysis
• Report preparation
Step5:Designing Sample
• Sampling : It
involves any procedure that uses a relatively small number of items or
portions
 (called a sample) of a universe (called population) to conclude the
whole population.
• Population :  population is the total collection of elements we wish to
make some inference or generalization.
• Sample: A sample is a part of the population, carefully selected to
represent that population.
• Sample Design :Sample design refers to the methods followed in
selecting a sample from the population and the estimating technique
vis-a-vis the formula for computing the sample statistics.
How to select a sample ?
Step6:Data Collection
• Data collection is important
in obtaining the knowledge
or information required to
answer the research issue. 
• The approach selected
depends on the objectives of
the study, the research
design, and the availability of
time, money, and personnel.
• Data is of two types :
Qualitative and Quantitative
Data collection methods
• Primary data • Secondary data
• Experiment • Literature survey
• Questionnaire • Official, unofficial reports
• Observation • An approach based on library
resources
• Interview
 

Step7:Process and Analyze the Collected Research Data

• Data processing refers to editing , coding of data and tabulation

with the help of computers. Data are edited to ensure consistency
across respondents and to locate omissions if any.
• In survey data, editing reduces errors in the recording and
clarifies unclear and inappropriate responses.
• Data is analyzed with the help of different statistical tools.
Step8:Testing hypothesis, Generalisations
and Intrepretations :
• The hypotheses may be tested through the use of one or more of
such tests like t-test or f-test depending upon the nature and
object of research inquiry. Hypothesis-testing will result in either
accepting the hypothesis or in rejecting it.
• If a hypothesis is tested and it maybe possible for the researcher
to arrive at generalisation, i.e., to build a theory
• Interpretation refers to the task of drawing inferences from the
collected facts after. an analytical and/or experimental study to
develop conclusions and develop recommendations
Step9: Report Writing
• A report is an excellent means that helps to establish the researcher’s credibility. a
research report should contain sections on:
• An executive summary;
• Background of the problem;
• Literature review;
• Methodology;
• Findings;
• Discussion;
• Conclusions and
• Recommendations.
Contd…..

•There are various research reports: term papers, dissertations, 

journal articles, papers for presentation at professional conferences and
seminars, books and thesis.
•In the end, it is necessary to prepare a report and transmit the findings and
recommendations to administrators, policymakers, and program managers
to make a decision.
•dissemination strategy is to identify the most effective media channels to
reach different audience groups with study findings most relevant to their
needs . The dissemination may be made through a conference, a seminar, a
report, or an oral or poster presentation.