Research Process

8 steps in the research process are;

1. Identifying the Research Problem

Step #1: Identifying the Research Problem

The first and foremost task in the entire process of scientific research is to identify a research problem.
A well-identified problem will lead the researcher to accomplish all-important phases of the research
process, from setting objectives to selecting the research methodology.

1. Statement of the Problem

Statement of the Problem

A clear and well-defined problem statement is considered the foundation for developing the research
proposal. It enables the researcher to systematically point out why the proposed research on the
problem should be undertaken and what he hopes to achieve with the study’s findings. A well-defined
statement of the problem will lead the researcher to formulate the research objectives, understand the
background of the study, and choose a proper research methodology.

Justifying the Problem

Once the problem situation has been identified and clearly stated, it is important to justify the
importance of the problem. In justifying the problems, we ask such questions as why the problem of
the study is important, how large and widespread the problem is, and whether others can be convinced
about the importance of the problem and the like.

Analyzing the Problem

As a first step in analyzing the problem, critical attention should be given to accommodate the
viewpoints of the managers, users, and researchers to the problem through threadbare discussions. The
next step is identifying the factors that may have contributed to the perceived problems.

Step #2: Reviewing of Literature

A review of relevant literature is an integral part of the research process. It enables the researcher to
formulate his problem in terms of the specific aspects of the general area of his interest that has not
been researched so far. Such a review provides exposure to a larger body of knowledge and equips
him with enhanced knowledge to efficiently follow the research process. Through a proper review of
the literature, the researcher may develop the coherence between the results of his study and those of
the others. A review of previous documents on similar or related phenomena is essential even for

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beginning researchers. Ignoring the existing literature may lead to wasted effort on the part of the
researchers. Why spend time merely repeating what other investigators have already done? Suppose
the researcher is aware of earlier studies of his topic or related topics. In that case, he will be in a much
better position to assess his work’s significance and convince others that it is important. A confident
and expert researcher is more crucial in questioning the others’ methodology, the choice of the data,
and the quality of the inferences drawn from the study results.

In sum, we enumerate the following arguments in favor of reviewing the literature:

 It avoids duplication of the work that has been done in the recent past.
 It helps the researcher discover what others have learned and reported on the problem.
 It enables the researcher to become familiar with the methodology followed by others.
 It allows the researcher to understand what concepts and theories are relevant to his area of
investigation.
 It helps the researcher to understand if there are any significant controversies, contradictions,
and inconsistencies in the findings.
 It allows the researcher to understand if there are any unanswered research questions.
 It might help the researcher to develop an analytical framework.
 It will help the researcher consider including variables in his research that he might not have
thought about.

Step #3: Setting Research Questions, Objectives, and Hypotheses

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,
define the type of information that 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 refuted or supported by empirical data.
Hypothetical statements assert a possible answer to a research question.

Step #4: Choosing the Study Design

The research design is the blueprint or framework for fulfilling objectives and answering research
questions. It is a master plan specifying the methods and procedures for collecting, processing, and
analyzing the collected data. There are four basic research designs that a researcher can use to conduct
their study;

1. Survey,
2. Experiment,
3. Secondary data study, and
4. Observational study.

The type of research design to be chosen from among the above four methods depends primarily on
four factors:

 The type of problem

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Step #5: Deciding on the Sample Design

Sampling is an important and separate step in the research process. The basic idea of sampling is that
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.

It contrasts with the process of complete enumeration, in which every member of the population is
included.

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.

Step #6: Collecting Data From The Research Sample

Data gathering may range from simple observation to a large-scale survey in any defined population.
There are many ways to collect data. The approach selected depends on the objectives of the study, the
research design, and the availability of time, money, and personnel. With the variation in the type of
data (qualitative or quantitative) to be collected, the method of data collection also varies . The most
common means for collecting quantitative data is the structured interview. Studies that obtain data by
interviewing respondents are called surveys. Data can also be collected by using self-administered
questionnaires. Telephone interviewing is another way in which data may be collected. Other means of
data collection include secondary sources, such as the census, vital registration records, official
documents, previous surveys, etc. Qualitative data are collected mainly through in-depth
interviews, focus group discussions, Key Informant Interview (KII), and observational studies.

Step #7: Process and Analyze the Collected Research Data

Data analysis usually involves reducing accumulated data to a manageable size, developing
summaries, searching for patterns, and applying statistical techniques for understanding and
interpreting the findings in light of the research questions. Further, based on his analysis, the
researcher determines if his findings are consistent with the formulated hypotheses and theories.
The techniques used in analyzing data may range from simple graphical techniques to very complex
multivariate analyses depending on the study’s objectives, the research design employed, and the
nature of the data collected.

Step #8: Writing Research Report

The end goal of a scientific study is to interpret the results and draw conclusions.

To this end, it is necessary to prepare a report and transmit the findings and recommendations to
administrators, policymakers, and program managers to make a decision.

A report is an excellent means that helps to establish the researcher’s credibility. At a bare minimum, a
research report should contain sections on:

 An executive summary;
 Background of the problem;
 Literature review;
 Methodology;
 Findings;
 Discussion;
 Conclusions and

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 Recommendations.