The research process:

• Research process = describes the elements within the research process and the relationships between the elements

• The eight stages that will be outlined are not isolated, discrete stages, but are actually part of one overall process

Stage 1: Selection of Topic

• The selection of your research question is a crucial stage - an inappropriate topic or question will often lead to irretrievable difficulties later in the research

• It is unlikely that you will develop a final question and set of objectives at this stage of the research process

• The next two stages are important in developing and assessing your question more fully

Stage 2: Reviewing the literature

• A literature review essentially consists of critically reading, evaluating and organizing 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

• Reading widely may also alert you to other helpful factors:

Stage 3: Development of theoretical and 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

Stage 4. Clarification of the Research Question

• Stage 1, 2 and 3 of the research process will initially, in many cases, become a circular process, whereby initial research questions are chosen, investigated and often rejected for a number of reasons

Stage 5: Research design

• Once the focused research question has been ascertained, the next stage is to consider two questions:

Stage 6. Data Collection:

• Going to the ‘field’ – what is the ‘field’ in your study?

Stage 7. Data Analysis and Discussion of the Findings

• The data you collect in stage 6 needs to be analyzed to provide answers to your research question

• Methods of data analysis should always be related to the objectives of the research

• In your discussion of the results, reference should also be made back to the literature reviewed in stage 2

Stage 8. Drawing Conclusions

• This should relate back to the focused research question

• The answer to the research question(s) should be clearly stated

• Highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the research

• You may also want to make recommendations for further research

asking questions:

• Every research project starts with a question

• The question will almost certainly be revisited and revised as you read

• A good question requires research (not just reflection or opinion)

• It is narrow enough to allow for an answer