1. The Research Process

2.  There are 8 stages to the research process.  Each stage is important, but some hold more significance than others.

3.  This stage will take up most, if not all of your time in the beginning is that of selecting a topic and developing a preliminary research question and set of objectives.  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.

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

5.  This is 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, such as previous methodologies adopted by others on a similar topic.

6.  While reading literature, you should be continually developing and refining your theoretical and conceptual frameworks.  This is a vital part of the research process  The conceptual framework defines and organizes the concepts important within the study.

7.  Stages 1, 2, and 3 of the process will initially become a circular process.  Continuously investigating the strength of the research question leading to rejected questions for the following examples: - The question lacks sufficient focus - The conceptual framework has identified problems in either defining and/or measuring the appropriate concepts.

8. - There are too many moderating or intervening variables. - The project is unfeasible in terms of complexity, access, facilities or resources.

9.  Once the focused research question has been ascertained, the next stage is to consider two questions: 1. What data do I need to collect to answer this question? 2. What is the best way to collect this data?

10.  Two questions broken down:  What overall research design should I use? Cross-sectional, experimental, or longitudinal.  Will I need to collect primary data, or will there be suitable secondary data to use?  What methods to use? Interviews, questionnaire surveys, etc.

11.  Who should participate in the research, and how will I gain access to them?  What are the exact procedures that I should adopt in my data collection to ensure reliability and validity?

12.  Once the issues identified in stages 4 and 5 have been addressed, you should have a clear idea of what data to collect, and how to collect it.  You have to consider which methodology to choose, and which methods to utilize within the methodology.

13.  The data collected is stage 6 needs to be analyzed to provide answers to you 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 reviwed.

14.  Do they support the literature?  If not, what are the possible reasons why?  A common fault is not to refer back to the literature reviewed.

15.  This should relate back to the focused research question.  The answer of the research question should be clearly stated.  Evaluate how successful you have been in achieving your research objectives.  Highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the research.  Recommendations for further research.

17.  After reviewing the power point and class discussion, re-asses your research question.  Make any corrections needed. Write a reflection paper (1 Page) discussing what changes you made and how it has affected your research question.