Research Process

Research process consists of a series of steps or actions required for effectively conducting research. The following are the steps that provide useful procedural guidelines regarding the conduct of research:

(1) Formulating the research problem;

(2) Extensive literature survey;

(3) Developing hypothesis;

(4) Preparing the research design;

(5) Determining sample design;

(6) Collecting data;

(7) Execution of the project;

(8) Analysis of data;

(9) Hypothesis testing;

(10) Generalization and interpretation, and

(11) Preparation of the report or presentation of the results.

1.     Formulating the research problem

The first and foremost stage in the research process is to select and properly define the research problem. A researcher should first identify a problem and formulate it, so as to make it amenable or susceptible to research. In general, a research problem refers to an unanswered question that a researcher might encounter in the context of either a theoretical or practical situation, which he/she would like to answer or find a solution to.

2. Review of the existing literature:

Research can not be conducted without reviewing of existing literature may be conceptual or empirical in nature. Conceptual literature is concerned with concept on theories empirical literature is concerned with earlier studies of similar nature already conducted. This review of existing studies provides base to understand how to plan for the study.

3. Formation and development of working hypothesis:

After the formation of the research problem and reviewing of the available existing literature now hypothesis is required to be explained by the researcher. The normal assumptions which are the base of the study which may be tentative in nature are considered as hypothesis.

4. Preparation of research design:

The research design is prepared by the research after the formulation of research problem, reviewing of literature and developing of hypothesis. If is an outline on a conceptual structure within its limit research work is supposed to be carried on. The research design is prepared with an object of collecting relevant data with the minimum efforts and with minimum of expenditure, just to control wasteful expenditure.

5. Determining sample design:

The success of the research study is largely based on proper identification of the sample to be selected for the study. the method for selecting is normally known as sample design. It is a sample plan already decided before later is collected from given population brief description of these techniques of various sampling is given below.

I. Deliberate sample:

This technique involve deliberate selection of sample which represent the whole universe.

II. Simple random sampling:

As this sample is controlled by probability, there is every equal chance for all the items of the universe to get selected.

III. Systematic sampling:

This is most simple and practical way of sampling. It is covered under the techniques of probability sampling.

IV Stratified sampling:

This is also a technique of probability sampling, which is used for the population not having homogeneous group.

V. Quota sampling:

This is an important from non-probability technique of sampling quota sampling is considered as judgement sampling.

VI. Custer sampling:

This is a probability sampling technique cluster refers to a group and in this sampling technique first the population is grouped, then specific group is selected for the study.

VII. Area sampling:

The area sampling is just like a cluster sampling when geographical area under the investigation is very large than the total area is divided into non-overlapping small area.

6. Data collection:

The data is collected as per the requirement of the study. this may be primary or secondary in nature. If the secondary is sufficient enough to assess the research problem then there is no necessity for primary data to be collected. As per the requirement of the research study appropriate data is a basic need of research. This primary data can be collected by observation, interview, questionnaire and schedule.

7. Project execution:

The project execution is very important stage in the research process. It should be executed in a systematic manner. Therefore periodical and occasional check is essential for verification of the data collected.

8. Data analysis:

In research process after the data is collected it is required to analyse the meaning of objective. The collected data is processes through various operations. So in order to make raw data meaningful these operations will help us to draw proper conclusions.

9. Testing of hypothesis:

It is only after the analysing data, researcher can go further in testing of his hypothesis in which he can ascertain the fact to support or disagree with the hypothesis.

10. Data Interpretation:

After hypothesis is tested than researcher can go further for drawing of general inferences so that he can arrive at making of statement. The ability of any research is largely based on its capacity of making general statement.

11. Report writing:

Report writing is final job to be done by the researcher. Research work which is conducted by him is finally presented in form of research report. Report must be written in systematic manner, which normally should have following parts.

I. Preliminary part

II. Main text of the report

III. Conclusion part

IV. Reference material.

Reference :

Research Methodology by C R Kothari

Research Methodology  - Pondicherry University

Research Methodology  - Calicut University

Other Sources - Internet