STEPS IN RESEARCH PROCESS
DR. MAHESWARI JAIKUMAR
In a research study the researcher progresses in a logical sequence of
the pre-determined steps.
PHASES OF RESEARCH PROCESS
I. The conceptual phase.
II. II. Design & Planning phase.
III. III.The empirical phase.
IV. IV.The Analytical phase.
V. V. The Dissemination phase.
THE CONCEPTUAL PHASE.
1.Formulating & delimiting the problem
2.ROL
3.Defining theoretical framework.
4.Formulating hypothesis
DESIGNING & PLANNING PHASE
1.Selecting research design.
2.Identification of the population to be studied.
3.Specification of material & methods of research variables.
4.Designing the sampling plan
5.Finalizing & reviewing research plan.
6.Pilot study.
THE EMPIRICAL PHASE.
1.Collection of data.
2.Tabulation of data for analysis.
ANALYTICAL PHASE.
1. Analysing the data.
2. Interpreting the results.
DISSEMINATION PHASE
1.communicating the findings.
2.utilization of the study findings.
THE CONCEPTUAL PHASE.
a. FORMULATING & DELIMITING THE PROBLEM.
1.Develop a good research Question.
2.The RQ should have good clinical significance, practicability, &
satisfy the ethical dimensions 3.A good RQ should satisfy the
requisites of the methodological dimensions.
b. ROL
1.Quantitative R is typically conducted within the context of the
previous knowledge.
2.The ROL provides the foundation upon which to base the new
knowledge.
3.ROL sometimes precedes the delineation of the problem.
DEFINING THE THEORITICAL FRAMEWORK.
When RQ / R is carried out in the context of theoretical framework, it
can be used as a basis for generating predictions that can be tested
through empirical research.
FORMULATING HYPOTHESIS
1.Hypothesis is a statement of researcher’s expectations about
relationships between the variables of investigation.
2.Hypothesis predicts the outcomes.
THE DESIGN & PLANNING PHASE.
In the design phase the researcher makes a number of decisions about
the methods to be used to address the RQ.
IDENTIFYING THE POPULATION TO BE STUDIED.1.
The term population refers to the aggregate or totality of all the
objects, members that conform to a set of specifications.
2.The researcher identifies the population during the planning phase.
3.The researcher must know the characteristics of the study
participants.
SPECIFYING METHODS TO MEASURE THE RESEARCH VARIABLES
. 1.The researcher must develop a method to observe & measure
research variable as accurately as possible.
2. A variety of quantitative data collection approaches exist, e.g..bio-
physiological measurements, self reports, observation. .
3.Data collection methods vary depending on the RQ & methodology.
4.The task of measuring research variables & TO DEVELOP DATA
COLLECTION PLAN IS A COMPLEX PROCESS
DESIGNING THE SAMPLING PLAN.
1.As entire population cannot be studied researcher uses a small
fraction of the population. -sample. 2.The researcher employs many
methods to obtain the sample.
3.In applying the methods the researcher ensures representativeness
of the selected sample. 4.Methods of sampling include probability &
non-probability sampling techniques.
FINALIZING & RE-VIEWING THE RESEARCH PLAN.
1.Researchers must finalize the research plan by individuals, groups
before the actual implementation. 2.The researcher must have their
research plan approved by special committees as to ensure that the
plan does not violate ethical principles.
CONDUCTING PILOT STUDY & REVISION.
1.The primary focus of the pilot study is to assess the adequacy of the
data collection plan.
2.The researcher needs to know the adequacy of the technical
equipment.
3.The tool for data collection is validated & is termed as pre-testing.
4.Pilot study should be carried out with care as a major study.
5.The pilot study subjects should be chosen from the same population
as of the main study.
THE EMPIRICAL PHASE.COLLECTING THE DATA.
1.The researcher establishes plans & specifies the procedure for data
collection. ( when , where,how,from whom, consent etc.)
2.Collection of data involves clerical & administrative works.
3.The researcher ensures confidentiality of the data collected.
SELECTION OF RESEARCH DESIGN.
1.Research design is the overall plan to obtain answers to RQ.
2.The design specifies the various types of R approaches that will
adopted.
3.As to how the researcher plans to implement specific controls to
enhance the interpretability of the results.
4.There are two major types of research –Experimental & Non
experimental.
PREPARING THE DATA FOR ANALYSIS.
1.The investigator, transforms the data collected into manageable form
(coding) & categorize the collected data into meaningful categories.
2.The above said may be done manually or by transferring the
information on to computer files.
ANALYTICAL PHASE ANALYSING
THE DATA
. 1.The data collected do not answer our RQ.
2.The data needs to be processed & analyses in orderly & coherent
fashion. 3.Quantitative information is generally analyzed through
statistical procedures.
3.It involves usage of broad range techniques. E.g., Descriptive &
Analytical statistics.
INTERPRETING THE RESULTS.
1.Before communicating the results, they must be organized &
interpreted.
2.This helps to examine the implications of findings within a broader
context.
3.The researcher reflects, supports his /h her finding with the
consistency of the existing literature.
THE DISSEMINATION PHASE.
1.The results of research finding are of not use if they are not
communicated.
2.The final task of the project is to prepare research report.
3.The reports could take various forms as papers, dissertations, journal
articles,professional conferences
UTIZATION OF RESEARCH FINDING.
The concluding step of a high quality study is to plan for utilization in
the real world
