Getting a flavour of possibilities

It is often not fully appreciated that, at the very earliest stages of thinking about
research, there are many ways in which this might proceed. For example, to collect
relevant data, you might do research in any of the following ways :
•Gather existing statistics.
• Devise a questionnaire for various ‘stakeholders’ in the research field.
• Conduct interviews with subjects of the study.
• Undertake an analysis of media representations of the subjects.
• Experience subjects’ life

When it comes to collecting and analyzing data, we can boil it down to 2 methods:
quantitative and qualitative.

Quantitative research deals with numbers and statistics and is mainly expressed in
numbers, graphs and tables; hence, it is analyzed through math and statistical analysis.
Some common quantitative methods include experiments, observations recorded as
numbers, and surveys with closed-ended questions. This method is used to test or
confirm theories and assumptions. Since it can be used to establish generalizable facts
about a topic, quantitative research requires many respondents.

Meanwhile, qualitative research deals with words and meanings. It is expressed in

words and will later be analyzed by summarizing, categorizing and interpreting to
help understand concepts, thoughts or experiences. This type of research enables you
to gather in-depth insights on topics that are not well understood. Common qualitative
methods include interviews with open-ended questions, observations described in
words, and literature reviews that explore concepts and theories. The method requires
few respondents.

Your methodological decision on how you might proceed clearly depends upon a
number of factors, such as how much time you have available, the expected word
length of your project, your research skills, your own preferences, and so forth. These
represent some very practical concerns, and you would be well advised to consult with
your supervisor at the very outset.

Regarding the various processes of research, there are at least four common
viewpoints:
- Research is often presented as a fixed, linear series of stages, with a clear start
and end. This is the most common view, and reflects the way in which research
is normally written up.
 - There are also somewhat more complicated representations of this linear view
that allow for slightly different routes to be taken through the process at
particular stages.
- Another common representation portrays research as a circular process with the
same set of stages in the same order, but there is an implication both that the
process might be entered at a number of points, and that the experience of later
stages might lead to a reinterpretation or revisiting of earlier stages.
- There are also variants, often associated with action research, that see the
research process as cyclical that can be entered at almost any point; is a never
ending process; will cause you to reconsider your practice; and will return you
to a different starting place.
Getting a flavour of each of the possible ways your project might proceed is an
important part of the initial stage. This will enable you to select the most appropriate
research process for your needs and interests, but then, you still might have to find the
answer for another question.