Basic Principles of Research

Choosing the Right Method and Design for Researchable Problems

The basic principles that underlie research include a systematic process of identifying a
question or problem, setting forth a plan of action to answer the question or resolve the
problem and rigorously collecting and analyzing data. In conducting any research it is critical
to choose the right method and design for a specific researchable problem.

The Research Process

By identifying a broad range of inquiry and researching existing literature, researchers can
then identify problems and sub-problems. From this identification, research can ensue to find
answers to the sub-problems first, and then the larger problem. By taking this approach, a
researcher should identify a problem that is important and relevant to the researcher himself.
Once the problem has been identified, the researcher must then focus on the purpose of the
research. From the purpose, solid research questions and hypotheses can be developed.

Review of Available Literature

Conducting a thorough review of available and reliable literature is an important principle

that underlies research. As challenging as literature review is, the task is critical in finding a
researchable problem. According to the book, Practical Research: Planning and Design,
authors, Leedy and Ormrod (2010) state, “the existing literature is likely to tell you what is
not known in the area—in other words, what still needs to be done”.

Determining the Research Approach

There are different methods that can be used for research and the researcher should use the
best approach for the research problem. Either a quantitative or qualitative research approach
will be taken. Typically the preferred approach of the researcher will determine the problem
to be researched.

The basic principles that underlie research include identifying a broad area of inquiry and
reviewing the available literature. From this review the researcher can then determine what
has been researched and what has not been researched and identify a researchable problem.
Once the problem has been determined and clearly stated, the design and planning of the
research must be determined.

The process described here of identifying a researchable problem and setting forth the plan
for design, is a rigorous and time intensive practice. Through the proper design, data
collection and data analysis a researcher can hope to find a solution that will significantly
contribute to the body of knowledge in a given area of study. The process and resulting
outcome can have a significant influence in practice.
Fundamentals of Quantitative Research
Considerations in Research Methodology