CHAPTER FOUR: THE PROCESS OF RESEARCH

Before embarking up on the details of research methodology and techniques, it seems

appropriate to present a brief overview of the research process. The research process consists of a
number of closely related activities. These activities/steps overlap continuously rather than
following a strictly prescribed sequence. They do not necessarily follow each other in any
specific order. However, the following order provides a useful procedural guideline regarding the
research process.

A. Formulating the Research Problem: The first step in the research process is the choice
of a suitable problem for investigation. Research starts with a felt difficulty. It takes place
when there is a problematic situation and a need to solve the problem. Sources of a research
problem are one’s professional experience, theory, and professional literature. Initially the
problem may be stated in a broad general way and then narrowed down to a specific
research problem. That means, after understanding the problem thoroughly the same has to
be rephrased in to meaningful terms from analytical point of view.
B. Review the Literature: Once the problem is formulated, a brief summary of it should be
written down. At this juncture, the researcher should undertake extensive literature survey
connected with the problem. The researcher may review two types of literature-conceptual
and empirical. Conceptual literature is concerned with related concepts and theories.
Empirical literature is about studies made earlier which are similar to the one proposed.
C. Formulation of Working Hypothesis: After extensive literature survey, researcher should
state in clear terms the working hypothesis or hypotheses. Hypothesis is tentative
assumption made in order to draw out and test its logical or empirical consequences.
Hypotheses provide focal point for research. The role of hypothesis is to guide the
researcher by delimiting the area of research and to keep him on the right truck. However,
we may encounter a problem where we do not need working hypotheses.
D. Preparing the Research Design (Including Sample Design): The research problem
having been formulated in clear cut terms, the researcher will be required to prepare a
research design. This is stating the conceptual structures with in which research would be
conducted. In addition, the researcher must design the way of selecting a sample or what is
known as the sample design.

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E. Collecting the Data (Execution): The researcher should select one of the methods of data
collection taking in to consideration the nature of investigation, objective and scope of the
inquiry, financial resources, available time, and the desired degree of accuracy. Then using
the selected method, adequate and dependable data have to be collected.
F. Analysis of Data (Including Test of Hypothesis): After the data have been collected, the
researcher turns to the task of analyzing them. The analytical techniques have to be
appropriate and adequate. After analyzing the data, the researcher is in opposition to test
the hypothesis, if any, he had formulated earlier.
G. Interpretation and Drawing Conclusions: This is making generalizations after the
analyses have been made. The conclusions must be based on the data and the analysis
within the framework of the research study. Finally, the researcher has to prepare the
report of what has been done by him.