The process of research has the following steps in logical sequence:
1. Identify the research question
• Define research area or problems • Identify or develop the research question • Describe the purpose and importance of research • Review scientific literature • Identify independent and dependent response variables
• State hypothesis
2. Design the study
• Plan the research setting • Design the study and sampling technique • Select appropriate number of subjects by inclusion and exclusion criteria • Select data collection techniques • Choose methods of testing and measurement
• Perform experiment/measurement on samples in controlled conditions
3. Data Analysis
• Record the raw data on worksheet and make tables for compiling ‘raw data’. • Statistical procedures are applied to summarize quantitative information • It involves analyzing data, interpreting and making valid conclusions • The research hypothesis is supported or rejected
• Analysis should also lead to new question that will stimulate further study
4. Communication
• Researcher has the responsibility to share findings with the appropriate audience so that others can apply the information either in clinical practice or further research • Report the findings in journal articles, oral presentations, poster presentations or thesis, etc.
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Questions you must ask |
Steps |
Important Elements |
| Step 1 |
What is the problem and why it should be studied? |
Selection, analysis and statement of research problem |
Problem identification Prioritizing problem Analysis Justification |
| Step 2 |
What information is already available? |
Literature review |
Literature and other related information |
| Step 3 |
Why do we want to carry out the research? What do we hope to achieve? |
Formation of research question |
General and specific objectives Hypothesis |
| Step 4 |
What additional data do we need to meet our research objectives? How are we going to collect this information? |
Research |
Variables Type of study Data collection techniques Sampling Plan for data collection Plan for data processing and analysis Ethical considerations Pre-test or pilot study |
| Step 5 |
Who will do what, and when? |
Work plan |
Personnel Time table |
| Step 6 |
How will the project be administered? How will utilization of results be ensured? |
Plan for project administration and utilization of results |
Administration Monitoring Identification of potential users |
| Step 7 |
What resources do we need to carry out the study? What resources do we have? |
Budget |
Material support and equipment Money |
| Step 8 |
How will we present our proposal to relevant authorities and potential funding agencies |
Proposal summary |
Development of a research proposal is often a cyclical process |
Read more about research methodology…
A Concept of Research Process – howMed
The process of research has the following steps in logical sequence:
1. Identify the research question
• Define research area or problems • Identify or develop the research question • Describe the purpose and importance of research • Review scientific literature • Identify independent and dependent response variables
• State hypothesis
2. Design the study
• Plan the research setting • Design the study and sampling technique • Select appropriate number of subjects by inclusion and exclusion criteria • Select data collection techniques • Choose methods of testing and measurement
• Perform experiment/measurement on samples in controlled conditions
3. Data Analysis
• Record the raw data on worksheet and make tables for compiling ‘raw data’. • Statistical procedures are applied to summarize quantitative information • It involves analyzing data, interpreting and making valid conclusions • The research hypothesis is supported or rejected
• Analysis should also lead to new question that will stimulate further study
4. Communication
• Researcher has the responsibility to share findings with the appropriate audience so that others can apply the information either in clinical practice or further research • Report the findings in journal articles, oral presentations, poster presentations or thesis, etc.
Read more about research methodology…