Steps in doing a research

Statement of the research problem: The problem
of a study sets the stage for everything else. The
problem statement should be accompanied by
a description of the background of the problem
(what factors caused it to be a problem in the fi rst
place) and a rationale or justifi cation for studying
it. Any legal or ethical ramifi cations related to the
problem should be discussed and resolved.
Formulation of an exploratory question or a
hypothesis: Research problems are usually
stated as questions, and often as hypotheses. A
hypothesis is a prediction, a statement of what
specifi c results or outcomes are expected to occur.
The hypotheses of a study should clearly indicate
any relationships expected between the variables
(the factors, characteristics, or conditions) being
investigated and be so stated that they can be tested
within a reasonable period of time. Not all studies
are hypothesis- testing studies, but many are.
Defi nitions: All key terms in the problem statement
and hypothesis should be defi ned as clearly as
possible.
Review of the related literature: Other studies related
to the research problem should be located and
their results briefl y summarized. The literature
review (of appropriate journals, reports, monographs,
etc.) should shed light on what is already
known about the problem and should indicate
logically why the proposed study would result in
an extension of this prior knowledge.
Sample: The subjects * (the sample ) of the study and
the larger group, or population (to whom results
are to be generalized), should be clearly identifi ed.
The sampling plan (the procedures by which the
subjects will be selected) should be described.
Instrumentation: Each of the measuring instruments
that will be used to collect data from the
subjects should be described in detail, and a rationale
should be given for its use.
Procedures: The actual procedures of the study—
what the researcher will do (what, when, where,
how, and with whom) from beginning to end, in
the order in which they will occur—should be
spelled out in detail (although this is not written
in stone). This, of course, is much less feasible
and appropriate in a qualitative study. A realistic
time schedule outlibe started, along with expected completion dates,
should also be provided. All materials (e.g., textbooks)
and/or equipment (e.g., computers) that
will be used in the study should also be described.
The general design or methodology (e.g., an experiment
or a survey) to be used should be stated.
In addition, possible sources of bias should be
identifi ed, and how they will be controlled should
be explained.
Data analysis: Any statistical techniques, both descriptive
and inferential, to be used in the data
analysis should be described. The comparisons to
be made to answer the research question should
be made clear.