then summarizing the literature in a written
RESEARCH PROCESS report.
(Qualitative & Quantitative) Reviewing literature can be time-consuming,
daunting and frustrating, but is also
rewarding. Its functions are:
Research can be defined as the search for A. Bring clarity and focus to your research
knowledge, or as any systematic investigation, problem;
with an open mind, to establish novel facts, B. Improve your methodology;
solve new and existing problems, prove new C. Broaden your knowledge
ideas, or develop new theorist. D. Contextualize your findings
A Research process consists of series of
actions or steps necessary to effectively carry STEP 3: Formulation of Objective
out research and the desired sequencing of Objectives are the goals you set out to
these steps. attain in your study. They inform the reader
what you want to attain through the study. It
What is Qualitative and Quantitative is extremely important to word them clearly
Research? and specifically. Objectives should be listed
under two headings:
Qualitative Research is primarily exploratory
research. It is used to gain an understanding Main objectives (aims);
of underlying reasons, opinions, and Sub-objectives
motivations. It provides insights into the
problem or helps to develop ideas or The main objective is an overall
hypotheses for potential quantitative research. statement of the thrust of your study. It is also
Qualitative Research is also used to uncover a statement of the main associations and
trends in thought and opinions, and dive relationships that you seek to discover or
deeper into the problem. establish.
Quantitative Research is used to quantify STEP 4: Collecting Data
the problem by way of generating numerical
data or data that can be transformed into Collecting data means identifying and
usable statistics. It is used to quantify selecting individuals for a study, obtaining
attitudes, opinions, behaviors, and other their permission to study them, and gathering
defined variables and generalize results from a information by asking people questions or
larger sample population. Quantitative observing their behaviors.
Research uses measurable data to formulate
facts and uncover patterns in research. This step will produce a collection of
Quantitative data collection methods are numbers (test scores, frequency of
much more structured than Qualitative data behaviors) or words (responses, opinions,
collection methods. quotes).
THE RESEARCH PROCESS This sections offer detailed, technical
discussions about the mechanics and
STEP 1: Identifying a Research Problem administration of data collection.
The research process begins with the
recognition of a problem or opportunity. STEP 5: Analyzing and Interpreting the
Data
Identifying a research problem consists of
specifying an issue to study, developing a Analysis consists of “taking the data
justification for studying it, and suggesting apart” to determine individual responses and
the importance of the study for select then “putting it together” to summarize it.
audiences that will read the report. By
specifying a “problem,” you limit the subject Analyzing and interpreting the data
matter and focus attention on a specific involves drawing conclusions about it;
aspect of study. representing it in tables, figures, and pictures
to summarize it; and explaining the
STEP 2: Reviewing the Literature conclusions in words to provide answers to
your research questions.
Reviewing the literature means locating A research report usually titled
summaries, books, journals, and indexed Results, Findings or Discussions.
publications on a topic; selectively choosing
which literature to include in your review; and STEP 6: Reporting and Evaluating Research
Reporting research involves deciding on
audiences, structuring the report in a format
acceptable to these audiences, and then
writing the report in a manner that is
sensitive to all readers. Researchers need to
be respectful and to avoid language that
discriminates on the basis of gender, sexual
orientation, race, or ethnic group.
Evaluating research involves assessing the
quality of the study using standards advanced
by individuals in education.
We need some means of determining the
quality of studies, especially published
research or presented to practitioner
audiences.
Conclusion
Good quality research requires a
researcher to follow scientific approach.
Researcher must follow scientific method in
conducting literature review, identifying
research gaps, writing problem statement &
outlining research questions and research
objectives. Researcher must carefully select
among different research designs, the
selection of which depends on specific
research questions and the overall objectives
of the study. Decisions like choosing among
data collection method and sampling
techniques require researcher to exercise
logical reasoning.
