RESEARCH PROJECT PROCESS- RESEARCH PROCESS FOR ACADEMIC PROJECTS IN NIGERIA

Introduction

Taking on academic research generally demands a systematic and well-organised research process to guarantee the generation of dependable and verifiable research findings. Regardless of the type of research, following a rigorous research process is critical for generating high-quality research.

Thus, having a clearly defined research process can be a catalyst for producing quality research. This article provides an outline and explanation of the various steps in the research process. But before doing so, a brief definition of research and the research process will be provided before highlighting and explaining each step in the process.

Definition of Research

Research is commonly defined as a systematic and organised examination or inquiry implemented with the aim of discovering novel knowledge, advancing available knowledge, or providing a solution(s) to a particular problem(s).

It is a process that involves gathering, analysing, and interpreting data to verify hypotheses and address specific research questions. Furthermore, in the context of the write-up, research can be viewed as an academic endeavour that cuts across various academic domains, embarked on with the sole aim of contributing to knowledge and practice in a specific field.

Research Process

The research process or procedure is an organised or systematic approach to collecting and analysing data and arriving at conclusions regarding a specific question or topic. It typically involves a handful of steps followed by a researcher to arrive at valid and reliable research outcomes.

Hence, the research process is essential for establishing dependable and solid knowledge in several academic disciplines. The processes or procedures involved in conducting research are highlighted and explained below.

Definition of research topic

The first and perhaps the most important step in the research process is defining the research topic. A clearly defined topic goes a long way toward determining the accomplishment of such research.

Defining a research topic will involve selecting a subject area or problem of interest that not only aligns with your academic goals but also with your career goals. Moreover, it is even more important that your research topic be relevant, unambiguous, and achievable. Thus, in defining your research topic, you should consider questions regarding how you will go about doing it.

Literature Review

The literature review is the second step of the research process. After defining your research topic, it is imperative that you conduct a comprehensive and in-depth review of the existing literature. The literature review comprises the identification and evaluation of relevant existing scholarly articles, books, or other information sources relevant to your defined research topic.

The process will help you acquire an in-depth understanding of your research topic, as it will provide you with information about the extent to which a similar topic has been investigated and identify existing gaps in the available literature. Filling the identified gap now becomes your own contribution to the field.

Formulation Of Research Questions and Hypothesis

Drawn from the knowledge acquired from the review of existing relevant literature, you will need to specify clear and concise research questions, hypotheses or both. These questions will provide you with a direction and help you focus on addressing specific queries.

On the other hand, hypotheses are tentative statements drawn from the research questions that can be verified through the analysis of data using specific methods.

As a rule, it is important to have an equal number of hypotheses as your research questions. In situations where your topic is multidimensional, it is important to ensure that your selected dimensions are clearly defined and evident in your research question.

Selection of Research Method/ Design

The next step in the research process is the selection of suitable research methods or designs. There are three main types of research methods: quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods (a combination of both qualitative and quantitative research methods).

After specifying your research questions, your next dilemma will be the selection of a research method because embedded in these research methods are several research designs that can be used in addressing specific research questions.

However, the nature of your research topic, alongside the questions specified, will determine your choice of methods. Moreover, the process also involves the selection of the methods of data collection, sample and sampling techniques, and techniques of data analysis. All these will be guided by research questions.

To make it easier, you can check the methods used in prior similar studies. Furthermore, you may consider reviewing journals or articles on research methods, so you can be acquainted with the strengths and limitations of various research methods.

Data Collection

After deciding on the methods, the next step is to proceed with the data collection. Data collection involves collecting data relevant to addressing specific research questions and testing hypotheses. At this stage of the research process, you have to decide which method(s) you will use to collect the information necessary to address your research questions.

A handful of approaches exist, including observations, interviews, surveys, and examination of available databases. So, at this point in the research process, you are in the field to gather the information you need via any of the aforementioned techniques of data collection. However, it is important that your approach to data collection be done in line with well-known ethical standards.

Data Analysis

Collected data makes no sense unless it is analysed to produce useful insights and meaningful conclusions. Data analysis involves organising, cleaning, and interpreting the collected data through the adoption of analytical techniques that best address your research questions and hypothesis.

Also, to facilitate the analytical process, it is better for the analysis to be presented in a concise manner using statistical tools, as the case may be.

Interpretation and Discussion

After analysing your data, it is necessary that you provide interpretations of the results in line with how they should be interpreted when specific methods of analysis are used. This is to say that each method of analysis has its unique way of interpreting its outcome.

This phase of the research process involves critically evaluating the findings and discussing their implications in the context of available literature. Thus, at this stage, you compare and contrast your findings with those of available literature in the topic area.

Conclusion and Recommendations

This is the last stage of the research process. At this stage, you are expected to draw conclusions and make recommendations based on the outcomes of your study.

The conclusion should provide a summary of the entire process leading up to the findings and summarise the findings in line with the specific questions. On the other hand, the recommendations should offer suggestions for practice and for further research.