The research process is systematic and has several stages
(a) Selection of topic
The general area for research will be determined by either academic consideration (e.g. to further knowledge on one particular area) or by a specific need for information (e.g. to make a decision on services for example whether to implement an associate degree)
(b) Research question
The research question is the narrowing of focus from a topic. For example the topic Associate Degrees at Community College may have a research question “The impact of implementation Associate Degrees at Community College”.
(c) Thesis
It may be at this stage a thesis will be proposed or it may be that some preliminary data gathering will take place before the thesis. For our example our thesis which we are seeking to either prove or disprove will be “Fewer students will take an Associate Degree compared with the current student numbers taking the A level programme”.
(d) Designing the research instrument
A research instrument is the way in which data (the facts) is gathered. It may be that research will be carried out solely through reviewing others research (library / book review) or combined with data gathering through research instruments such as surveys, experiments or observations. When designing the research instrument, the focus will be the goal of the research question and the thesis.
(e) Gathering data
The research will use the various instruments to collect information about the topic.
(f) Recording data
Accurate recording of data is central to research both primary and secondary research can be biased by incorrect recording.
(g) Analysing and evaluation of the data
The data will be assessed against the thesis as well as other conclusions being sought for the research question. It may be that the research might show fewer students would take the A level programme however other data gathered might show that more students who previously would not have taken the A level programme would take the Associate degree
(h) Presentation of results
The research question is used to provide a framework for presenting the findings.
(i) Review of results
In many instances the research process and results are reviewed by either the researchers peers or in an academic evaluation process.