Essay about the research process

Introduction

Let us begin with a definition of research: Systematic investigation into a problem

or situation, where the intention is to identify facts and/or opinions that will assist in
solving the problem or dealing with the situation. Research is a process used to
collect and analyze information to increase our understanding of a topic or issue1.

The research process is the step-by-step procedure of developing one's research

and research paper. However, one can seldom progress in a step-by-step
fashion as such. Writing a research paper frequently requires continuous, and
sometimes extensive, re-evaluation and revision of both one's topic and the way it
is presented.

It is often necessary to revise an initial research plan. You may need to add new
material, delete extraneous material, or even change the topic completely,
depending on what is discovered during your research. You may find that your
topic is too broad and needs to be narrowed, or that sufficient information
resources may not be available (e.g. the topic is too narrow, and needs to be
expanded or changed). Sometimes what you learn may not support the thesis with
which you began.

The research process involves identifying, locating, assessing, analyzing, and then
developing and expressing your ideas.

1
Roberto Hernndez Sampieri. Metodologa de la Investigacin. [Mxico: Mc Graw Hill, 2010] p. 93
Body

Research is a process that requires patience and thought. There is no check list to
make certain you have exhausted every resource and found the best research.
Research is more of an art rather than a science. There are steps you must take,
however to thoughtfully go through this process:

1. Choose a problem
2. Review the literature
3. Evaluate the literature
4. Be aware of all ethical issues
5. Be aware of all cultural issues
6. State the research question or hypothesis
7. Select the research approach
8. Determine how the variables are going to be measured
9. Select a sample
10. Select a data collection method
11. Collect and code the data
12. Analyze and interpret the data
13. Write the report
14. Disseminate the report2

Conclusion

Research and experimental development is formal work undertaken systematically

to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of humanity, culture and
society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications It is
used to establish or confirm facts, reaffirm the results of previous work, solve new
or existing problems, support theorem, or develop new theories.

2
Fang, L., Manuel, J. Bledsoe, S.E. & Bellamy, J. (2008). Finding existing knowledge. In Grinnell, R.M. &
Unrau, Y.A. (Eds.), Social work research and evaluation: Foundations of evidence-based practice (p. 466).
Oxford: Oxford University Press.