Pilot Phase QDS Investigation 2 MN

Research process consists of series of steps or procedure necessary to effectively conduct research and achieve the desired objective outcomes. Research in the Social sciences is understood to follow a structural procedure that helps it attain objectivity, precision and reliability. These procedures which enhances data gathering, evaluation, and the production of new knowledge is termed methodology. Though the steps may vary in order depending on the subject matter and researcher, the following steps are usually part of most social science research:

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Fig. 1: Processes of Research in the Social sciences. Source: Author’s illustration 1. Careful Observations and Identification of problem: Every research begins with

a careful observation and an identification of specific problems that require examination. Identification of research problem refers to the sense of awareness of a prevalent social problem, a social phenomenon or a concept that is worth study – as it requires to be investigated to understand it. The researcher identifies such a research problem through his observation, knowledge, wisdom and skills. Problem Identification in research involves recognizing the problems common in an environment and the possible ways it impacts on the peace, comfort and lives of people. Problem identification can also to take the form of observing the specific issues, difficulties, contradictions, or gap in knowledge that requires attention and contribution.

2. Hypothesis formulation: A major step in social researches is the formulation of hypotheses. Hypotheses are tentative answers or testable predictions that

Careful Observation

1) Identify social problem.

2) Gap in knowledge.

Hypothesis Formulation

1) Research Questions

2) Tentatuve Answers

Gathering of Data

1) Field

Work 2) Data collection

Analysis of Data

1) Data

cleaning 2) Data evaluation

Data Interpretation

1) Presentation

of findings.

2) Interpretation of findings

Verification 1) Revising of hypothesis

2) Validation of findings

Conclusion 1) Discussion of findings

2) Research report

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explains the „how‟ and „why‟ of occurrences in human environment. Through hypothesis formulation, researchers are able to generate possible explanations that can be further tested and verified.

3. Gathering of data: Data gathering, or data collection as it is commonly referred to, consists of identifying the target population and selecting samples from it, gathering information from or about these samples by using specific research instruments, and collecting useful data from them. This is the field work aspect of social research where the investigator sources for data to use in the verification of earlier stated research hypotheses and assumptions.

4. Analysis of data: Data remains disorganized and, thus, meaningless if not adequately analysed. Data analysis Involves the sorting, collation and processing of raw information into data, and breaking down the individual pieces of the data in order to draw conclusions.

5. Data Interpretation: Data interpretation is connected to data analysis, and involves the presentation of data in formats that make it easier to understand and inform conclusions. Data in the Social sciences is usually represented through tables, figures, charts and pictures, and then described in words.

6. Verification or revising of hypothesis: Verification is social research involves double-checking evidences against observations and confirming outcomes against assumptions. It is an important step in the processes of social research in that it helps the researcher confirm if the outcomes of the research are consistent with assumptions that preceded it.

Gall, Borg, and Gall (1996) have also argued that academic research, especially in the social sciences, should follow five (5) key steps, which includes: the identification of a research problem, preparing a proposal, conducting a pilot test, conducting the main study and preparation of a report for the public.

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1. Identify a significant research problem: As noted by Gall, Borg, and Gall (1996), in this stage, investigators are expected to document the common social issues affecting the population or a gap in knowledge that requires investigation.

2. Prepare a research proposal: After identifying the issues or gaps in knowledge, the investigate is to develop a proposal detailing the significance, aims, and methods that can be adopted to conduct the research. A research proposal usually consists of sections such as an introduction, literature review, theoretical framework, research design, research method, data analysis techniques, and timeline.

3. Conduct a pilot study: A pilot study is essentially a preliminary study conducted with the aim of evaluating the feasibility, duration, cost, and adverse effects of the main study. The purpose of a pilot study is to improve upon the procedures for the actual or full-scale research project.

4. Conduct a main study: The main study here explains the research; that is, the actual investigation aimed at the finding and interpretation of facts, the revision of accepted theories in view of emerging facts, or the practical application of such new findings.

5. Prepare a report: The general aim of research is to generate knowledge that can aid the expansion of the frontiers of knowledge or help humanity solve natural and manmade problems. As such, research outcomes are usually documented for public consumption. Research reports present the results or findings of formal investigations. A research report is document that outlines the processes and findings of a systematic investigation. Research report becomes a medium to communicate findings of a research work with relevant people and also to preserve research work for the future references.

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Fig. 2: Gall, Borg and Gall’s Research processes. Source: Author’s illustration Gall, Borg, and Gall (1996) further explained that these five stages may sometimes overlap or occur in a different order depending on the nature of the study. For instance, qualitative studies which involve emergent research design may gather and analyse some data before developing the proposal. Furthermore, all the steps above are iterative, in that the end of a research process forms the basis for further studies.

The iterative nature of this process makes for the rigor, repeatability, and reliability associated with research. It also creates the confidence that the researcher has followed unbiased steps to ensure that the conclusions reached are robust, objective.

As Mills, Durepos, and Wiebe (2010) had noted, the iterative process involves the systematic repetition of a sequence of tasks executed in exactly the same manner multiple times, thereby providing a deepening understanding of research data and bringing a standard of reliability to scientific researches.