Steps in the research process

• Perceive a broad problem
  
• Read literature on  relevant theoretical and empirical work (looking for way of narrowing the problem)
  
• Discuss with peers and tutor to define a researchable problem
  
• Define the context of the problem to be researched
  
• Review any comparable case studies, especially for research questions and methodology
  
• Frame research questions
  
• Design an investigative procedure
  
• Select and retrieve appropriate data
  
• Proceed with analysis and interpretation
  
• Compare your findings and interpretations with other relevant studies reviewed earlier
  
• Draw tentative conclusions re. your research questions or hypotheses