This is a learning process of obtaining knowledge or information usually involving questioning.

Research can be seen as a series of linked activities moving from a beginning to an end. Research usually begins with the identification of a problem followed by formulation of research questions or objectives. Proceeding from this the researcher determines how best to answer these questions and so decides what information to collect, how it will be collected, and how it will be analysed in order to answer the research question.

1.2.1 Research process - linear representation

Source: unit author

[D]

Described in this way the research process is given the impression of linearity, yet research investigation is often an iterative process whereby the process of conducting the research will give rise to new ideas which, in turn, feed back into the data collection and analysis stage. Decisions made early in the research process are often revisited in the light of new insights or practical problems encountered along the way.

1.2.2 Cyclical or iterative research process

Source: unit author

[D]

1. Through the process of designing your research, consideration of both practical and conceptual issues may force you to reconsider your original research question.
2. Difficulties with access to research sites or participants may cause you to reconsider your questions or your methods.
3. Issues arising during data collection may suggest that additional data are required or reveal problems with the original research question.
4. Problems or new questions arising from analysis of data collected so far may result in a need to collect more data, sample elsewhere or employ a different technique.
5. Finally you progress to the report writing stage.

Source: unit author

Regardless of the route taken subsequently, research should start with the problem and the research questions. If the intention of research is to answer your questions, it follows that choice of method should develop from your question: choose the method that can best provide the information you need to answer your research question given the resources available to you. This is one reason why it is very important to be clear as to what you are asking.

As you can see there are numerous choices to be made within the research process. Planning your research involves the consideration of four overlapping themes.

• The conceptual approach - the philosophical underpinnings of research
• Research design - how data collection is organised
• Data collection techniques - how data are collected
• Sampling - from whom data are collected

These aspects of research planning can be represented as forming different layers of a research 'onion'.

1.2.3 The 'onion' diagram of research choices

Source: unit author

Each layer of the onion presents a different set of choices regarding research philosophy, research approach, method and so on. All research involves choices at all these levels, though these choices are not always made explicit. Choices further into the centre of the onion are often, but not always, contingent on those made further out.

Compare the two different representations of research presented above (the 'research onion' and the animated diagrams of the research process). Note down the particular insights given by each diagram.

Other considerations

Choices in research planning must also take into account the following:

• the types of information outputs required - who needs the information and for what purposes
• research resources - time, funds, facilities, staff, and access
• ethical considerations - for example, within the research plan is it possible to obtain informed consent from all participants, does the plan involve any risks to the safety of the researcher, can the researchers assure the confidentiality of all information given?

Clarifying terminology

You will notice when reading about research that different authors use an assortment of terminology to describe the stages of the research process. This can make reading around the subject somewhat confusing and unclear.

You will commonly encounter the following terms, some of which may seem somewhat interchangeable.

• 'Research topic' often used interchangeably or to mean the same thing as others' use of the terms 'research problem' and 'research situation'.
• 'Research strategy' often used interchangeably or to mean the same thing as others' use of the term 'research approach'.
• 'Method' can refer to a broad strategy of data collection or a specific tool for collecting data. For example 'survey' or 'ethnography' are sometimes defined as methods, as are 'interview' and 'observation'. For this reason we will limit the use of the word method.

The various ways in which approaches and designs are classified by authors are not always distinct, but overlap and can be used in different combinations. Consistent use of terminology is also complicated by overlap between some concepts or components of the research process (for example, according to our definitions below 'experiment' is both a research design and a research strategy). This reflects both the differing use of the same terminology and the fact that designs may be combined. This module will apply terminology according to the following definitions.

1.2.4 Research process terminology, module definitions

Plan

General plan of how research questions will be answered, this includes the approach and design.

Research approach

This is the theoretical or conceptual basis for the research. For example: positivist, interpretivist, realist etc.

Research design

How data collection is organised in order to answer the research question. Basic design types are: (1) Situation, 'snap-shot' or Baseline (sometimes called case-study); (2) Cross-sectional comparison; (3) Longitudinal; (4) Longitudinal comparison; (5) Experiment.

Research strategy

Refers to a methodological practice or tradition: For example: experiment, survey research, or case studies.

Data collection techniques

How data are collected: questionnaire; interview; observation; documentary analysis.

Source: unit author

What is the learning process that motivates a person to obtain knowledge or information about people things Place or events?

When we seek for truth information or knowledge through questioning This is called as?

What type of research approach which gives opportunity to view every angle of the research from different perspectives?

What type of research studies an ongoing practice of a school or organization for obtaining results that will bring improvements in the system?