10 steps in the research process

Step 1: Identify a research topic, i.e. the broad subject area to be investigated.

Step 2: Identity a problem within the broad topic area, which is worth finding a solution (people problem / technical problem).

Step 3: Formulate a research question, the answer to which will hopefully solve the problem

Step 4: Conduct literature survey to find out if anyone else has ever done anything to solve the same or similar problems. Find out what others have done? What was their approach/methodology? What were their findings? After literature survey, if you still think that you have a better idea to solve the problem more adequately or in a more economical or ecological way, go to step 4; otherwise go back to step 1.

Step 5: Formulate hypotheses to solve the problem or to get answer to the research question

Step 6: Identify data required to accept or reject the hypotheses

Step 7: Formulate a strategy to gather, organize, analyze and interpret the required data

Step 8: Obtain the identified data through experiments, surveys, historical records etc. to accept or reject the hypothesis

Step 9: Organize, analyze and interpret the data to accept or reject the hypotheses

Step 10: Draw conclusions