Skip to main content

Research Process — Previous Year Questions

📊 Topic Overview​

MetricValue
Papers Appeared10 of 28 (35.7%)
Priority🔴 HIGH
Section DistributionSec A: 9 | Sec B: 1
Most RepeatedSteps involved in research process (10 times)
ProbabilityVery High — almost exclusively Section A

🎯 Must-Know Concepts​

  1. All steps of the research process in sequence
  2. Identifying and formulating the problem
  3. Literature review and hypothesis formulation
  4. Research design selection
  5. Data collection, analysis, and reporting

🔥 Most Repeated Question: Steps in the Research Process (Section A — 10 appearances)​

Answer (~450 words):​

The research process is a systematic sequence of activities through which a research problem is identified, investigated, and reported. Although the process is presented sequentially, it is iterative — earlier decisions frequently need revision as later stages unfold.

Step 1: Identifying and Formulating the Research Problem The process begins with identifying a gap in knowledge, a practical problem, or a theoretical puzzle. A good research problem is feasible (researchable with available resources), significant (contributes to knowledge), interesting, ethical, and precise. The problem is stated as a research question or in declarative form.

Step 2: Review of Related Literature A systematic survey of existing research on the topic is conducted. Purposes: (a) to ensure the problem has not been adequately solved, (b) to understand theoretical frameworks, (c) to identify gaps, (d) to guide variable selection and hypothesis formulation. Sources include journals, books, theses, and databases.

Step 3: Formulating Hypotheses Based on the literature, the researcher states tentative propositions about expected relationships between variables. A research hypothesis is a directional prediction (e.g., "Treatment A will produce greater reduction in anxiety than Treatment B"). The null hypothesis states no difference or relationship. Hypotheses must be testable and falsifiable.

Step 4: Preparing a Research Design The research design specifies the overall strategy for data collection and analysis. Key decisions: (a) type of design (experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational, survey, qualitative), (b) who will be studied (population and sample), (c) how variables will be measured, (d) how data will be collected (instruments, procedures), (e) how data will be analysed.

Step 5: Selecting and Developing Instruments The researcher selects or constructs tools for measuring variables — psychological tests, questionnaires, observation schedules, or interview guides. Instruments are evaluated for validity (measures what it should) and reliability (consistent measurement).

Step 6: Sampling Determining who will participate: defining the population, choosing a sampling method (probability or non-probability), and deciding the sample size. Adequate sampling ensures representativeness and statistical power.

Step 7: Data Collection Implementing the research design — administering instruments, conducting interviews, running experiments, or collecting records. Data collection procedures should be standardised to minimise measurement error.

Step 8: Data Analysis Organising, coding, and analysing data using appropriate statistical or qualitative methods. Quantitative data: descriptive statistics, inferential tests (t-tests, ANOVA, regression). Qualitative data: thematic analysis, discourse analysis, grounded theory coding.

Step 9: Interpretation of Results Relating findings back to the original hypotheses and literature. Determining what the findings mean in the context of existing knowledge. Identifying limitations and alternative explanations.

Step 10: Reporting and Dissemination Writing the research report following APA or other relevant format: abstract, introduction, method, results, discussion, references. Disseminating findings through publication, presentation, or reports.

🧠 Memory Aids​

Steps Mnemonic (IRLRD-ISDA-IR): Identify problem → Review literature → formulate Hypotheses → Research design → Instruments → Sampling → Data collection → Analysis → Interpretation → Report

Or simpler: "I Read Hypotheses, Researchers Investigate, Discoveries Are Reported"

📚 Related Content​

✅ Self-Assessment​

  1. Why is literature review considered a critical step before formulating hypotheses?
  2. What is the difference between a research hypothesis and a null hypothesis?
  3. At which step would you decide on random vs purposive sampling? Why?
  4. What factors should guide the selection of a research design?
  5. Why is the research process described as iterative rather than purely linear?

💡 Exam Tips​

  • This is a near-certain Section A question — 9 out of 10 appearances were in Section A.
  • Present each step with a title + 2–3 sentence explanation. A numbered list with brief elaboration is ideal.
  • Examiner expects all 8–10 steps — do not stop at 5 or 6.
  • Conclude by noting that the process is iterative and cyclical, not strictly linear.