The research process
The six steps of research
Adopting the proposed model by Rummel and Ballaine (1963), there are six steps involved in the research process. These include identifying the area of study, choosing the topic, formulating a research plan, collecting and then analysing the data and then finally writing up the study. These steps can be represented in three phases, namely the planning phase and the research phase and then finally the presentation phase. This is illustrated in the figure below.
- Deciding upon a research question
- The conceptual approach or the philosophical underpinnings of your research
- Research design showing the organisation of data collection and analysis
- Data collection techniques revealing how data will be collected
- Sampling from what or whom data is collected
Share your ideas with the learning community.Your task
What do you consider to be the most challenging steps in the research process?
References
Rummel, J. F., Ballaine, W. C. (1963). Research methodology in business. Harper & Row.Researching Risk, Disasters and Emergencies

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