1.6 The components of research

The research process typically follows the process in Fig. 1.1. This is not always possible or practical, and the process is not always linear (researchers may jump from step to step as necessary). Nonetheless, following this process is good practice when possible.

The six basic steps in research

FIGURE 1.1: The six basic steps in research

All these steps are discussed in this book:

  • Asking the question: Chap. 2.
  • Designing the study: Chaps. 3 to 9.
  • Collecting the data: Chap. 10.
  • Describing and summarising the data: Chaps. 11 to 14.
  • Analysing the data: Chaps. 15 to 35.
  • Reporting the results: Chaps. 36 and 37.