Research Planning Process
Lesson 06: Planning Research
1.3 Planning Research
Preparation of Research
- Decision
- Specification of Goals
- Elaboration of a Scheme
- Constitution of the Team
- Fundraising and Schedule
Phases of Research
- Choose the Theme
- Survey Data
- Formulation of the Problem
- Definition of Terms
- Construction of Hypotheses
- Indication of Variables
- Delimitation of the Research
- Sampling
- Selection of Methods and Techniques
- Organization of Observation Instruments
- Testing Instruments and Procedures
Execution of Research
- Data Collection
- Data Preparation
- Analysis and Interpretation of Data
- Representation of Data
- Conclusions
Research Report
1.3.1 Preparation of Research
1.3.1.1 Decision
The first step of research is when the researcher decides to undertake it, whether out of self-interest or for an entity like the CNPq (National Council for Scientific and Technological Development).
Determining what to investigate isn’t always easy, and research requires dedication, persistence, patience, and continuous effort.
Research presupposes a series of knowledge and appropriate methodology.
1.3.1.2 Specification of Objectives
All research must have a specific objective to define what will be sought and achieved. Ander-Egg (1978, p. 62) states, “A limited and clearly defined objective leads to formulated studies, descriptive or hypothesis testing.”
The objective clarifies the problem, increasing knowledge about a specific subject. Ackoff (1975, p. 27) states, “The goal of science is not only to increase knowledge, but to increase our possibilities to continue increasing knowledge.”
Objectives can define “the nature of work, the type of problem to be selected, and the material to collect” (Hart, 1978, p. 49). Objectives may be intrinsic or extrinsic, theoretical or practical, general or specific, short-term or long-term.
Answer the questions: Why? For what? For whom?
1.3.1.3 Preparation of a Scheme
Once the decision to conduct research is made, consider preparing a scheme (which can be modified) to facilitate its viability. The scheme helps the researcher achieve a more objective approach, establishing a logical order to the work.
For the research phases to be conducted effectively, everything should be well studied and planned, including obtaining material resources, manpower, and time.
1.3.1.4 Creation of a Team
Another important initial aspect of research includes recruiting and training people, distributing tasks or functions, designating workplaces, and providing all necessary equipment.
Research may also be conducted by one person.
Answer the question: Who?
1.3.1.5 Survey of Resources and Timetable
When research is requested and sponsored by an entity, the investigator must forecast expenditures, specifying each one. This approximate budget of resources need not be rigid.
Financial resources and a schedule for the different research stages are essential.
Answer the questions: How much? When?
1.3.2 Phases of Research
1.3.2.1 Choice of Subject
The theme is the subject to be studied and researched. Defining a theme can take the duration of the entire research process. In this case, it should be frequently revised.
Choosing the topic involves:
- Selecting a subject according to the inclinations, possibilities, skills, and interests of the researcher.
- Finding an object that merits scientific investigation and can be formulated and defined according to the research.
The chosen subject should be feasible and appropriate in terms of both external and internal/personal factors.
Consider the availability of time, interest, usefulness, determination to continue despite difficulties, and qualifications (in terms of university education background).
Avoid choosing a subject with recently published studies, as a new approach becomes more difficult. The theme should be necessary, certain, and specific.
Answer the question: What will be explored?
1.3.2.2 Data Survey
Three ways to obtain data include documentary research, literature review, and direct contacts.
The literature review provides an overview of existing work, offering current and relevant data related to the subject. It can help plan work, avoid duplication and errors, and represents an indispensable source of information that may even guide the inquiry.
The amount of collected, usable, and appropriate material will vary according to the investigator’s ability, experience, and capacity to discover important evidence.
Before starting any field research, thoroughly analyze all documentary sources supporting the research.
Preliminary Research – Exploratory Studies – Should be conducted through two resources: Documents and Direct Contact.
The main types of documents are:
A) Primary Sources: Historical data, publications and statistics, research and cartographic material, official and private archives, records in general; personal documents (diaries, memoirs, autobiographies); public or private correspondence.
B) Secondary Sources: General press and literary works.
Direct contacts, field research, and laboratory research are conducted with people who can provide data or suggest useful information sources.
The two tasks (literature review and field research) can be performed concurrently.
1.3.2.3 Problem Formulation
A problem is a theoretical or practical difficulty in understanding something of real importance, for which a solution must be found.
Defining a problem involves specifying it in precise and accurate detail. Problem formulation requires clarity, conciseness, and objectivity. Clearly stating the problem can facilitate constructing the central hypothesis.
The problem should be raised and formulated, preferably as a question, with indications of the variables involved and possible relationships between them.
It is a continuous process of reflective thinking, requiring prior knowledge of the subject (information materials) and creative imagination.
Proposing the problem is complex, going beyond mere identification. It requires initial operational steps: isolating and understanding specific factors that constitute the problem in terms of hypotheses and information.
A problem’s severity depends on the importance of the goals and the effectiveness of alternatives.
“Characterizing the problem establishes and identifies the issues under study.” A comprehensively complex problem makes research more difficult. When well-defined, it simplifies and facilitates conducting research (Marinho, 1980, p. 55).
Once the problem is formulated, follow the planned steps to achieve the proposed objective.
Before being considered appropriate, a problem should be evaluated based on:
A) Feasibility: Can it be effectively solved through research?
B) Relevance: Can it bring new knowledge?
C) Novelty: Is it suitable for the current stage of scientific developments?
D) Validity: Can it lead to a valid conclusion?
E) Opportunity: Does it address individual and general interests?
One way to design a scientific problem is to relate various factors (independent variables) to the phenomenon under study.
Types of Problems
Problems can take different forms according to the job’s purpose. Pardini (1977, p. 121-125) presents four types:
1. Problem of Academic Studies: A descriptive, informative, explanatory, or predictive study.
2. Problem of Information: Collecting data about observable structures and behaviors within a phenomenon area.
3. Problem of Action: A field of action where specific knowledge is successfully applied.
4. Pure and Applied Research: Studying a problem of scientific knowledge or its application.
Problems can be diagnostic, advertising, planning, or research-related.
Answer the questions: What and how?