Basic Principles of Research

Choosing the Right Method and Design for Researchable Problems

Oct 20, 2009

In conducting any research it is critical to choose the right method and design for a specific researchable problem.

The basic principles that underlie research include a systematic process of identifying a question or problem, setting forth a plan of action to answer the question or resolve the problem and rigorously collecting and analyzing data. In conducting any research it is critical to choose the right method and design for a specific researchable problem.

The Research Process

By identifying a broad range of inquiry and researching existing literature, researchers can then identify problems and sub-problems. From this identification, research can ensue to find answers to the sub-problems first, and then the larger problem. By taking this approach, a researcher should identify a problem that is important and relevant to the researcher himself. Once the problem has been identified, the researcher must then focus on the purpose of the research. From the purpose, solid research questions and hypotheses can be developed.

Review of Available Literature

Conducting a thorough review of available and reliable literature is an important principle that underlies research. As challenging as literature review is, the task is critical in finding a researchable problem. According to the book, Practical Research: Planning and Design, authors, Leedy and Ormrod (2010) state, “the existing literature is likely to tell you what is not known in the area—in other words, what still needs to be done”.

Determining the Research Approach

There are different methods that can be used for research and the researcher should use the best approach for the research problem. Either a quantitative or qualitative research approach will be taken. Typically the preferred approach of the researcher will determine the problem to be researched.

The basic principles that underlie research include identifying a broad area of inquiry and reviewing the available literature. From this review the researcher can then determine what has been researched and what has not been researched and identify a researchable problem. Once the problem has been determined and clearly stated, the design and planning of the research must be determined.

The process described here of identifying a researchable problem and setting forth the plan for design, is a rigorous and time intensive practice. Through the proper design, data collection and data analysis a researcher can hope to find a solution that will significantly contribute to the body of knowledge in a given area of study. The process and resulting outcome can have a significant influence in practice.

Leedy, P.D. & Ormrod, J. E. (2010) Practical Research: Planning and Design, Ninth Edition, Published by Merrill.

The copyright of the article Basic Principles of Research in Academic Writing is owned by Lucia Jenkins. Permission to republish Basic Principles of Research in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.