Developing The Research Process

The Research Process

Clinical research involves a systematic process of sequential steps that guide the process formulating, planning and analyzing the research. Whether the research is quantitative or qualitative, using systematic process ensures that there is a reasonable and logical framework for a study’s design and conclusions.

Phases of Research: [1]

The research process can be conceptualized as a series of 5 steps which are as follows:

Phase 1: Identify the Research question

• The first phase of the research process involves figuring out the area of research and formulating the specific research question that provides an opportunity for scientific testing. During this phase, the researcher must define the type of individual or population to whom the results will be generalized. Through a review of scientific literature, the researcher should be able to provide a rationale for the study, a justification of the need to investigate the problem and a theoretical framework for interpreting results.

• Research hypotheses are proposed to predict how response variables and treatment variables will be related and to predict clinically relevant outcomes.

Phase 2: Design the Study

• In second phase, the researcher designs the study and plans methods of subject selection, testing, and measurements so that all the procedures are cleared mapped out. The choice of research method reflects how the researcher conceptualizes the research question. The researcher must carefully define all measurements and interventions so that the methods for data analysis are clear.

• The completion of the first two phases of planning results in the formulation of Research Proposal.

Phase 3: Methods

• During the third phase of the research process the researcher implements the plans designed in Phases 1 and 2. Data collection us typically the most time-consuming part of the research study. After the data is collected and recorded the researcher must reduce and assemble the information into a useful format for analysis. Graphs, tables or forms are created for compiling the “raw data”. Data reduction is as important in the whole process as is the data collection.

Phase 4: Data Analysis

• The fourth phase of the research process involves analyzing, interpreting and deducing valid conclusions regarding the obtained data. Statistical procedures are applied to summarize gathered data in a meaningful way, usually with the help of computer run algorithms.

• It is at this stage whether the research hypothesis is either accepted or rejected.

• Through the analysis of the results, they should also lead to new questions that can stimulate further studies.

Phase 5: Communication

• Now is the time to report the findings of the research study with the appropriate audience so that the information can be put to clinical practice or subjected to further research. The results can be presented in many forms like journal articles, abstracts, oral presentations, poster presentations etc.

• If a student is conducting research, they may be required to report their work in the form of a thesis or dissertation.

[1] From Portney L and Watkins M, Foundations of Clinical Research: Applications to Practice, 2nd Edition, Pages: 15-17