THE RESEARCH PROCESS AN OUTLINE

Broad Phases of a Project The Conceptual phase is the thinking phase. An idea is developed into a research question The Conceptual phase is the thinking phase. An idea is developed into a research question The Design and Planning Phase includes deciding upon the research approach and tool/s of data collection The Design and Planning Phase includes deciding upon the research approach and tool/s of data collection The Empirical Phase involves collecting information or data. Pilot study – tests method The Empirical Phase involves collecting information or data. Pilot study – tests method

Cont. The Analytic Phase is when the data are analysed and a research report is written The Analytic Phase is when the data are analysed and a research report is written The Dissemination Phase is when the research is communicated to others. Recommendations are made for how the findings can be utilized The Dissemination Phase is when the research is communicated to others. Recommendations are made for how the findings can be utilized (Adapted from Polit et al,2001)

Reflexivity The influence of the researcher on the research process. The influence of the researcher on the research process. It is ‘an awareness of the ways in which the researcher as an individual with a particular social identity and background has an impact on the research process’ It is ‘an awareness of the ways in which the researcher as an individual with a particular social identity and background has an impact on the research process’ (Robson, 2002)

STAGES IN THE RESEARCH PROCESS A Brief Overview

1. The Research Question Develop the research question – why? what? when? or how? are the ‘stem’ of the question (Brink & Wood, 1994) and the topic follows Develop the research question – why? what? when? or how? are the ‘stem’ of the question (Brink & Wood, 1994) and the topic follows Development of a hypothesis – gives an idea of the variables or areas to study e.g. impact on the family of an individual diagnosed with schizophrenia – position in family of individual, socio-economic status, family composition, wider community/familial support and so on. Development of a hypothesis – gives an idea of the variables or areas to study e.g. impact on the family of an individual diagnosed with schizophrenia – position in family of individual, socio-economic status, family composition, wider community/familial support and so on.

Cont. Is the question researchable? Is the question researchable? Is it feasible in terms of resources – e.g. skill/expertise, time, funding, facilities, availability of research participants, ethical issues? Is it feasible in terms of resources – e.g. skill/expertise, time, funding, facilities, availability of research participants, ethical issues? Does the research contribute to the body of knowledge or contribute to advancing practice? Does the research contribute to the body of knowledge or contribute to advancing practice?

2. Reviewing the Literature ‘Studies should not be undertaken in isolation from previous research’ (Rees, 2003:p26) ‘Studies should not be undertaken in isolation from previous research’ (Rees, 2003:p26) A critical review of the literature A critical review of the literature To gain more information about the topic/issue which will help to clarify the research question To gain more information about the topic/issue which will help to clarify the research question

3. Planning the Study The research design/proposal– choosing a method The research design/proposal– choosing a method The underpinning philosophy – choosing a methodology The underpinning philosophy – choosing a methodology This is the ‘blueprint’ (Rees, 2003) of your research project – an outline of how you propose to collect and analyse your data This is the ‘blueprint’ (Rees, 2003) of your research project – an outline of how you propose to collect and analyse your data The sample – representative? The sample – representative? Method of data collection Method of data collection Method of data analysis Method of data analysis Ethical considerations – consent, confidentiality, research ethics committee Ethical considerations – consent, confidentiality, research ethics committee

4. Pilot Study To ensure there are no unanticipated problems To ensure there are no unanticipated problems A ‘trial run’ or small-scale version of the proposed project A ‘trial run’ or small-scale version of the proposed project Testing of research tools and data analysis methods Testing of research tools and data analysis methods Tests out feasibility of conducting full-scale project – access, time, skills, resources etc. Tests out feasibility of conducting full-scale project – access, time, skills, resources etc. Adjustments /refinements can be made based on the findings/outcomes/experience of the pilot study Adjustments /refinements can be made based on the findings/outcomes/experience of the pilot study

5. Data Collection You do exactly what it says in the title!

6. Data Analysis Never underestimate the time it takes to analyse data! Never underestimate the time it takes to analyse data! Consists of ‘counting, classifying and grouping the individual pieces of data so that a broad pattern may be discernable (Rees, 2003) Consists of ‘counting, classifying and grouping the individual pieces of data so that a broad pattern may be discernable (Rees, 2003) Statistical tests, correlation tests, tables and graphs (quantitative) Statistical tests, correlation tests, tables and graphs (quantitative) Transcribing data, establishing themes and categories, interpreting/representing narratives (qualitative) Transcribing data, establishing themes and categories, interpreting/representing narratives (qualitative)

7. Conclusions and Recommendations Implications and significance of findings Implications and significance of findings Acceptance or rejection of hypothesis or research question Acceptance or rejection of hypothesis or research question Recommendations for further research Recommendations for further research Recommendations for changes to practice Recommendations for changes to practice

8. Dissemination of Findings Producing a research report and/or article for publication and/or verbal presentation to wider audience (from conference to team meeting) Producing a research report and/or article for publication and/or verbal presentation to wider audience (from conference to team meeting)

Suggested Reading Robson, C. (2002) Real World Research. Blackwell, Oxford. Robson, C. (2002) Real World Research. Blackwell, Oxford. Parahoo, K. (1997) Nursing Research: Principles, Process and Issues. Macmillan, Houndmills. Parahoo, K. (1997) Nursing Research: Principles, Process and Issues. Macmillan, Houndmills. Polit, D., Beck, B. and Hungler, B. (2001) Essentials of Nursing Research. Lippincott:Philadelphia Polit, D., Beck, B. and Hungler, B. (2001) Essentials of Nursing Research. Lippincott:Philadelphia