Steps for scientific research process

1. Sensing or realizing: Research is conducted to solve a problem. In our environment i.e. social, managerial, business, behavioral etc., there are many things which are not going on smoothly. Some problems affected then. So first it is necessary to observe the situation and sensing or realizing the problems.
2. Problems identification: On observing carefully over something in the environment, we would find many problems which are affecting the environment. In this step, researcher try to identify what exactly are the problems in the situation. The factors associated with the problems are also identified. At the beginning of the process, the researcher must single out the problem he wants to study.
3. Theoretical framework: This is the third step of the scientific method. In this step the researcher make an attempt to collect the information about the problem concerned. The associations between the variables of the problems are identified. On the basis of the above information, a theoretical framework is developed.
4. Formulation of hypothesis: After developing the theoretical framework, it is necessary to develop a working hypothesis. Working hypothesis is tentative assumption made in order to draw out and test it’s logical or empirical consequences. In research hypothesis has a vital role, so it should be formulated with utter care. Hypothesis should be very specific and limited to the piece of research in hand because it has to be tested.
5. Research design: In this step, the researcher selects the appropriate research design. The research design is the conceptual structure within which research would be conducted. The main purpose of selecting a research design is to provide for the collection of relevant evidence with minimal expenditure of time, effort and money. Selection of research design depends mainly upon the research purpose.
6. Collection of data: In dealing with any problem it is necessary to collect adequate and appropriate data. There are several methods of collecting the data. Mainly there are two types of data: primary and secondary. Depending upon the nature of the problems either primary or secondary data are collected. Generally is most of the researches primary data are appropriate.
7. Analysis of data: After the data have been collected, the researcher analyzes those data. Before analyze collected data recoded, edited and tabulated. By using various statistical measures the data are analyzed. After analyzing the data, the researcher’s next job is to test the hypothesis which he had formulated earlier. The hypothesis may be tested through the use of different statistical tests i.e. z-test, t-test etc. hypothesis testing will result in either accepting the hypothesis or in rejecting it.
8. Generalization and interpretation: This is the final step of the scientific research process. If a hypothesis is tested, it may be possible for the researcher to arrive at generalizations. The real value of research lies in its ability to arrive at certain generalizations.

Scientific Research Process

In simply a research is defined as a process which is done for acquiring new knowledge. It may define as a systematic, careful inquiry or examination done to discover new information or relationships and to expand, verify existing knowledge for some specific purpose. The specific purpose may be applied or academic or both.

In research the term scientific does not necessarily mean science. It refers to the philosophy common to all research methods. A systematic and organized research is known as scientific research process. In this process truths are not ascertained by beliefs, they are determined by logical consideration. It is a systematic approach in which the research is carried out.

Scientific research is a process of research which is free from personal bias or beliefs, a process of ascertain demonstrable qualities of a phenomenon capable of being verified, a process where in the researcher is guided by the rules of logical reasoning, a process wherein the investigation proceeds in an orderly manner and a process that implies internal consistency.

The scientific research process is based on certain basic postulates. They are:
a) It relies an empirical evidence.
b) It utilizes relevant concepts.
c) It is committed to only objective considerations.
d) It presupposes ethical neutrality.
e) It results into probabilistic predictions.
f) Its methodology is made known to all concerned.
g) It aims at formulating scientific theories.