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STEPS IN RESEARCH PROPOSAL
STEP 1: identifying and formulating problem - answer✔•Problems evolve from 3 sources
•Existing theory & research - might be outdated •Practical problems experienced
•Observations - test assumptions based on observation
•Once identified, problem statement can be formulated. This statement •Is the foundation for
the report •Ask a question/s about relationship between variables •Determines goals &
objectives of study •Should be clearly stated
•After broad problem - sub problems may emerge
STEP 2: reviewing literature - answer✔•Gather info from existing data •Learn from existing
research -saving time, money & effort •Help to define arguments, find evidence for arguments,
balance opinions against data
•If no research exists - literature review can give potential variables that might be included in
the study
STEP 3: FORMULATE HYPOTHESES/RESEARCH QUESTIONS - answer✔•Specific
questions/statements to guide the investigation. It can be formulated to either: •Describe com
behaviour or •Relate com behaviour to other variables
•Questions are done when evidence is not enough to predict nature of relationships
•If evidence is enough - formulate hypothesis
STEP 4: SELECTING/DEVELOPING RESEARCH DESIGN - answer✔•Guidelines/instructions to
address research problem •It guides us in how to get data (methods to use) •Quantitative
method -count/measure through numerical data
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