The Research Process

“The definition of Research process is. The ordered set of activities focused on the systematic collection of information using accepted methods of analysis as a basis for drawing conclusions and making recommendations” (Citied Mondofacto, education dictionary 2009).

Research Navigator.com states that there are several key steps involved in the research process. They begin with selecting a research topic, and the development of a tentative thesis, which is the argument that the research will defend. Next step was finding sources of supporting information and write notes from the information gathered through - books, journals, newspapers, web sites, interviews, etc. The next main step in the research process involved the writing of the paper. Using the notes previously noted , summaries, paraphrase, and incorporate quotes into a draft. The draft can be changed a few times before the final draft is complete. Next step was that you give credit to the sources used by producing a bibliography, or a list of sources. The final step was to edit the research document prior to submission.

Other sources I have found have a similar outlook on how the research process is defined for example Cambridge Rindge and Latin Research Guide uses a similar method but also incorporates writing a statement of purpose and then brainstorm questions about the focus topic. After that making a list of possible sources to produce research for the given topic. The University of Auckland adopt a simplified method when undertaking research which is broken down into 5 small steps, Step one is Defining your topic by clearly mapping out the concepts you want to research. Step two is selecting and using the best research resources, therefore using the internet, articles, books found at the local library. Step three is Locating the information you have identified, from the library or news article. Step four is evaluating resources, so printing out information and highlighting the more specific points also checking facts so that they are correct. Step five is documenting/citing your research, therefore stating at the end of you research writing a bibliography for the resources that you sourced your information from.

From the examples given of the research processes adopted by Research Navigator.com, Cambridge Rindge and Latin Research Guide and The University of Auckland, it can be seen that all three share similar characteristics when undertaking the research process. Their similarities were that they all had to have a focus topic, locating information and referencing research information found in the document. Although, they did have small differences for example, Auckland University had a more compacted process and was to the point, and Research Navigator.com had a complex and in-depth path to achieve the research process.

Therefore we ask the question why do we need to research, let alone use a research process?
Through Massage therapy and the medical world research is a very common aspect to the profession. Research process is important to the medical and health care part of our world also many, many more. Through researching different medical backgrounds we have now established a different insight to a lot of medical and health care professions. We have researched for how we can stop an infection all the way to how we can fix a broken leg. Research also can include the more spiritual side of medical care and healing of the hands.

I feel that the research process is necessary for the development of life in itself.

References:

Cambridge Rindge And Latin Research Guide. (2008). Basic Steps in the Research process. Retrieved March 4, 2009, from www.crlsresearchguide.org

Mondofacto. (2008). Research process. Retrieved March 4, 2009, from www.mondofacto.com/facts/dictionary?research+process

Research Navigator.com. (2009). Overview of the Research Process. Retrieved March 4, 2009, from www.researchnavigator.com/articles/research.asp?p=171027

The University of Auckland. (2009). The Research Process - step to success. Retrieved March 6, 2009, from www.library.auckland.ac.nz/instruct/research.htm