Before you even begin the research process, the book advocates that researchers begin with a “pre-step.” What is this pre-step?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The “pre-step” advocated in research is to define the research problem clearly. Before diving into gathering information or designing the research process, it is crucial to have a clear and well-articulated research question or problem. This step is essential as it guides the entire research journey, helping to focus efforts on relevant issues, determine appropriate methods, and set the scope for the study.
Defining the research problem entails identifying the key issues or gaps in existing knowledge that the research intends to address. Without a clearly defined problem, researchers risk wasting time and resources collecting irrelevant data or exploring unclear or poorly framed questions. This pre-step sets the foundation for a research study by narrowing down the topic, identifying specific variables, and ensuring that the research objectives are realistic and achievable.
The research problem definition also helps in reviewing the literature. Knowing the research problem in advance allows the researcher to conduct a more targeted literature review, focusing on existing studies, theories, and gaps that are directly related to the problem at hand. Additionally, it helps in selecting the most appropriate research design, methods, and tools for data collection and analysis.
This pre-step also aligns the researcher’s expectations with the objectives of the study, ensuring that the focus remains clear throughout the process. It helps to anticipate potential challenges and obstacles in data collection or methodology and prepares the researcher for the journey ahead.
In conclusion, starting the research process with a clear definition of the research problem is essential for ensuring that the study is purposeful, focused, and capable of generating meaningful and relevant results.