ABSTRACT
All research activity takes place in a logical sequence of steps or stages. McDowell (2002), perhaps taking this concept to the extreme, identified a process for research that involves as many as twenty distinct steps. Regardless of how many steps are identified, most researchers would probably agree that research involves at a minimum the following distinct activities. First, the researcher identifies a problem circumstance, question, event, or situation (this is the study problem). Second, the researcher designs a method of collecting information that promises effective resolution of the problem or question (planning a research strategy). Third, information about the problem is collected (a data gathering activity); sometimes this means collecting quantitative data, at other times, qualitative data. Fourth, once the information is collected, its meaning must be found (data processing, analysis, and interpretation). Finally, all the pieces must be put together in a report of the research findings-either written or oral or both-that either helps establish resolution of the problem or identifies a need for additional research.
