ABSTRACT
Chapter 1 introduces the reader to the research process, outlining and discussing the steps researchers must conduct to complete a project. It emphasizes the importance of knowledge of research methods for practicing public administrators. Topics include building a research model prior to research, strategies for presenting models, and definitions of common research terms that form the basis of understanding much of the research process. The chapter introduces the concepts of relationships between variables and hypotheses and offers guidance on developing strong hypotheses. The chapter also discusses the importance and process of forming research questions, which then guide research projects.
