o identify a problem area or a need to study
o conduct an initial literature review
o define the research problem
o estimate the potential for successful execution of the study
o conduct a second literature review
o select an appropriate research approach
o formulate a hypothesis
o formulate data collection methods
o formulate and develop data collection instruments
o design a data analysis plan
o design a data collection plan
o identify the population and sample
o conduct pilot studies of methods, instruments and analysis.