This chapter described the processes involved
in identifying and developing a topic
for research investigation. It was suggested
that researchers consider several sources for
potential ideas, including a critical analysis
of everyday situations. The steps in developing
a topic for investigation naturally
become easier with experience; the beginning
researcher needs to pay particular attention
to material already available. He or
she should not attempt to tackle broad research
questions but should try to isolate a
smaller, more practical subtopic for study.
The researcher should develop an appropriate
method of analysis and then proceed,
through data analysis and interpretation, to
a clear and concise presentation of results.
The chapter stressed that the results of
a single survey or other research approach
provide only indications of what may or may
not exist. Before the researcher can claim
support for a research question or hypothesis,
the study must be replicated a number
of times to eliminate dependence on extraneous
factors.