How to Do Research – Step-by-Step Breakdown

How to Do Research

1. Identify the Problem / Ask a Question

• Example: Why do people procrastinate?

2. Do Preliminary Search (Literature Review)

• Read books, research papers, and articles to understand what’s already known.

3. Define the Hypothesis or Objective

• Hypothesis: People procrastinate due to fear of failure.

4. Choose Research Method

• Qualitative (interviews, case studies)

• Quantitative (surveys, experiments)

• Or a Mixed Method

5. Collect Data

• Conduct experiments, interviews, surveys, or observations.

6. Analyze the Data

• Use tools like Excel, Python, SPSS, or just logic/statistics.

7. Draw Conclusions

• What does the data say? Was your hypothesis right?

8. Present or Publish

• Write a report, paper, or presentation.

9. Reflect and Repeat

• Research often leads to more questions — so the process continues!