THE STRUCTURE AND PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING A RESEARCH

In every setting, society and organizations, there is always tendency of the existence of problems which are paramount to be address or finding solution to them. The process of finding an appropriate solution to these problems gives rise to a research. Therefore, research is simply the process of finding out solution to a problem. More broadly, it is the process of resolving a problem through planned and systematic approach in data collection, analysis and interpretation. Research aimed at drawing further away the veil of ignorance thereby advancing further the frontier of knowledge. Research can be broadly grouped into descriptive, Historical and Experimental.
Before conducting and reporting the result of any research work it is pragmatically essential to borne in mind the acceptable structure (format) and procedures needed to carry out a research. This is because, adherence to these structure and procedures, helps to distinguish a research work from a mere guessing work, prophecy or fiction.



THE STRUCTURE AND PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING A RESEARCH


For a research work to be effectively conducted, the essentiality of acceptable research structure and procedures cannot be compromise. A report is usually the end product of every work done. One cannot make a reliable and qualitative report on an event investigated without strict adherence to the stipulated structure and procedures of a research. Therefore, despite the fact that the conduct and reporting of a research is favourite, a research work cannot be reliable or qualitative for it result to be generalized without adhering to the generally accepted research structure and procedures.
These acceptable structure or characteristics of a research work that distinguishes it from a mere guess work includes:
· The research work must be carried out based on data relating to the area of investigation.
· A good research work involves careful and systematic observation of nature or phenomena and appropriate documentation of observations.
· A good research must be problem solving oriented. The research work must be directed towards societal problem(s) for it to be meaningful.
· A research work should exclude bias in it conclusion. The personal feelings, beliefs, and values of the researcher are eliminated and conclusion is drawn from collected evidence or facts.
· A good research work should be accurate
· A Good research should be precise (i.e. utmost precision in recording of an event).
· A good research is self-correcting in nature and has the ability to stimulate further research or studies.
· It should be current and topical: it should relate to problems which are being faced and are relevant today.
· A good research is empirical. Being empirical means that the research depends on observation and experience rather than on speculation in arriving at a conclusion.
Procedures/Process/Steps Involve in a Research Work
For effectiveness and efficiency, a research work is expected to be conducted based on a defined procedures or steps. The following steps are taken in conducting a good research.
· Identification of problem to be solved
· Review previous and related work done on the problem (Literature review) while ensuring appropriate reference should be adopted.
· Pertinent questions are raised and/or hypotheses are formulated to guide the process.
· Appropriate questions are chosen for the research work.
· Data are collected in the areas where the population of the study exists.
· Data are organized after the collection that is extracting information from raw data and preparing them for analysis.
· Analyze the data collected. The analysis is normally based on the type of data collected.
· Interpretation of the data collected
· Draw a conclusion on the data interpreted.
· Write a report and publication of the research result carried out.

Conclusively, it can be agreed that bearing in mind the structure and procedures involve in conducting a research is pragmatically essential to the success, effectiveness and efficiency of every research work. And a report on any investigation that does not follow this structure and procedures cannot be reliable or seen to be reliable for generalization.