It is important to point out here that the scientific method is what underlines the research process. The scientific method simply means the stepwise procedure adopted by scientists in solving problems. This step-by-step approach shall be discussed in the next unit. Taking all of the above together, it then means that for one to search effectively, one must follow a technique, procedure or process in the search. This now takes us to the research process.
The research process is simply the procedure or methodology that we adopt in our research. The process could either be an inductive process or a deductive process. An inductive process goes from the specific to the general while a deductive process goes from the general to the specific. These two processes can be seen as the bottom up process and the top-down procedures.
The hypothetico-deductive model or method, popularised by Karl Popper is the most popular and most understood method of scientific inquiry. As the name implies, it begins by first formulating a hypothesis which could be tested, accepted or rejected by the result of the data, gathering of data, hypothesising an explanation for the observations, deducing or predicting a result while conducting the experiment or research. If the result confirms the prediction, the prediction is accepted but if not, the hypothesis is reformulated until the falsification is accepted or the hypothesis makes a prediction.
The research process starts with an observation, which the researcher tries to confirm through providing a hypothesis. The hypothesis is tested through the analysis of a research result. The result of the analysis is then used to build or construct a theory. From the theory that is built, a new hypothesis emerges to explain the concept. The researcher then juxtaposes the present hypothesis with the observation and makes a decision whether it explains it or not. If it does, it is left but if not, the procedure is undertaken again.
