Applied Research Methods in Public and Nonprofit Organizations

Chapter OneOverview and Context of the Research Process

To establish a common point of departure for understanding the research process, we begin with an overview of that process and a review of the particular vocabulary associated with it. Learning to be comfortable with this vocabulary is a necessary part of becoming capable consumers and producers of applied research.

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

The research process is the result of a combination of good ideas and questions about theory and practice, systematic and appropriate data collection and analysis, and communication about results. In short, the research process encompasses the steps shown in Figure 1.1. These steps consist of

1. Forming ideas and research questions
2. Developing theories and ...