405623920.

doc Page 1 of 2

To receive Email notifications from Mr Missoum: 1- Go to www.academia.edu; 2- Create your

free account; 3- Search for ‘Missoum’; 4- Click on ‘follow Mr Missoum’

The Scientific Approach to Research: The Process

1. Definition What is research?

2. Scientific Research - Characteristics

1. Scientific Research originates with a question (s) or hypothesis (s). 
2. Scientific Research is guided by specific research problem (s), question (s), or hypothesis
that determines the literature to read and the design to construct for data collection. 
3. Scientific Research builds on previous research.
4. Scientific Research is based on facts;
5. Scientific Research must be objective. 
3. Scientific Research - Process
Step 1 - Select a research topic that is interesting to you; E.g. Students’ Cheating
Step 2 - Formulate research questions - Hypotheses
- Why do some students cheat in exams? - How do some students cheat in exams?
- Who cheats in exams (psychological profile, ability to learn, etc.)?
Questions must be researchable = can be answered through research
Step 3 - Writing a Research Proposal: In academic contexts, you need to submit a Research
Proposal to get the permission of the academic authority (Scientific Board) to do research; To
achieve that you need to convince the committee that you are able to do the research you propose.
How? By showing them that you have
1- Selected an interesting topic to them (Scientific Board and supervisor);
2- Formulated researchable questions;
3- Good knowledge of the topic;
6- Selected appropriate research methodology (research tools) to answer the research
questions. E.g. Observation is not suitable for reasons for cheating.

Step 4 – Collecting Information

4.1 Literature Review: Literature = Sources of information (so far mainly written)
4.1.1 - Finding Literature that is both relevant and of good quality
4.1.2 - Reading the Literature for useful information;
4.1.3 - Collecting Useful Information While Reading or taking notes by
Paraphrasing, summarizing, quoting.
4.2 The Study: Collecting primary (RL produces secondary data) data directly from the people
studied using appropriate research tools (field work);
Step 5 - Writing the Research Report or Dissertation
Reporting the Research in writing to communicate knowledge gained especially the results.
- Organize information collected / generated
- Synthesise, analyse and apply new knowledge
- Make conclusions on the basis of the findings /answer to the research QQ
Step 6 - Defending/Presenting your Research Orally

These documents may be downloaded from http://independent.academia.edu/MaamarMissoum

Please send your comments & suggestions to mrmissoum13@yahoo.fr
Please use and share freely with others. God Bless You Thank You!
405623920.doc Page 2 of 2

Task: What skills are necessary to do quality scientific research?

These documents may be downloaded from http://independent.academia.edu/MaamarMissoum

Please send your comments & suggestions to mrmissoum13@yahoo.fr
Please use and share freely with others. God Bless You Thank You!