THE RESEARCH PROCESS

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

1. The main characteristics of the scientific method would be (Sierra Bravo, 1992):

   • It is problematic-hypothetical: it is based on the formulation of problems or questions about reality and on advancing conjectures, solutions or probable answers to these questions [however some types of research such as exploratory or descriptive, as well as some methodologies such as qualitative ones they require the establishment of hypotheses and can be made from research questions, as will be seen later]
     • ii. It is empirical: in the sense that its source of information and answer to research questions is experience, that is, science takes its data and bases its conclusions on the orderly and systematic observation of the facts.
       • iii. It is both inductive and deductive: induction refers to the movement of thought that goes from particular events to statements of a general nature; the deduction allows to move from general statements to particular facts (the process of scientific knowledge is a continuous feedback between empirical data and theory based on the processes of induction an

2. Despite the above, the results of the investigations are usually publicly communicated in different formats

   • private reports of results, sometimes with confidentiality clauses for researchers that are delivered to clients who have made the assignment and that can be both private and institutional.
     • working papers: preliminary working documents on the results of the research - communications and papers at conferences: they allow sharing with the academic community the results that can be subjected to criticism
       • papers or scientific article: those articles published in scientific journals are considered as such and that in many occasions are reviewed and validated by external experts. Its most common structure is usually: title, authors and affiliation, summary, keywords, introduction, methodology, results, conclusions, references and bibliography
         • Books and book chapters
           • otros formatos como talleres de trabajo (workshops), publicación en internet, etc

3. One of the best known schemes of graphic representation of the scientific research process is that of Wallace (1976). It is a continuous circular process in which they are shown connected (Dominguez and Simó, 2003): - the four fundamental components: theories, hypotheses, observations and empirical generalizations, - through four different cognitive processes: deduction, operationalization, interpretation and induction .

   • The internal logic of this process can be synthesized in a principle of coherence between all the phases of said process.
     • As noted above, although there are no fixed rules for organizing and planning the research process, it is important to have a clear outline of the organization of the research practice.
       • The stages and phases of the research process should not be confused with the phases of the research project. The research process includes all the stages of scientific research, that is: i) the construction of the object of study; ii) empirical observation, verification or verification and iii) interpretation of the results and conclusions.

4. One aspect to take into account is the fact that the “research project” document has an order designed to “read” it, which does not always coincide with the order of the process in which the different tasks that are required are performed . The table below shows information when this difference occurs.

   • methodological to carry out the research, while the research project is the document resulting from the research planning. This research planning involves a decision-making process by researchers that includes theoretical-methodological aspects (what to investigate and how to investigate) and organizational, temporal and economic aspects
     • From here, and to facilitate the understanding of students, this chapter is organized as the guide to follow to develop a research project.
       • For this reason, a standardized index of this research project is presented and the following sections will explain the aspects to be taken into account in each of them. One aspect to take into account is the fact that the “research project” document has an order designed to “read” it, which does not always coincide with the order of the process in which the different tasks that are required are performed .
         • The table below shows information when this difference occurs. Structure of a research project Structure Basics Cover includes title, name, institution and date Index provides information on the structure of the document

5. 1. Introduction although it appears first in the document, it is the last to be done, it will be explained The choice of the problem, the group or institution that has carried out the investigation will be presented, the interest and usefulness of it will be highlighted, and the document will be explained. Other information that researchers consider appropriate may also be added.

   • 2. Research problem statement This section is where the object of study will be built, its justification and feasibility. It requires a first phase of exploration of the existing literature. 2.1 Formulation of the problem or initial question The original idea, already transformed into a topic of study, is developed and presented as an initial problem or question. To formulate it as an initial question may be easier for the internal coherence of the research process [since the conclusions of the research report should respond to it
     • 3. Theoretical framework and The theoretical framework (reference or conceptual) is the result of the positioning of the ! <<! Structure Basic research conceptual aspects within a paradigm or theory, from which theoretical and methodological views are derived1. The design of the research will depend in part on the theoretical and conceptual framework.
       • 3.1 Background It is that information previously existing and related to the subject. It is done through the review of other research, articles, interviews, etc.
         • 3.2 Theoretical bases These are theories of different areas of communication sciences or other disciplines, which, because they are related to the object of study, are taken into consideration to approach the object of study.
           • 3.3 Definition of basic terms or conceptualization The conceptual definition of basic terms is essential for its subsequent operation. It is not a glossary, but the conceptual development of the basic terms. In most cases they have been developed within the framework of the paradigms or theories and will be extracted from the documentary review carried out in the previous sections of the theoretical and conceptual framework.
             • 3.4 Operationalization of the concepts and definition of the variables The operationalization of the concepts implies their disaggregation from the abstraction levels of their substantive definition to the identification of the observable variables or indicators.
               • 3.5 Formulation of the hypotheses - The hypotheses would be the “answers” ​​to the research questions. One can work with a single hypothesis that would answer the initial / general question or with several, derived from the research questions (in turn linked to the objectives).
                 • 4. Methodology (or design of the analysis model) It is the methodological proposal to carry out the investigation 4.1 Characterization of the research Definition of the type of study or research. It refers to different aspects such as the purpose, the temporal scope, the depth, the sources, the character or the studies to which they give rise
                   • 4.2 Population and sample The observation units, the characterization of the corpus or population studied, the type of sampling performed, the dimensions of the sample and their temporal scope will be specified.
                     • 4.3 Design or observation technique - They can be qualitative and / or quantitative and within these in any of the existing techniques. - It is possible to include in this section the instruments for obtaining the information and / or collection of the data prepared definitively or the explanation of its technical and thematic structure. - These instruments must be consistent with the objectives, questions and hypotheses of the research and must be made based on the definition of the variables derived from the operationalization of the concepts.
                       • 4.4 Data collection and processing - Data collection (field work): the steps to be followed for data collection must be explained - Data processing (cabinet work): techniques, tools, or applications for data processing. The work process that will be carried out for the interpretation of the results, the preparation of the results report and the dissemination of the results must also be explained.
                         • 5. Calendar, resources and budget Once all the tasks to be performed have been identified, the needs of time and resources that are required, as well as the cost of them that will give rise to the budget, can be identified and sized.
                           • 5.1 Calendar or schedule Summary of the work plan and its different activities distributed over time for each of the participants in the investigation
                             • 5.2 Necessary resources Detail of the human, material and technical resources necessary to carry out the investigation
                               • 5.3 Budget Quantification of the necessary resources by items and if relevant, funding sources
                                 • 6. Bibliography References and bibliography used to carry out the project
                                   • 7. Annexes Any document considered by the research team

6. Bibliography ANDER-EGG, E. (1987) Social research techniques. Buenos Aires. Editorial Humanitas, BAXTER, L.A. and BABBIE, E. (2004)

   • he basic of communication research, Toronto, Thomson Wadsworth BERGANZA, M.R. and RUIZ J.A. (coord.) (2005) Investigate in communication. Practical guide to social research methods and techniques in communication.
     • Madrid. McGraw Hill CLEGG, F. (1984) "Easy statistics: applied to the social sciences", Barcelona, P Impremta. DEL RÍO, O. Y VELAZQUEZ, T. (2005)
       • Communication research planning: phases of the process, in Berganza, M.R. and Ruiz J.A. (coord.) (2005) Investigate in communication.
         • Practical guide to social research methods and techniques in communication. Madrid. McGraw Hill, p. 43-76

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