- Disseminate research findings - think about who to communicate findings to (stakeholders) and choose an effective way to do that (report, academic paper, presentation etc.)
- The nature of the research will place emphasis on different elements of the process.
- For example, when exploring the research topic to come up with a research question, academic research will take account of the existing knowledge/theories and consider how the proposed research will contribute to and advance knowledge in the academic/scientific field.
- For a computer research project, emphasis will be on ensuring that findings are translated into actionable outcomes and there will be a phase beyond dissemination which focuses on decision making, action and evaluation.
- For a computer research project, emphasis will be on ensuring that findings are translated into actionable outcomes and there will be a phase beyond dissemination that focuses on decision making, action and evaluation.
- Research is messy!
The problem with illustrating the research as a step-by-step process is that this ignores the iterative nature of doing research. Cameron & Price (2009) discuss this in some depth, highlighting that practical research is not linear as it focuses on complex issues which, by their nature, tend to be quite messy. They describe the iterative nature of research as ‘messy looping’, representing the fluid and organic nature of enquiry, in which information gathering on the initial ‘problem’ raises more questions which leads to further information which leads to refinement of ideas which leads to more questions – an ongoing loop which is essential for gaining insight and in-depth understanding of the issue.
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- Illustrating the research as a step-by-step process ignores the iterative nature of doing research. As research focuses on complex issues which tend to be quite messy, research isn't linear and the iterative nature of research is described as ‘messy looping’.
