What are the steps to the research process and which are the most important steps?

A title specific internet search gives the following hits:

http://www.google.com/search?as_q=&num=10&hl=en&btnG=Google+Search&as_epq=research+process&as_oq=&as_eq=&lr=&as_ft=i&as_filetype=&as_qdr=all&as_nlo=&as_nhi=&as_occt=title&as_dt=i&as_sitesearch=&as_rights=&safe=active

I found these sites that should be helpful.

http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/research/skill1.htm

http://www.ipl.org/div/aplus/stepfirst.htm

http://karn.ohiolink.edu/~sg-ysu/process.html

Thank you for using the Jiskha Homework Forum. The following is merely a guideline and you may not do them in this order.
1. Choose a general topic.
2. List key words that will help you find information on this topic.
3. Go to an encyclopedia or other reference source to develop an overview of the topic. The local librarian can be an invaluable resource for you.
4. Make source cards for any sources you will use.
5. From the general overview, focus the topic into something you can cover well.
6. Write a statement of purpose about this topic.
7. Brainstorm questions you can ask.
8. Group these questions under similar headings.
9. Add aqny additional questions you can think of under these headings.
10. Repeat step 2, listing more key words.
11. Make a list of possible sources to answer your questions.
12. Find these sources in the library, on the computer, etc.
13. Make a source card for each one you use.
14. Begin making notecards.
15. Change your statement of purpose into a thesis statement.
16. Make an outline of your headings.
17. Refocus your thesis statement if desired.
18. Write the body of your paper from your notes.
19. Cite any information with p-arenthetical citations.
20. Write the introduction and conclusion.
21. Write the bibliography.
22. Create a title page.
23. Evaluate your work. You should allow at least 24 hours after you believe your paper is finished for proofreading, etc.
24. Label your paper and turn it in on time.
There is no shortcut for thorough work!

The research process typically involves several steps that are important for conducting a thorough investigation and producing reliable results. While the order of these steps may vary depending on the project, here is a general outline:

1. Choose a topic: Start by identifying a subject or question you want to investigate. It should be specific enough to be manageable but broad enough to have relevant information available.

2. Conduct preliminary research: Use reference sources like encyclopedias or online databases to gain a general understanding of the topic and identify keywords and key concepts.

3. Develop a research question: Based on your preliminary research, refine your topic into a focused research question that can be answered through investigation.

4. Create a research plan: Outline the steps you'll take to gather and analyze information, including identifying potential sources, determining data collection methods, and establishing a timeline.

5. Locate and evaluate sources: Find relevant sources such as books, articles, websites, or primary documents that provide reliable and credible information. Evaluate the quality and relevance of each source before including it in your research.

6. Collect and analyze data: Gather information from your selected sources and systematically analyze it to answer your research question. This may involve taking notes, summarizing key findings, or conducting statistical analysis.

7. Organize and synthesize information: Organize your findings in a logical manner and synthesize the information to create a cohesive argument or narrative.

8. Draft your research paper or presentation: Use your organized information to write a clear and cohesive research paper or create a presentation that effectively communicates your findings.

9. Cite sources and avoid plagiarism: Acknowledge the ideas and information you borrowed from other sources by citing them properly. Plagiarism is a serious academic offense, so it's essential to give credit to the original authors.

10. Review, revise, and edit: Take the time to review and revise your work, paying attention to clarity, coherence, grammar, and spelling. Seek feedback from others if possible.

11. Finalize and submit your research project: Make any necessary final adjustments and submit your research project according to the given guidelines or requirements.

While all these steps are important in the research process, some key steps include developing a clear research question, evaluating sources for reliability, effectively organizing and analyzing data, and properly citing sources to avoid plagiarism. Overall, the most important step is to conduct thorough and systematic research to produce valid and reliable results.