What is this article about?
This article is about the process of planning research so that it is effective and manageable. It aims to provide:
- an overview of the research process
- guidance on planning a research project effectively
- case-study examples and ideas for effective planning
- links to other sources of information.
- An overview of the research process
What is research?
A commonly cited definition of research is Lawrence Stenhouse’s (1975) view of research as ‘systematic inquiry made public’. This definition emphasises the systematic and enquiring nature of the activity, and the importance of sharing findings publicly. In schools and colleges, research can take many forms, ranging from individual projects to whole-school or network-wide initiatives (see Box 1.1).
What does research involve?
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