This chapter explores the various steps involved in conducting research, including defining the research problem, formulating research questions, selecting an appropriate research design, choosing participants, employing data collection methods, processing and analyzing data, interpreting results, and writing research reports. Understanding these steps is important as it provides a structured framework for approaching research, making the entire process less daunting. Special emphasis is placed on determining the appropriate research design and selecting participants. Additionally, the chapter introduces various data collection methods, techniques, and tools used by applied linguistics researchers. The importance of data processing and analysis will also be highlighted. Moreover, you will explore how to develop purpose statements for both qualitative and quantitative research and learn to identify the strengths of a well-conducted study.

The theoretical and practical problems of constructing normal databases within and between clinics are discussed. Pooling of data is probably a more attractive proposition in theory than in practice. The importance of standardisation of techniques is stressed, whilst caution in the over-interpretation of borderline results is counselled.