1 Define your research question

The first step in any research study is to define your research question. Your research question should be clear, specific, and relevant to the educational technology context and problem you want to address. Your research question should also be aligned with the theoretical framework and literature review that support your study. A good research question should guide your research design, methods, and analysis, and help you answer the "so what" question of your study.

2 Choose your research design

The next step is to choose your research design, which is the overall plan and structure of your study. Your research design should match your research question, purpose, and objectives, and allow you to collect and analyze the data you need to answer your question. There are different types of research designs, such as experimental, quasi-experimental, descriptive, correlational, case study, action research, and mixed methods. Each design has its own strengths, limitations, and ethical considerations that you should be aware of and justify in your study.

3 Select your research methods

The third step is to select your research methods, which are the specific tools and procedures you will use to collect and analyze your data. Your research methods should be appropriate, reliable, and valid for your research design and question. There are different types of research methods, such as surveys, interviews, observations, tests, artifacts, and logs. Each method has its own advantages, disadvantages, and challenges that you should consider and address in your study.

4 Implement your research study

The fourth step is to implement your research study, which is the actual execution of your research design and methods. This step involves recruiting and sampling your participants, obtaining informed consent and ethical approval, conducting your data collection and intervention (if applicable), and managing and organizing your data. This step requires careful preparation, communication, and coordination with your participants, stakeholders, and collaborators. You should also document and reflect on your research process and any issues or changes that may arise during your study.

5 Analyze your data

The fifth step is to analyze your data, which is the systematic examination and interpretation of your data. Your data analysis should be consistent with your research design, methods, and question, and allow you to draw conclusions and implications from your data. There are different types of data analysis, such as descriptive, inferential, thematic, content, and network analysis. Each type of analysis has its own techniques, software, and assumptions that you should understand and apply in your study.

6 Report your findings

The final step is to report your findings, which is the communication and dissemination of your research results and recommendations. Your report should be clear, concise, and coherent, and follow the format and style of your target audience and publication venue. Your report should also include the following elements: introduction, literature review, methods, results, discussion, conclusion, and references. You should also acknowledge your limitations, contributions, and future directions of your study.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?