Which of the following is the first step in starting the research process?

Concept

A research process begins by selecting and clearly identifying the problem to be studied.

The problem anchors the research question and determines which literature, design, data, and analysis will be relevant.

Application

Here, identification of the problem establishes the focus of the proposed study. The other activities use or refine that established focus.

Contrast

• Searching information sources gathers background material and possible leads about an area of inquiry.

• A survey of related literature maps existing studies, theories, evidence, and gaps relevant to the research area.

• Identification of the problem specifies the issue, population or context, and scope that the study will investigate.

• Searching for solutions explores possible interventions or explanations for an already specified issue.

Cross-check

Without a specified problem, a researcher cannot decide which literature is related, what evidence is needed, or what kind of solution should be examined.

Result

Therefore, the first step among the given choices is identification of the problem.