Research Method & Design
Practical Research Methodology
revised from Selected Methods (1999) J. S. Longstaff

Research Cycling; Stages of Inquiry

A fundamental process in research methodology can be considered like cycles or stages of inquiry, where cyclic repetitions of reflection and action gradually build up documentations of data and develop these into theoretical frameworks. A typical pattern might proceed as follows (Heron, 1996, pp. 49-52):

First Reflection Phase:

1. Topic
. Choose the focus/topic of the inquiry.
    1. Choose Topic of focus for the a particular day or time period
    2. Review Topic from previous research
    3. Write Review of the Topic into a printed report, to clarify current understanding and for comparison at later dates.

2. Plan of Action. Based on the review of previous research,
    1. Formulate a plan of action for the first action phase to explore a particular aspect of the topic.
    2. Write Action Plan. Write the specific plan for action.

3. Plan for Documentation. Based on previously used documentation methods and may also include documentation methods of one's own creation.
    1. Formulate a method for documenting experiences of the first action phase.
    2. Write Documentation Plan. Write a specific plan for documentation.

First Action Phase:

1. Explore
. Explore the topic through actions and experiences which were planned in the reflection phase.

2. Immerse. Immerse oneself in the experiences of the topic without critically analysing these.

3. Deviate. Allow oneself to spontaneously deviate from the planned actions/experiences.

4. Document. Keep records, document the data which is generated from the experiences.


Second and Subsequent Reflection Phases:

1. Review Topic
. Choose the focus/topic of the inquiry.
    • Review Documentations of Experiences made during the preceding action phase.
    • Draw on other Theories from previous researchers to inform the review of documentations and experiences of the preceding action phase.
    • Review the Topic into a refined or related or further topic to expand or focus the research, as appropriate, based on reviews of experiences in the action phase together with information from previous theories.

2. Plan of Action. Make a plan of action for the next action phase which will explore the same, or different, aspect of the topic based on analyses of data from the first action phase.

3. Plan for Documentation. Review and modify (as appropriate) the plan for documenting data in the next action phase.

4. Write a Report. Compile these analyses into a written report or summary:
    • Review of Topic,
    • Plan of Action,
    • Plan for Documentation.


Repeat this cycle of Reflect - Act - Reflect several times (at least 5-8).