Identify the research question(s) you would ask.
Review the literature.
Formulate a basic hypothesis.
Describe the population you would need for the project. (Operationalizing variables – How are they going to be measured?)
Determine an appropriate method (e.g., survey, case study). (i.e. collect data)
Visualize and imagine possible conclusions (e.g. based on answers to your research question). Analyze the data to test the hypotheses.