The next session explored the first stage of the research process which requires the researcher to define the problem. I found it interesting that a “problem” in this use of the word does not always mean something negative that needs to be addressed but can be viewed rather as a “gap” between what currently exists and an existence that is preferred because it is a more improved state or condition. The significance of proper completion of this step was emphasized as it could result in failed research. Primary (interviews, diaries, raw data surveys etc.), secondary (books, journal articles) and tertiary (dictionaries, encyclopedia etc) sources of data were explained via a video which I enjoyed since the visuals and audio clarified the concept well in a succinct manner.

The final session discussed the reasons for and the stages of completing a literature review. I found this concept to be more involved than it initially appeared to be as conducting an actual review is extremely time consuming.