1. Literature Review: Conduct a thorough review of existing literature to inform your study design and identify gaps. 2. Methodology: Choose an appropriate methodology (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods) based on your research question. 3. Sampling: Determine your sample size and selection criteria. Ensure your sample is representative of the population you are studying. 4. Data Collection: Decide on the tools and procedures for data collection. Ensure they are reliable and valid. 5. Data Analysis: Plan for data analysis methods that align with your research design. Use statistical software for quantitative data and coding methods for qualitative data.