Some steps run in parallel with writing.
| Step: | Description |
|---|---|
| Define the Problem: | State a precise, researchable problem in 2–3 clear sentences. |
| Review the State of the Art: | Identify what exists, what fails, and where the gap is. Use tools like Google Scholar and CiteSeerX. |
| Formulate the Research Question: | Define explicit research question(s) and success criteria. If you cannot explain it clearly in 60 seconds, refine it. |
| Design the Methodology: | Specify approach, data, baselines, and evaluation metrics. Ensure reproducibility. |
| Execute and Document: | Implement, experiment, log everything. |
| Analyze and Validate: | Compare with baselines. Interpret results. State limitations. |