Final answer:
The first step in the research process is to ask questions, conduct a literature review, and gain a better understanding of the existing knowledge in the field.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first step in the research process is to ask questions. Initially, these questions may be general, but they become more focused as the researcher gains knowledge. By articulating questions, researchers can determine the direction of their research and seek answers through various sources.
Once the questions are formulated, the next step is conducting a literature review. This involves identifying and studying existing studies on the topic to gain a broad understanding of previous research. It helps researchers position their own study in relation to prior knowledge and can inform the development of research questions.
Overall, the first step in the research process involves asking questions, conducting a literature review, and gaining a better understanding of the existing knowledge in the field.