Final answer:
The next step after establishing the focus for a study is to formulate a research question and conduct preliminary research to refine and clarify the question, which then leads to designing and conducting a study.
Step-by-step explanation:
Once the focus for a study has been established, the next step in the research process is to formulate a research question. To do this, begin by asking general questions related to the subject, and then refine them as you gain more knowledge. This involves reading relevant works, identifying problems or tensions within the topic, and considering what you aim to answer through your research.
After developing your research question, the process leads to seeking answers through various methods, including conducting preliminary research using existing sources and consulting with knowledgeable individuals like librarians or professionals in the field. This step helps to further narrow down the research question and to ensure that it is specific, clear, and researchable.
Upon obtaining sufficient information and having a clear research question, you are then ready to proceed to more advanced research steps, such as designing and conducting a study, collecting data, analyzing information, and drawing conclusions to support or refute your initial hypothesis or research question.