In Part 1 I want to focus on the initial stages of any research investigation, the areas common to all research regardless of the character and purpose of that research. It is mostly very practical in nature, with the exception of the first chapter, which exam - ines the philosophical underpinnings of research. Although this philosophical debate is not for the faint-hearted, it is fundamental to understanding the entire activity we refer to as ‘research’. I suggest you take the time to engage in this debate if for no other reason than to decide which side of the paradigmatic fence you sit on, to determine your view of the world and the manner in which you feel we can explore that world. I secretly hope that reading this first chapter will capture your imagination and encour - age you to follow up the leads I offer; at the very least it should provide you with a broad overview of the fundamental differences between research paradigms and a framework for thinking about the research process. Following the completely new chapter contributed by Professor Julie McLeod, Sue Childs and Elizabeth Lomas on research data management, this section ends with a discussion of ethics in research.