Which of the following is NOT a step in the research process?

The choice indicating that "Translate findings into theory" is not a step in the research process is correct because the primary steps in the research process typically involve defining a research problem, formulating research questions, collecting data, and analyzing and interpreting that data. While translating findings into theory may occur as a part of the broader scholarly discourse once research results are obtained, it is not categorized as a crucial step within the research process itself.

The research process is primarily concerned with empirical investigation, data collection, and data analysis. Formulating research questions is considered foundational as it guides the entire study. Collecting data is an essential phase where researchers gather the necessary information to address their questions. Analyzing and interpreting data is critical for drawing conclusions and understanding what the data reveals in relation to the initial research questions. This structured approach leads to conclusive findings rather than abstract theoretical development, which is more of an end product of research rather than a foundational step.