Be aware there is no set method for conducting practice-related research.  You design your research yourself.

One option is to take a cue from the “hard” sciences, and approach your project methodically and objectively.  Plan it out in advance, have a solid research question in mind.  It's almost as though you are conducting an “artistic” experiment, as opposed to a scientific experiment: your “data” is obtained  through your creative practice in the form of experience, reflection, and contextual reading.

A suggested outline for a practice-related thesis or essay is as follows:

1. Introduction
   Include the research problem, context, method, and the outcomes of the research (note that introductions are generally written after the project has been completed). Depending on the length of the essay or thesis, the introduction may be a paragraph, a section, or a chapter.
2. State of the Art Review
   Literature survey of the area(s) of study. This may include theory, analysis, and contextual creative works. (Note: this may be optional, depending on the length of your thesis.)
3. Methodology
   Describe and justify the research methods used.
4. Foundation/Contextual Work
   Describe earlier work done by the author/candidate (possibly with others), or other researchers, that provides a foundation or significant background (optional). This may include theory, analysis, and contextual creative works.
5. New Studies
   Describe the new studies/software/artwork (i.e., your research) and the process of production.
6. Results
   Evaluate the new software/artwork, or analyse the results or processes of the new studies, within the context established in the Literature Review and/or Foundation/Contextual Work.
7. Conclusions
   A discussion of the wider perspective on the results and their broader implications.
8. References
   Use a standard reference format, such as Harvard, and be careful to check each entry.

Don’t forget to account for SERENDIPITY in here somewhere – what you may discover simply by doing the practice.