The first stage of a class action is the investigation, which is called discovery. This generally involves requests by the individuals listed as named plaintiffs/class representatives to get computer data from the defendant. The data must then be analyzed by a statistical expert for disparate impact (in other words, to see if the actions of the defendant discriminate against the plaintiffs and the class). There will also normally be depositions (interviews that are recorded by a court reporter, but not involving a judge) of company officials regarding the procedures being challenged by the plaintiffs, and sometimes, an Industrial and Organizational Psychologist is used if a written test is involved. After discovery is completed, including the filing of all appropriate expert reports and motions for and against class certification, the Court then ordinarily has either a hearing or just oral arguments regarding class certification. After ruling on class certification, the Court sets another scheduling conference to determine the time to be allowed for discovery regarding the merits of the class and individual claims (if the Court has granted class certification) or the merits of the individual claims only (if class certification has been denied). Once this discovery is completed, the defendant will have the opportunity to move for summary judgment, which is a process where the defendant can request that the Court dismiss the case instead of having it tried before a jury. If summary judgment is denied, then a trial on the merits will follow.