Which sequence of research steps is logical in the list given below?
2017
Which sequence of research steps is logical in the list given below?
Answer: C. Problem formulation, Hypothesis making, Development of a Research design, Collection of data, Data analysis and formulation of generalizations and conclusions. — ConceptA research process follows a dependency order: the problem is defined before a testable hypothesis is proposed; the research design is prepared before…
- A.
Problem formulation, Analysis, Development of Research design, Hypothesis making, Collection of data, Arriving at generalizations and conclusions.
- B.
Development of Research design, Hypothesis making, Problem formulation, Data analysis, Arriving at conclusions and data collection.
- C.
Problem formulation, Hypothesis making, Development of a Research design, Collection of data, Data analysis and formulation of generalizations and conclusions.
- D.
Problem formulation, Deciding about the sample and data collection tools, Formulation of hypothesis, Collection and interpretation of research evidence.
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Correct answer: C
Concept
A research process follows a dependency order: the problem is defined before a testable hypothesis is proposed; the research design is prepared before evidence is collected; and collected data are analysed before generalisations and conclusions are drawn. Each later stage depends on the output of earlier stages.
Application
Formulate the problem so that the research objective and scope are defined.
Formulate a hypothesis that states the testable expectation arising from the problem.
Develop the research design, including the plan for sampling, tools and procedures.
Collect data according to the approved design.
Analyse the collected data to identify patterns and test the hypothesis.
Formulate generalisations and conclusions from the analysed evidence.
Cross-check
Check the dependencies in reverse: analysis requires collected data; data collection requires a design; the design is guided by a hypothesis; and the hypothesis arises from a defined problem. This confirms the internal logic of the sequence.
Result
Therefore, the logical sequence is: Problem formulation → Hypothesis making → Development of a research design → Collection of data → Data analysis → Formulation of generalisations and conclusions.