Question

A researcher is conducting a statistical study on the students academic performance and life style habits. To ensure the study is scientifically valid, the most appropriate sequence for carrying out data collection, analysis and the following tasks is:
• [(P)] Apply statistical methods to summarise and test relationships in the data
• [(Q)] Design research objects variable sampling plan and data collection instrument
• [(R)] Interpret findings and draw conclusions
• [(S)] Collect responses from selected participants
• [(T)] Class, code and organise the collected raw data

• A. \( \text{S} \rightarrow \text{T} \rightarrow \text{Q} \rightarrow \text{P} \rightarrow \text{R} \)
• B. \( \text{S} \rightarrow \text{T} \rightarrow \text{Q} \rightarrow \text{R} \rightarrow \text{P} \)
• C. \( \text{Q} \rightarrow \text{S} \rightarrow \text{T} \rightarrow \text{P} \rightarrow \text{R} \)
• D. \( \text{T} \rightarrow \text{Q} \rightarrow \text{S} \rightarrow \text{P} \rightarrow \text{R} \)

Hint:

Research studies always follow the sequence: \[ \text{Plan} \rightarrow \text{Collect} \rightarrow \text{Organise} \rightarrow \text{Analyse} \rightarrow \text{Conclude} \] Remembering this order helps solve such questions quickly.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: A scientific research study follows a systematic and logical sequence. Every stage depends upon the successful completion of the previous stage. The standard research process is: \[ \text{Research Design} \rightarrow \text{Data Collection} \rightarrow \text{Data Processing} \rightarrow \text{Data Analysis} \rightarrow \text{Interpretation and Conclusion} \] Any deviation from this order may lead to inaccurate or unreliable findings.

Step 1: Identify the first activity. Before collecting any information, the researcher must determine:
• The objectives of the study
• The variables to be measured
• The sampling plan
• The data collection instrument This activity corresponds to: \[ \boxed{\text{Q}} \] Therefore, the process must begin with Q.

Step 2: Determine the next stage. After the research design is prepared, the researcher can approach the selected participants and gather information. This corresponds to: \[ \boxed{\text{S}} \] Thus, S follows Q.

Step 3: Organise the collected information. The responses collected from participants are usually in raw form and cannot be analyzed directly. The data must first be:
• Classified
• Coded
• Organized This stage corresponds to: \[ \boxed{\text{T}} \] Hence, T comes after S.

Step 4: Apply statistical techniques. Once the data is organized, statistical tools can be applied to summarize the information and identify relationships among variables. This activity corresponds to: \[ \boxed{\text{P}} \] Thus, P follows T.

Step 5: Interpret the results. After statistical analysis has been completed, the researcher interprets the findings and draws meaningful conclusions. This corresponds to: \[ \boxed{\text{R}} \] Hence, R must be the final stage.

Step 6: Construct the complete sequence. Combining all stages: \[ Q \rightarrow S \rightarrow T \rightarrow P \rightarrow R \] This matches: \[ \boxed{\text{Option (C)}} \] Conclusion: The scientifically correct sequence is: \[ \boxed{ Q \rightarrow S \rightarrow T \rightarrow P \rightarrow R } \] Hence, the correct answer is Option (C).