In the process of conducting research 'Formulation of Hypothesis" is followed by

Question

Accepted Answer

The research process is a structured, step-by-step sequence of scientific inquiry designed to ensure objectivity and validity. After defining the research problem and establishing objectives, a researcher formulates a hypothesis, which is a tentative, testable proposition about the relationship between variables. Once the hypothesis is established, the subsequent execution phase demands the empirical gathering of evidence to test it. This immediate sequential step is data collection, where researchers use appropriate sampling and methodologies to acquire primary or secondary information directly relevant to the hypothesis.

Correct Option (Option 4):
Collection of data is the logical step that follows hypothesis formulation because empirical testing cannot occur without gathering the necessary facts and figures. Once the researcher has predicted a specific relationship or outcome, they must go into the field or laboratory to systematically observe and measure the variables. This step bridges the conceptual design of the study with actual empirical verification.

Incorrect Option (Option 1):
Statement of objectives is an initial step in the research design process that occurs well before a hypothesis is even developed. Objectives define the overarching purpose and scope of the study, guiding the researcher toward what needs to be answered. Formulating a hypothesis is actually a derivation of these established objectives, making this option conceptually out of order.

Incorrect Option (Option 2):
Analysis of data cannot occur immediately after formulating a hypothesis because there is no data available to analyze at that stage. Data analysis is a later stage in the research process that requires information to be first collected, cleaned, and organized. It relies entirely on the outcomes of the data collection phase to perform statistical or qualitative evaluations.

Incorrect Option (Option 3):
Selection of research tools, such as questionnaires or interview schedules, is a operational component of the research design that usually precedes or coincides with planning how data will be collected. While it is a critical step, the immediate primary action standardly identified as following the core hypothesis stage in general research methodology frameworks is the active collection of empirical data itself.