The following are considered steps in the qualitative research process, A. Literature review?
A. Literature review
B. Hypothesis
C. Sample
D. Data collection
Correct Answer: B. Hypothesis
A hypothesis is the tool of quantitative studies and is only found in such studies. A hypothesis states the predictions about what the research will find. It is a tentative answer to a research question that has not yet been tested. A hypothesis is not just a guess — it should be based on existing theories and knowledge. It also has to be testable, which means the researcher can support or refute it through scientific research methods (such as experiments, observations, and statistical analysis of data).
Option A: A literature review is a comprehensive summary of previous research on a topic. The literature review surveys scholarly articles, books, and other sources relevant to a particular area of research. The review should enumerate, describe, summarize, objectively evaluate and clarify this previous research.
Option C: In research terms, a sample is a group of people, objects, or items that are taken from a larger population for measurement. The sample should be representative of the population to ensure that we can generalize the findings from the research sample to the population as a whole.
Option D: This step revolves around obtaining the information that the researcher will need to solve the issue or problem identified. Data collection involves a field force or staff that operates either in the field, as in the case of personal interviewing (in-home, mall intercept, or computer-assisted personal interviewing), from an office by telephone (telephone or computer-assisted telephone interviewing), or through the mail (traditional mail and mail panel surveys with recruited households).