In which order do the steps of the research process occur?

The sequence in which the steps of the research process occur is fundamentally structured to ensure a systematic approach to inquiry. Starting with the initial step, researchers typically identify a problem or question that needs investigation, followed by a comprehensive review of existing literature to inform their understanding and clarify the scope of the research.

Next, researchers will formulate a hypothesis or specific research questions, design the methodology to be used for data collection, and proceed to gather and analyze the data. After data analysis, researchers draw conclusions and implications based on their findings. Finally, the last step involves disseminating the results to share new knowledge and contribute to the academic or practical field.

The sequence presented in the first option represents this logical flow accurately, whereby each step builds upon the previous one, culminating in a well-rounded research project. This alignment captures the nature of the research process, emphasizing the importance of following a structured pathway to ensure valid and reliable outcomes, which is vital for the credibility of any research conducted.