Which sequence correctly orders the three investigation phases?

Which sequence correctly orders the three investigation phases?

• A. Data collection, data analysis, presentation of findings.
• B. Data analysis, data collection, presentation of findings.
• C. Presentation of findings, data collection, data analysis.
• D. Data collection, presentation, data analysis.

Answer: (A)

In any investigation, the order of steps matters: you start by gathering all the relevant information, then you interpret that information, and finally you communicate what you found with justification and evidence. Collecting data provides the raw material you’ll later analyze; without it, analysis has nothing to work on. Analyzing without having collected data risks basing conclusions on incomplete or hypothetical information. Presenting findings should come after the data has been analyzed so the conclusions are supported by the evidence and the reasoning is clear. So, data collection first, data analysis second, and presentation of findings third is the best sequence. Choosing a path that places analysis before data or presentation before analysis breaks the logical flow and undermines the integrity of the investigation.

In any investigation, the order of steps matters: you start by gathering all the relevant information, then you interpret that information, and finally you communicate what you found with justification and evidence. Collecting data provides the raw material you’ll later analyze; without it, analysis has nothing to work on. Analyzing without having collected data risks basing conclusions on incomplete or hypothetical information. Presenting findings should come after the data has been analyzed so the conclusions are supported by the evidence and the reasoning is clear.

So, data collection first, data analysis second, and presentation of findings third is the best sequence. Choosing a path that places analysis before data or presentation before analysis breaks the logical flow and undermines the integrity of the investigation.