What is the initial focus of exploratory sequential research?

The initial focus of exploratory sequential research is on qualitative research to inform quantitative steps. This approach begins with gathering qualitative data to explore a phenomenon, understand the context, and identify key variables or themes. This foundational qualitative phase allows researchers to gain insights that can then shape the development of quantitative measures or instruments.

In exploratory sequential research, the qualitative findings help to refine research questions and hypotheses, which are later tested using quantitative methodologies. This ensures that the quantitative aspect of the research is grounded in real-world insights and experiences, thus enhancing the relevance and validity of the study.

Quantitative data collection techniques, while crucial in later stages, are not the starting point in this type of research. Similarly, examining historical data for trends or developing survey methods might occur in quantitative phases or subsequent steps, but they do not define the initial focus of exploratory sequential research. The key characteristic of this methodology is that the qualitative phase precedes and informs the quantitative phase, effectively using qualitative insights to shape further investigation.