Which design is most likely to conduct the quantitative component first, with the qualitative component following and dependent on it?

The choice of explanatory design is correct because this research approach typically involves conducting a quantitative component first to establish broad, numerical patterns or relationships within a dataset. After gathering and analyzing the quantitative data, researchers often follow up with qualitative methods to gain deeper insights into those patterns, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomena being studied. This sequential two-phase approach—starting with quantifiable data and then expanding into qualitative inquiries based on those initial findings—helps to clarify and interpret the results more meaningfully.

In the context of this question, exploratory design generally seeks to investigate an area with limited prior knowledge, beginning with qualitative methods to formulate hypotheses before potentially moving to quantitative analysis. Transformative design focuses on addressing social justice issues, often intertwining qualitative and quantitative methods rather than a strict sequence. Sequential design can incorporate various combinations of quantitative and qualitative elements; however, it is not exclusively focused on the explanatory sequence of first establishing quantitative data followed by qualitative elaboration.