Which of the following is in the correct order?

The correct order is based on the logical flow of the research process. Firstly, conducting a literature review provides a comprehensive understanding of existing research, theories, and findings in the field of interest. This foundational step allows researchers to identify what has already been studied and where there may be gaps or unanswered questions.

Once the literature review is completed, researchers can effectively pinpoint the gaps in the literature. This step involves critically analyzing the existing research to discover areas that lack sufficient investigation, or questions that have not been explored. Identifying these gaps is crucial, as it sets the stage for crafting relevant research questions.

Finally, based on the insights gained from the literature review and the identified gaps, researchers formulate specific research questions. These questions are designed to address the unexplored areas and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field.

Thus, the sequence of performing a literature review first, identifying gaps in the literature second, and then developing research questions last, reflects the correct order of the research process. This structured approach ensures that the research is grounded in existing knowledge while also addressing areas that require further exploration.