Sequential explanatory design follow up – UGC NET Question

In a sequential explanatory design, researchers begin with a quantitative phase to identify patterns, relationships or group differences. They then conduct a qualitative phase to explore these findings in depth, seeking explanations from participants’ perspectives. The qualitative data help clarify why the quantitative results occurred. Therefore, the second phase involves qualitative data.

Option A:
Qualitative follow-up allows the researcher to probe unexpected quantitative results, understand contextual factors and capture rich descriptions that numbers alone cannot provide. This explanatory purpose aligns with the design label and the stem, making this option correct.

Option B:
Secondary data are data collected earlier for another purpose and may be either quantitative or qualitative; the term does not specifically capture the explanatory follow-up role described.

Option C:
Archival data, such as institutional records, might be used in some studies but are not central to the standard definition of sequential explanatory mixed methods.

Option D:
Experimental data come from manipulated conditions and are typically part of a quantitative design; they are not the specific second phase implied in this mixed methods sequence.