This question tests the logical sequence of the main steps in the research process. Research is a systematic activity that must proceed in a fixed order, from deciding what to study to reporting what was found.

The correct order is:
D. Formulating a research question/objectives — the study must first know what it is asking; the question drives everything else.
A. Preparing a research plan — once the question is set, the researcher designs the methodology, sample, tools and procedure.
B. Collecting data — the plan is then executed by gathering the required data.
E. Analyzing data — the collected data are processed and analysed using suitable statistical or qualitative techniques.
C. Drawing conclusion — finally, findings are interpreted and conclusions are drawn in the light of the original question.

So the sequence is D, A, B, E, C.

Why the other orders are wrong: any sequence that begins with preparing a plan places the plan before the research question, but you cannot design a study without first knowing what you want to answer; any sequence that collects data first ignores that data collection must follow a defined question and plan; and any order that draws conclusions before analysing data is illogical because conclusions rest on analysis. These violate the natural cause-and-effect flow of research.

Takeaway: question first, then plan, then collect, then analyse, then conclude.
Correct answer: D, A, B, E, C