When starting her research on dropout rates, what is an essential first step for Mikayla?

Developing a solid research question is an essential first step for Mikayla because it provides a clear focus for her research. A well-defined research question helps to specify what she aims to discover or understand about dropout rates, guiding her subsequent research activities. This question serves as the foundation for her entire study, influencing the type of data she will collect, the methodologies she will employ, and the direction her analysis will take.

Having a solid research question allows for greater efficiency and clarity in the research process. For instance, it helps narrow down the scope of her investigation, making it easier to identify relevant literature, determine appropriate research methods, and frame the data collection process. It ensures that her research is purposeful and aligned with her objectives, ultimately leading to more meaningful and actionable findings.

The other options may have their own importance in the research process, but without a clear research question, those steps could lack direction or relevance. For example, conducting preliminary interviews or gathering data without a focused question might lead to collecting information that does not directly address her research goals. Similarly, choosing a research method is contingent upon the presence of a well-defined question that outlines the study's purpose and parameters.