If research questions is must in quantitative research then what will be the sequence of research questions, objectives and hypothesis in a research proposal?
I suppose sequence is like this: problem that is to be solved or resolved with its theoretical context, then literature review because without knowing what aspects of the problem and in what manners have been treated others, it would be difficult to decide the objectives of the research. Either you have to explore the remaining aspects of the problems or you have to falsify whatever has been found out till recently. Or, you have to examine the problem from a new or some other perspective or context. Objectives should be kept few so that the researcher could do justice with them and may achieve in a given time-frame. So far as research questions and hypotheses are concerned, if one is well-trained in hypothesis formulation, then after mentioning major research questions under the head of hypotheses, one, keeping in mind objectives and research questions, may list as many hypotheses as are necessary to test. Generally, beginners find it difficult or spell hypotheses incorrectly like me, therefore, I prefer to write research questions. To me to write down research questions is easier than scientifically formulating hypotheses and I consider both are interchangeable.
In quantitative research one must mention the research questions. You start with why you are researching this subject, what are your objectives, state your hypothesis and then the methods you are using and the results when you are finished. It allows others to recreate and validate your results.
The purpose of statement of research is narrowed in the form of research question statement. Question statements are interrogative statements that narrow the purpose statement to specific questions that researcher seeks to answer in his/her study. Research Questions are typically framed at the end of the introduction of the statement of the problem section or immediately following the review of literature.
Sequence of rest is same. It is also vary university to university so please check the guidelines of your institute.