Rationalistic inquiries are the established traditional systems in systematic inquiry. The rationalistic inquiry begins with an existing theory. Formal instruments are used in categorizing the basis for collecting data and transforming such data into quantitative measures. Findings are generalized. The problem is converted into dependent and independent variables after which the researcher develops strategies and instruments to control relationships between and among naturally occuring variables. Once the steps of the research design are completed, the researcher returns to the theory formulated to interpret the results.