RSE4801 Assignment 3 MEMO | Due 14 August 2026
EXAM INSTRUCTIONS
Module: RSE4801 – Research in Education
Institution: University of South Africa (UNISA)
Assignment: 03
Due Date: 14 August 2026
Total Questions: 150
Format: Multiple Choice
Learning Unit: Research Paradigms
SECTION 1: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY FUNDAMENTALS
(Questions 1-30)
1. Research methodology refers to:
a) Writing code
b) Systematic process of conducting research
c) Data storage
d) UI design
Rationale: Research methodology outlines structured approaches used to collect and
analyze data. It provides the framework for conducting systematic research .
2. A research problem should be:
a) Vague
b) Clear and specific
c) Complex only
d) Theoretical only
,Rationale: A well-defined problem guides the entire research process. Clarity and
specificity ensure the research stays focused and achievable .
3. The purpose of a literature review is to:
a) Add length
b) Review existing knowledge
c) Avoid research
d) Copy sources
Rationale: A literature review identifies gaps in existing knowledge and builds context for
the study .
4. Primary data is:
a) Already published
b) Collected firsthand
c) Outdated
d) Secondary
Rationale: Primary data is original data collected directly by the researcher .
5. Secondary data refers to:
a) Raw data
b) Firsthand data
c) Previously collected data
d) Experimental data
Rationale: Secondary data includes journals, books, and reports that have been previously
published .
6. A hypothesis is:
a) Proven fact
b) Testable statement
c) Conclusion
d) Theory
Rationale: A hypothesis can be tested through research .
7. Which of the following statements does NOT support the consensus of the
scientific community regarding testing the validity of theories?
a) All explanations that arise from scientific experiments are tentative
b) Once we have approximately 25 rigorous experiments that support the theory, and
none that disprove it, we consider the theory proven
, c) It is impossible to have a truly complete sample of a population in an experiment
d) It is possible that although 10 rigorous experiments support the theory, the next
experiment could disprove the theory
e) It is possible (although not probable) that the theory of evolution could eventually be
disproven
Rationale: Scientific theories are never considered "proven" – they remain tentative and
subject to revision based on new evidence. Twenty-five experiments confirming a theory
do not prove it absolutely .
8. The ability of a person needing services to obtain those services is called:
a) Assessment
b) Access
c) Acuity
d) Ambulation
Rationale: Access refers to the ability of a person needing services to obtain those services .
9. The level of severity of a patient's condition is referred to as:
a) Acuity
b) Assessment
c) Access
d) Adaptation
Rationale: Acuity is the level of severity of a patient's condition .
10. Short-term, intense medical care for an episode of illness or injury is called:
a) Chronic care
b) Acute care
c) Ambulatory care
d) Long-term care
Rationale: Acute care is short-term, intense medical care for an episode of illness or injury
often requiring hospitalization .
11. The process by which healthcare professionals attempt to reliably characterize
the patient's physical health, functional abilities, and cognitive functioning is
called:
a) Assessment
b) Acuity
c) Access
d) Administration
EXAM INSTRUCTIONS
Module: RSE4801 – Research in Education
Institution: University of South Africa (UNISA)
Assignment: 03
Due Date: 14 August 2026
Total Questions: 150
Format: Multiple Choice
Learning Unit: Research Paradigms
SECTION 1: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY FUNDAMENTALS
(Questions 1-30)
1. Research methodology refers to:
a) Writing code
b) Systematic process of conducting research
c) Data storage
d) UI design
Rationale: Research methodology outlines structured approaches used to collect and
analyze data. It provides the framework for conducting systematic research .
2. A research problem should be:
a) Vague
b) Clear and specific
c) Complex only
d) Theoretical only
,Rationale: A well-defined problem guides the entire research process. Clarity and
specificity ensure the research stays focused and achievable .
3. The purpose of a literature review is to:
a) Add length
b) Review existing knowledge
c) Avoid research
d) Copy sources
Rationale: A literature review identifies gaps in existing knowledge and builds context for
the study .
4. Primary data is:
a) Already published
b) Collected firsthand
c) Outdated
d) Secondary
Rationale: Primary data is original data collected directly by the researcher .
5. Secondary data refers to:
a) Raw data
b) Firsthand data
c) Previously collected data
d) Experimental data
Rationale: Secondary data includes journals, books, and reports that have been previously
published .
6. A hypothesis is:
a) Proven fact
b) Testable statement
c) Conclusion
d) Theory
Rationale: A hypothesis can be tested through research .
7. Which of the following statements does NOT support the consensus of the
scientific community regarding testing the validity of theories?
a) All explanations that arise from scientific experiments are tentative
b) Once we have approximately 25 rigorous experiments that support the theory, and
none that disprove it, we consider the theory proven
, c) It is impossible to have a truly complete sample of a population in an experiment
d) It is possible that although 10 rigorous experiments support the theory, the next
experiment could disprove the theory
e) It is possible (although not probable) that the theory of evolution could eventually be
disproven
Rationale: Scientific theories are never considered "proven" – they remain tentative and
subject to revision based on new evidence. Twenty-five experiments confirming a theory
do not prove it absolutely .
8. The ability of a person needing services to obtain those services is called:
a) Assessment
b) Access
c) Acuity
d) Ambulation
Rationale: Access refers to the ability of a person needing services to obtain those services .
9. The level of severity of a patient's condition is referred to as:
a) Acuity
b) Assessment
c) Access
d) Adaptation
Rationale: Acuity is the level of severity of a patient's condition .
10. Short-term, intense medical care for an episode of illness or injury is called:
a) Chronic care
b) Acute care
c) Ambulatory care
d) Long-term care
Rationale: Acute care is short-term, intense medical care for an episode of illness or injury
often requiring hospitalization .
11. The process by which healthcare professionals attempt to reliably characterize
the patient's physical health, functional abilities, and cognitive functioning is
called:
a) Assessment
b) Acuity
c) Access
d) Administration
