RSE4801 ASSIGNMENT 3 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) 2026
Research Methodology – Semester 2
| Feature | Details |
|-------------|-------------|
| Module | RSE4801 – Research Methodology |
| Assignment | Assignment 03 |
| Semester | Semester 2, 2026 |
| Due Date | 14 August 2026 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Focus Areas | Research Paradigms (Interpretivism, Constructivism, Positivism), Research
Approaches (Quantitative, Qualitative, Mixed Methods) |
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QUESTION 1: RESEARCH PARADIGMS & THEIR PILLARS
1.1 Define what is a research paradigm? (3 marks)
Answer:
A research paradigm is a fundamental framework or worldview that guides how
researchers perceive reality, generate knowledge, and conduct inquiry. It encompasses a
set of shared beliefs, assumptions, and values about the nature of reality (ontology), the
nature of knowledge (epistemology), the role of values in research (axiology), and the
, appropriate methods for acquiring knowledge (methodology). A paradigm shapes every
aspect of the research process—from the formulation of research questions to the
interpretation of findings—and provides the philosophical foundation upon which research
is built.
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1.2 In the context of your research, which five (5) specific aspects in your research are
influenced by the paradigm? (5 marks)
Answer:
The research paradigm influences the following five specific aspects of my research:
1. Research Problem and Question Formulation – The paradigm determines what kinds of
questions are considered meaningful and researchable. A positivist paradigm leads to
questions seeking causal relationships and generalizable laws, while an interpretivist
paradigm leads to questions exploring subjective meanings and contextual understanding.
2. Choice of Research Methodology – The paradigm dictates whether the research adopts
quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods. Positivism favours quantitative, experimental
designs; interpretivism favours qualitative, naturalistic approaches; and pragmatism
supports mixed methods.
3. Data Collection Methods – The paradigm influences which tools and techniques are
appropriate—surveys and structured observations for positivist research; in-depth
interviews, focus groups, and participant observation for interpretivist research.
Research Methodology – Semester 2
| Feature | Details |
|-------------|-------------|
| Module | RSE4801 – Research Methodology |
| Assignment | Assignment 03 |
| Semester | Semester 2, 2026 |
| Due Date | 14 August 2026 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Focus Areas | Research Paradigms (Interpretivism, Constructivism, Positivism), Research
Approaches (Quantitative, Qualitative, Mixed Methods) |
---
QUESTION 1: RESEARCH PARADIGMS & THEIR PILLARS
1.1 Define what is a research paradigm? (3 marks)
Answer:
A research paradigm is a fundamental framework or worldview that guides how
researchers perceive reality, generate knowledge, and conduct inquiry. It encompasses a
set of shared beliefs, assumptions, and values about the nature of reality (ontology), the
nature of knowledge (epistemology), the role of values in research (axiology), and the
, appropriate methods for acquiring knowledge (methodology). A paradigm shapes every
aspect of the research process—from the formulation of research questions to the
interpretation of findings—and provides the philosophical foundation upon which research
is built.
---
1.2 In the context of your research, which five (5) specific aspects in your research are
influenced by the paradigm? (5 marks)
Answer:
The research paradigm influences the following five specific aspects of my research:
1. Research Problem and Question Formulation – The paradigm determines what kinds of
questions are considered meaningful and researchable. A positivist paradigm leads to
questions seeking causal relationships and generalizable laws, while an interpretivist
paradigm leads to questions exploring subjective meanings and contextual understanding.
2. Choice of Research Methodology – The paradigm dictates whether the research adopts
quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods. Positivism favours quantitative, experimental
designs; interpretivism favours qualitative, naturalistic approaches; and pragmatism
supports mixed methods.
3. Data Collection Methods – The paradigm influences which tools and techniques are
appropriate—surveys and structured observations for positivist research; in-depth
interviews, focus groups, and participant observation for interpretivist research.
