RSC2601 EXAM PACK 2026

RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences 1 RSC2601 - Research in the Social Sciences EXAM PREPARATION This document is a compilation of past UNISA exam Questions and Answers, Assignment Questions and Answers, as well as Test Yourself Questions and Answers from Studyguide. Answers are motivated by a combination of: • Page references to the UNISA Study Guide: • Short summaries regarding the relevant topic(s) in question. Past exams covered are: • May/Jun 2011 • Oct/Nov 2011 • May/Jun 2012 • Oct/Nov 2012 • May/Jun 2013 • Oct/Nov 2013 • May/Jun 2014 • Oct/Nov 2014 • May/Jun 2015 • Oct/Nov 2015 • May/Jun 2016 • Oct/Nov 2016 • May/June 2017 All duplicated questions in the above papers are consolidated, in order to remove unneccesary clutter. Note that this only applies in instances where questions were duplicated verbatim. The suffix after each question number refers to one of the question papers where this question was asked, e.g. 1-16 denotes May/June 2016 and 2-13 denotes Oct/November 2013. Assignments covered are: • Previous Assignment 1 • Previous Assignment 2 • Previous Assignment 3 • Previous Assignment 4 • Semester 1 Assignment 1 (2017) • Semester 1 Assignment 2 (2017) • Semester 2 Assignment 1 (2017) • Semester 2 Assignment 2 (2017) Please note: This document is an additional tool for exam preparation. The Stuvia-user that compiled and uploaded this document takes no responsibility for incorrect answers. Students must ensure that they study the prescribed material and understand the content. RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences 2 EXAM QUESTIONS QUESTION 1 (1-11) A person of high academic standing is given the task by the local government to investigate the best ways of ensuring participation of people living in a small town in an agricultural development project. Being of her high status, she speaks with authority. The research results obtained by this person must be: 1) accepted unquestioningly because of the high academic standing of the researcher 2) rejected because authority is not a valid way to gain knowledge 3) rejected because participation is a form of common sense knowledge 4) accepted if it withstands critical scrutiny The correct answer is (4) SG p5 But the problem with relying on authority is that we can overestimate the expertise of persons in authority: in other words, experts can be wrong. When we do not know how the experts arrived at their knowledge, we should be careful in accepting their conclusions. Therefore 1) is incorrect. A person in a position of authority is likely to have earned that authority by his or her experience and may therefore be able to offer us reliable knowledge. In other words, that person has spent time and effort learning something and others can benefit from this. Therefore 2) and 3) is incorrect. QUESTION 2 (1-11) The different accounts of people having witnessed a car accident can be ascribed to: 1) overgeneralisation 2) selective observation 3) ego involvement 4) stress The correct answer is (2) SG p9 Overgeneralisation may lead to selective observation. Once the decision is made that events are following a particular pattern, and you think you know why, you will tend to pay attention mainly to future situations that correspond with that pattern. You will also tend to overlook the situations that conflict with the pattern. QUESTION 3 (1-11) People's dependence on media presentations for understanding the impact of, for example, sophisticated communication technology on their daily lives, is an example of ___. 1) media myths. 2) authonty 3) mythical Interpretation of technology. 4) scepticism towards technology. The correct answer is (1) SG p8 Media Myths: The mass media, including television, films, newspapers and magazines and, most recently, the Internet, have a powerful influence on knowledge. Most people learn S - The study-notes marketplace RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences 3 about the world and develop their concept of social reality according to what they see, hear and read in the media. However, as Neuman (1997) points out, the chief purpose of the media is to entertain, not to present reality accurately. Writers who adapt real life for television shows and films scripts distort reality, often relying on tradition, authority or common sense. Writers for newspapers and magazines have deadlines which limit their information and they cannot be specialists in every topic they write about. Mistakes may be made from ignorance. Public thinking can be changed by selective emphasis, and this, in turn, can lead people into error. QUESTION 4 (1-11) Identify the epistemological statement: 1) social reality and natural reality can be studied in the same way 2) social reality is inherently meaningful 3) human beings are reflexive 4) patriarchy is common in traditional societies 5) hidden structures mask the true nature of social reality The correct answer is (1) SG p20 “We shall explain epistemology in the context of the social sciences with reference to the following epistemological question: “Can social reality (things such as groups, societies, norms, organisations) be studied in the same way as natural reality (things such as atoms, bodies, viruses, planets?” Ontology involves assumptions which refer to what researchers think exists and is real, eg. A rectangle has 4 sides. Option 2 – 5 refer to ontological statements. Epistemology deals with how we can know and explain something, i.e. one can calculate the area of a rectangle with a formula. QUESTION 5 (1-11) Research on juvenile delinquency would be regarded and interpretive if it: 1) establishes a crucial relationship between juvenile delinquency and poverty 2) treats juvenile delinquency as a fact 3) provides reasons for juvenile delinquency 4) focuses on causation rather than description 5) treats juvenile delinquency as a construction of meaning The correct answer is (5) SG p25 “Interpretivists argue that social reality is inherently meaningful. People have the ability to interpret a situation and decide how to act in response to this situation. By consciously participating in a situation, they attribute meaning to that situation. Meaning is constructed through human beings interacting with each other and playing a central role in defining a situation to make sense of it” Options 1, 2 and 4 refer to attributes of positivism. Option 3 relates to explanatory research. QUESTION 6 (1-11) In the context of positivism, value freedom implies that: a) values are not important by positivists to research b) positivists distance themselves in research from their own values S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: mosa123 | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences 4 c) objective findings can be made about social reality d) the values of the positivist must take precedence in the research process e) objectivity is pursued by using standardized research procedures 1) a), c), e) 2) a), d), e) 3) b), c), d) 4) b), c), e) 5) c), d), e) The correct answer is (4) SG p22, 23 “We start with how positivists see the nature of social reality. Positivists believe that social reality can be discovered. Positivists claim it is crucial that researchers approach social reality in a neutral, value-free, detached and systematic way. Methodological tools are developed to collect evidence that is observable and hence measurable. Standardised procedures are followed to study particular events and learn about their interconnections. value-freedom: researchers’ personal values do not influence the collection of data (research)” QUESTION 7 (1-11) Which of the following statements are true with regard to theories in the social sciences? a) theories can describe or explain a phenomenon b) theories are broader in scope than approaches c) the level of abstraction of theories can differ d) theories guide research e) theories are speculations 1) a), b), c) 2) a), b), d) 3) a), c), d) 4) a), c), e) 5) b), c), d) The correct answer is (3) SG p50, 55, 56, 58 Here, theory is equated to speculation. To recap: concepts identify and describe phenomena. The scope of a theory is linked to the level of abstraction achieved by the concepts in the theory (the building blocks of the theory). The higher the level of abstraction, the more the theory can be generalised and the wider its applicability. Theory deductively guides research, while the information obtained through research inductively builds theory. Theory and research are therefore inseparable (Cohen 1989:22) QUESTION 8 (1-11) Which of the following concepts reflects the highest level of abstraction? 1) age 2) gender S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: mosa123 | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences 5 3) alienation 4) educational level 5) income The correct answer is (3) SG p55, 56 The scope of a theory is linked to the level of abstraction achieved by the concepts in the theory (the building blocks of the theory). The higher the level of abstraction, the more the theory can be generalised and the wider its applicability. The opposite of abstract is concrete. The difference between abstract and concrete concepts can be compared to a view of a town from 10 kilometres in the sky and one that is seen up close. Abstract concepts allows us to get the big picture, but does not show much detail, whereas concrete concepts presents the close-up view and allows us to focus on specific cases. QUESTION 9 (1-11) Which of the following statements are true? a) theory inductively guides research b) research deductively builds theory c) theory deductively guides research d) research inductively builds theory 1) a), b) 2) b), c) 3) c), d) 4) a), c) 5) b), d) The correct answer is (3) SG p58 Theory deductively guides research, while the information obtained through research inductively builds theory. Therefore a) is incorrect and c) correct. Also, b) is incorrect, and d) correct. Deductiion entails moving from general to specific. Inductive moves from specific to general. QUESTION 10 (1-11) If a negative relationship exists between variables in a hypothesis, it implies that: 1) the two variables are not related 2) as the value of one variable decreases, the other variable also decreases in value 3) there is only a weak relationship between the two variables 4) as the value of one variable decreases, the other value increases in value The correct answer is (4) SG p78 See 2.3.4. The first three statements are all incorrect. In causal relationships “negative” and “positive” imply the direction of the relationship between two variables. If a relationship is “positive”, both variables change in the same direction. An example is: the higher the population density, the higher the crime rate. A negative relationship implies changes in different directions. An example here is: the higher the rate of immunisation, the lower the infant mortality rate. QUESTION 11 (1-11) S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: mosa123 | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences The scope of a theory: 6 a) increases as the level of abstraction increases b) refers to the generalizability of the theory c) is associated with a specific domain of analysis d) refers to the social reality which is studied empirically 1) a), b) 2) a), d) 3) b), c) 4) c), d) 5) a), b), c), d) The correct answer is (1) SG p55, 56 The scope of a theory is linked to the level of abstraction achieved by the concepts in the theory (the building blocks of the theory). The higher the level of abstraction, the more the theory can be generalised and the wider its applicability. QUESTION 12 (1-11) Identify the statement(s) that has/have the potential to be a social law. a) If we exert less force on an object, it will move slower b) The suicide rate decreases as the level of social integration increases c) Men are sexist d) Intelligence is an inherited attribute. 1) (a) (b) 2) (c) (d) 3) (a) (b) (d) 4) (c) 5) (b) The correct answer is (1) SG p76 Remember we describe social laws as being probabilities rather than certainties. Study question 14 on page 74 and 77. QUESTION 13 (1-11) In social science basic research tries to ___. 1) support or reject theories 2) explain social relationships 3) Interpret changes in communities 4) create new scientific knowledge 5) accommodate all of the above-mentioned The correct answer is (5) SG p81 Basic research is undertaken to enhance or extend fundamental knowledge about social reality or within a discipline. This type of research is used to support or reject theories by explaining social relationships. It is also used to interpret changes in communities, in order to enhance new scientific ideas/knowledge about our social world (Neuman 1997:22–23; Polit & Beck 2008:19). S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: mosa123 | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences 7 QUESTION 14 (1-11) Cross-sectional studies concentrate on the ___ of the problem being investigated. 1) structuring 2) repeatability 3) here and now 4) reliability and validity The correct answer is (3) SG p136 Cross-sectional surveys are those surveys in which the information is collected at one point in time, which could be during the course of one day or over a few weeks. An example of a cross-sectional survey would be a survey of how people intend voting in an upcoming election. Therefore time-dimensional. QUESTION 15 (1-11) A student conducts research on crimes against women in South Africa. She wants to give an accurate profile of the respondents, provide information about the phenomenon and describe successive phases that occur during these crimes. She is conducting ___ research. (1) descriptive (2) explanatory (3) time-series (4) exploratory The correct answer is (1) SG p92 Purpose of research: Obesity in teenagers from Cape Town Types of research Purpose of the research Descriptive - To describe the dietary patterns of obese teenagers residing in Cape Town Exploratory - To explore how obese teenagers residing in Cape Town experience their obesity Explanatory - To determine the reasons for obesity amongst teenagers residing in Cape Town Correlational - To determine the relationship between compliance with a weight reduction programme and successful weight loss in obese teenagers residing in Cape Town Keywords; “accurate profile”, and “provide information”. QUESTION 16 (1-11) One of the main points of criticism against basic research is that it does not: 1) create a basis for the application of knowledge 2) create a basis for the application of insight 3) provide a basis for policies 4) provide short term practical solutions S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: mosa123 | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences 8 The correct answer is (4) SG p82 A point of criticism against basic research is that the knowledge so acquired sometimes does not offer short-term practical solutions. QUESTION 17 (1-11) A characteristic of ___ research is that the findings accept or reject theoretical propositions. 1) quantitative 2) qualitative The correct answer is (1) SG p88 Characteristics Quantitative Research Qualitative Research Findings Generalisation, accept or reject theoretical propositions. Uniqueness, dynamic understanding of phenomena, and new theory. QUESTION 18 (1-11) When researchers concentrate on adapting to complex situations as they unfold, attempting to understand a phenomenon in its social, cultural and historical context, apply inductive data analyses techniques and focus on grounded theory, then they are busy with: 1) triangulation 2) quantitative research 3) experimental research 4) qualitative research The correct answer is (4) SG p86, 87 Qualitative research has the following general characteristics: • This type of research involves a holistic investigation executed in a natural set-up. The researcher tries to study all the elements that are present within that particular set-up/situation. The set-up is studied as a whole in order to understand the realities involved — one of the most distinctive characteristics of qualitative research. For this reason, the researcher tries to understand a phenomenon within its social, cultural and historical context. • Man is the primary data-collection instrument in this type of research. The researcher relies on man as observer, rather than relying on measuring instruments. The qualitative researcher can adapt to a complex situation as it develops. Differences in values and prejudices can be taken into account. Additional data are obtained by means of other more objective instruments, such as documents or questionnaires. • The emphasis is on the use of qualitative methods. • Subjects are selected in a purposeful, rather than a random manner. There is a purposeful selection of a wide variety of subjects, which can then be observed by the researcher. • The researcher makes use of inductive data analysis, so that unexpected results will also come to the fore. First, the researcher collects the data, and then he or she tries to understand the situation and make deductions. • A grounded theory can be developed — that is, a theory that was actually developed from the data and that is thought to be better than pre-developed theory (as is the S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: mosa123 | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences 9 case in quantitative research). Such a grounded theory reflects the data in a more accurate manner. There are also many quantitative researchers who acknowledge the value of a grounded theory and who then do pilot studies in order to develop theoretical constructs that they eventually test by means of quantitative methods. • The design of the research develops as the research develops. In qualitative studies, the researcher begins with a tentative design (sometimes even without a design), and develops the design as the research develops. In this way, the design can be adapted and variables can be included that had not been considered before that particular phenomenon was observed. • The subject plays a role in the interpretation of the results. Qualitative researchers try to reconstruct reality from the subject’s frame of reference. In quantitative research, the element or person is called the respondent, and in qualitative research he or she is called the subject or participant. • Intuitive insights are used. In qualitative research, the emphasis is more on intuitionbased knowledge (ie, on the subject’s experience of a situation). • The emphasis is on social processes. Qualitative studies focus on the social processes and the meanings attached to such social situations by the participants (Borg & Gall 1989:385–387; De Vos, Strydom, Fouche & Delport 2005:268; Polit & Beck 2008:15–17). QUESTION 19 (1-11) Which behavioural norm does the researcher in the following scenario ignore? In a report of a survey conducted among prisoners, the researcher neglects to state how the sample of respondents was drawn. 1) respect 2) disinterestedness 3) communality 4) universalism The correct answer is (3) SG p111 Communality — This norm requires researchers to accurately report the methods, purpose, motives and consequences. “The principle of communality compels all researchers to share their research findings, including means, ends, motives, and consequences, freely and honestly with all other members of the research community” (Smith 1988:284). QUESTION 20 (1-11) If the Hawthorne effect occurs during a research study, this effect will influence ___ 1) the duration of the study 2) potential harm 3) informed consent 4) internal validity The correct answer is (4) SG p130-131 A typical reactive effect is the Hawthorne effect where subjects respond because they know they are being observed and receiving attention. In other words, subjects are being influenced simply because they know that they are being observed rather than because of any reaction to the treatment they are receiving. S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: mosa123 | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences 10 QUESTION 21 (1-11) The use of a hidden camera when conducting a face-to-face interview usually amounts to: 1) an unethical practice 2) the protection of privacy 3) voluntary participation 4) avoiding personal constraints The correct answer is (1) It is not protecting privacy, but rather invading it, therefore 2) is incorrect. It is not voluntary if the recipient does not know about it, therefore 3) is incorrect. QUESTION 22 (1-11) Which behavioural norm or princlple is being described in this quotation? "The norm of ___ has been honoured for a given project when all research, including its means, ends, motives and consequences can be evaluated according to predetermined standards set by a scholarly community" (Smith 1988.284) 1) respect 2) disinterestedness 3) universalism 4) communality The correct answer is (4) SG p111 Communality — This norm requires researchers to accurately report the methods, purpose, motives and consequences. “The principle of communality compels all researchers to share their research findings, including means, ends, motives, and consequences, freely and honestly with all other members of the research community” (Smith 1988:284). QUESTION 23 (1-11) Identify four situational factors that apply when we make judgements about ethics in research: a) the methods we use to collect data b) the goal of the research study c) our intentions as researchers d) the consequences of the research e) the use of probability sampling f) comparing responses based on gender 1) (a) (b) (c) (d) 2) (b) (c) (e) (f) 3) (c) (d) (e) (f) 4) (a) (d) (e) (f) The correct answer is (1) SG p110 However, instead of dealing with the different steps, we now consider four situational factors that apply to making judgments about ethics in research: S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: mosa123 | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences 11 1. the methods that we use to collect, analyse and report research 2. the purpose or goal of the research (eg to formulate new theories or to solve a social problem) 3. the personal motives or intentions of the individual researcher (eg to advance a career, which may be unrelated to the purpose of the research) 4. the consequences or effects of research, including effects on research participants or respondents, on researchers and on the larger social and scholarly communities QUESTION 24 (1-11) When considering the ethical requirements that apply to conducting research, which factor can pose a risk to respondents’/participants' right to privacy? 1) the researcher's gender 2) obtaining prior informed consent 3) the researcher's language preference 4) the place where the research is conducted 5) conducting a debriefing interview The correct answer is (4) SG p114 However, unlike obtaining a loan or applying for credit facilities, our goal (collecting and analysing information about people as human beings) may be in conflict with people’s right to privacy. We can deal with this potential conflict by considering: 1. the sensitivity of the information 2. the place where the research is conducted 3. how public we are going to make our research findings QUESTION 25 (1-11) The following factors should be taken into account to ensure that the research design is coherent: a) the meaning of social phenomena b) the purpose and use of the research c) the data-colIection and data-analysis techniques 1) (a) (b) 2) (a) (b) (c) 3) (b) (c) 4) (a) (c) The correct answer is (3) SG p127 The factors that should be taken into account to ensure that the research design is coherent: 1. The purpose and the proposed use of the study influence the type of study that will be done. 2. In a coherent research design data-collection techniques will match data-analysis techniques. Option a) relates to research conducted in the interpretative paradigm. QUESTION 26 (1-11) A researcher has an expectation about how a study will turn out, and the study does in fact turn out that way because of his beliefs. This is called: S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: mosa123 | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences 1) the Hawthorne effect 12 2) the regression effect 3) selection bias 4) none of the above The correct answer is (4) SG p114, 129 Hawthorne effect: the effect on participants of knowing that they are being “researched’’. Therefore 1) is incorrect. Regression effect refers to a tendency of extreme scores to move towards the average upon retesting. Suppose a researcher finds that violent criminals, tested before and after watching a violent film, are slightly less violent after the film. Because the criminals began at an extreme in terms of the measure on violence, it is unlikely that the film could make them more violent and due to the regression effect, they appear less extreme when measured again. Therefore 2) is incorrect. Selection of subjects to be assigned to a specific group could bias the study if there are important, unsuspected differences between the subjects in each group. An example is an experiment on physical aggression in which the one group unintentionally contains soccer and rugby players, whereas the other group is made up of musicians and painters! Therefore 3) is incorrect. The above is called self-fulfilling prophecy/researcher expectancy. QUESTION 27 (1-11) What research design is described in this scenario? A researcher working for an advertising company wants to investigate whether people are more inclined to buy a new product when they have been informed of the advantages of the product, than before being informed. She selects a sample and measures their willingness to buy the product by means of a questionnaire. then randomly assigns each person to an experimental group (who receives more information on the product) and a control group (who receives no additional information on the product). After the information session, she again measures the willingness of the two groups to buy the product. This is an example of a ___ design 1) pre-experimental 2) post-test only control group 3) quasi-experimental 4) pre-test post-test control group The correct answer is (4) SG p131 The group that receives the treatment (counselling) is called the experimental group, while the group that receives no treatment is called the control group. These groups are compared in terms of the outcome or response to the treatment (or “no treatment”). This outcome is the dependent variable and the comparison between groups enables the researcher to determine the impact of the treatment. In an experiment, the dependent variable can be measured more than once. If the dependent variable is measured before the introduction of the treatment, this is called a pretest. The posttest is the measurement of the dependent variable after the treatment has been introduced. Although quasi-expermiental designs also consist of a pre-test and post-test group, and also involve manipulating conditions and assignment of subjects to the treatment conditions, S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: mosa123 | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences 13 therefore identify causal relationships, quasi-experimental designs do not involve randomisation. Therefore 3) is incorrect. A pre-experimental design also does not involve randomization and is therefore incorrect. QUESTION 28 (1-11) Which of the following is a defining characteristic that must be present in a true experimental design? 1) using a random sample of respondents 2) including a pretest and a posttest in the study 3) random assignment of respondents to groups 4) subjecting each respondent to two treatment conditions The correct answer is (3) SG p132 The second characteristic of the true experimental design is random assignment of the subjects or sampling units to the treatment conditions or groups. (Remember the first characteristic is that the researcher manipulates the treatment conditions.) QUESTION 29 (1-11) Read the following study and identify what the researcher wanted to achieve in designing this study. A researcher wants to find out how teachers experience cases of child abuse. He decides to conduct open-ended, in-depth interviews with teachers (either individually or in groups) in which he will ask them to tell him about their thoughts on and experiences with child abuse. The researcher wanted to: 1) ensure reliability by maintaining a proper scientific distance from the research participants 2) encourage research participants to talk openly by listening to them empathically 3) participate in teachers' experiences so that he can understand them empathically 4) use objective data-gathering techniques to determine own experiences empathically The correct answer is (2) SG p179 In-depth interviews have also been called “intensive interviews”, “unstructured, conversational interviews”, “ethnographic interviews” and “focused interviews” (Pitout 1995:112). In-depth interviews differ from face-to-face interviews conducted in a survey, of a large population, because the main aim of in-depth interviews is to obtain detailed information. Therefore, whereas a survey in which face-to-face interviews are used to collect answers, opinions, motivations or emotions, as data, in-depth interviews delve into the reasons behind the answers, opinions, or emotions given in a survey. This is why in-depth interviews are particularly useful in field research. QUESTION 30 (1-11) Which characteristic of qualitative designs is reflected in the following? A researcher is investigating the experiences of victims of a natural disaster. She conducts in-depth, open interviews with a limited number of the victims, trying to understand the S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: mosa123 | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences 14 experiences of the particular individuals interviewed. These interviews are then analysed in detail. 1) scope 2) flexibility 3) accuracy 4) outcome The correct answer is (2) SG p142 Flexibility: The general area of concern is determined in advance, but further specific research questions may arise later. The interview format is naturalistic and open. The analytic technique used (phenomenological analysis that focuses on private experiences and subjective perceptions) is specified in advance. QUESTION 31 (1-11) Random selection is used in ___ sampling 1) quota 2) judgemental 3) cluster 4) accidental The correct answer is (3) Convenience (also called accidental sampling), quota sampling, snowball sampling and purposive (also called judgemental sampling) are types of nonprobability sampling techniques, and does not involve random selection. QUESTION 32 (1-16) Random selection is used in ___ sampling: 1) convenience 2) stratified 3) purposive 4) accidental The correct answer is (2) Convenience (also called accidental sampling), quota sampling , snowball sampling and purposive (also called judgemental sampling) are types of nonprobability sampling techniques, and does not involve random selection. QUESTION 33 (1-11) A sample of 250 members is randomly selected from the data records of a professional body. This is an example of ___ sampling 1) simple random 2) stratified random 3) systematic 4) cluster The correct answer is (1) SG p156 S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: mosa123 | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences 15 Simple random sampling is the most basic of the probability sampling techniques. Once the population has been defined, the sampling frame is drawn up. Each element of the sampling frame then has an equal chance of being included in the sample (Brink, Van der Walt & Van Rensburg 2006:127; De Vos et al 2005:200). Stratified and cluster sampling uses groups and strata. Systemic sampling collects samples in 2nd, 5th, or 10th . QUESTION 34 (1-11) A researcher is studying the various domains of life and the importance of those domains to people. He fails to take into account the age of the respondents when determining the sample. This is an example of ___. 1) chance factor error 2) bias in selection. 3) non-response error 4) response error The correct answer is (2) SG p153 Bias in selection arises primarily from faulty technique and may or may not be deliberate. A researcher may, for instance, fail to take into account a specific criterion such as educational level or the respondent may give incorrect information about her or his educational level. QUESTION 35 (1-11) A representative sample: 1) consists of at least 500 elements 2) must be a random sample 3) is defined as the inverse of the square root of the sample size 4) reflects the crucial characteristics of a population The correct answer is (4) SG p164 A sample is representative when it resembles the population and enables the researcher to accurately generalise results. QUESTION 36 (1-11) A researcher studying leadership selects enough business practitioners to form an opinion on management practices in a particular company. Which of the following sampling techniques is applicable? 1) quota 2) systematic 3) convenience 4) purposive The correct answer is (4) SG p162 Purposive or judgmental sampling (also referred to as theoretical sampling) is when the researcher selects a sample that can be judged to be representative of the total population. This judgment is made on the basis of available information or the researcher’s knowledge about the population. This knowledge is used to hand-pick the elements for the sample. Choosing the first three days of the month for auditing client’s files is an example of purposive sampling. This type of sampling relies heavily on the subjective considerations of S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: mosa123 | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences 16 the researcher rather than scientific criteria. But when used by an expert who knows the population being studied, it has some value. It could, however lead to misleading results (Polit & Beck 2008:343). Purposive sampling is commonly used in qualitative research and is entirely governed by the need to develop additional theories in social science. The researcher samples continuously until he or she can obtain no more new information. The researcher does not know in advance how many subjects are needed. QUESTION 37 (1-11) A researcher selects all the clients that enter a health clinic between 08h00 and 09h00. What sampling technique did the researcher use? 1) purposive 2) simple random 3) quota 4) convenience The correct answer is (4) SG p161 Convenience sampling (or accidental sampling) is when the researcher selects those elements that he or she can access easily until the sample reaches the desired size. Convenience sampling is also referred to as accidental or availability sampling. The researcher may choose, for instance, the first twenty people turning up for an interview, or the people available in the library at a specific time, or a lecturer may use the students in his or her class. Purposive or judgmental sampling (also referred to as theoretical sampling) is when the researcher selects a sample that can be judged to be representative of the total population. This judgment is made on the basis of available information or the researcher’s knowledge about the population. This knowledge is used to hand-pick the elements for the sample. Choosing the first three days of the month for auditing client’s files is an example of purposive sampling. This type of sampling relies heavily on the subjective considerations of the researcher rather than scientific criteria. But when used by an expert who knows the population being studied, it has some value. It could, however lead to misleading results (Polit & Beck 2008:343). QUESTION 38 (1-11) The Likert item below is to be used in a self-administered questionnaire. However, it contains problems which should be avoided. We should not criticise the minister for the anti-smoke legislation The above item is problematic because it: a) is double-barrelled b) contains loaded language c) is a negative statement d) contains a vague agent of action 1) (a) (b) 2) (b) (c) 3) (c) (d) 4) (a) (d) S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: mosa123 | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences The correct answer is (3) SG p187 17 Negative items should be avoided, because respondents can easily “misread” and therefore misinterpret the item. For example: “Should police officers in the charge office not fulfill a public relations function for the South African Police Service?” A respondent can easily miss the “not” in this sort of question and answer “yes” (thinking that she supports the suggestion that police officers should fulfill a public relations function). A negative can in fact be interpreted positively — therefore giving us responses that contain error. Negative = “should not” Vague agent of action = “we” and “the minister” and anti-smoking legislation” – none of these are specific, Who are “we”? Which minister? What anti-smoking legislation? QUESTION 39 (1-11) Which level of measurement is being used in the following scenario? A survey is done to determine which websites men visit (such as news), compared to women (such as health issues). In an electronic questionnaire, internet users are asked to identify their gender (male versus female). The level of measurement being used, is: 1) nominal 2) ordinal 3) interval 4) ratio The correct answer is (1) SG p170, 171, 172 Ordinal level of measurement refers to ordinal scales, allowing data to be ranked. Therefore 2) is incorrect. Unlike the nominal or ordinal scales, the interval scale (as the name indicates) can measure the interval or distance between two points on a quantitative instrument (eg a thermometer). Therefore 3) is incorrect. The ratio scale is normally used when variables such as weight, length and time are measured (quantified); the ratio scale is not normally used to measure people’s attitudes or perceptions. Therefore 4) is incorrect. Nominal scales mainly deal with non-numerical data which can be further separated into categories. QUESTION 40 (1-11) These type of questions are included in a questionnaire so that some respondents are required to answer them whereas others are required to ignore them. 1) ranking questions 2) contingency questions 3) filter questions 4) inventory questions The correct answer is (2) SG p190 Contingency questions are questions that only apply to some respondents and must therefore include clear instructions. For example: S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: mosa123 | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences 18 Have you nursed a cancer patient before? • Yes • No If yes, please answer the remaining questions (question 14 onwards). If no, please skip questions 14–18. Go to question 19 on the next page. QUESTION 41 (1-11) You have compiled a questionnaire to test how employees in one organisation feel about new job evaluation and performance appraisal procedures. Which method would you use to evaluate the reliability of the measuring scales? 1) Intercoder method 2) equivalent-forms method 3) test-retest method 4) split-half method The correct answer is (2) SG p195 The equivalent-forms method (also called alternate-forms method) involves compiling two forms (or measures) that contain items which measure the same phenomenon. These two separate forms are administered to the same group and the two sets of scores are correlated to estimate the level of reliability. The advantage of this method is that the possible effects of a time interval are minimised. The disadvantage is that the degree of reliability depends on the degree of equivalence between the two forms. Questions will be divided into two forms (testing for job evaluation and performance appraisal procedures) and scores will be correlated to measure the difference. QUESTION 42 (1-11) Unobtrusive observations (in field research) occur when: 1) a researcher makes tape recordings of conversations, but does not get involved in the social interaction 2) the Hawthorn effect takes place 3) a researcher becomes involved with the activities of the group of participants being observed 4) the reason for a researcher's presence is not known to the group being observed The correct answer is (4) SG p202 Situations where the purpose of the researcher’s presence is unknown to the group being observed is ‘unobtrusive observation’. The group knows that the researcher is present, but not why. Because the researcher remains unresponsive (distant) from the group’s interactions, nonreactive observations shows a more objective approach to data collection. QUESTION 43 (1-11) This statement is to be used in a self-administered questionnaire. It is problematic because it is a/an ___ statement. Some groups accept that all television news items are literally true while others believe that news should be interpreted contextually. 1) double-barrelled 2) complex S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: mosa123 | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences 19 3) lengthy 4) unwarranted The correct answer is (3) SG p187 Lengthy questions and statements must always be avoided, because they tend to be complex and obscure what is being asked or stated. For example: “Should the state raise funds to counteract poverty and also introduce a national development agency?” Double-barreled: a question that contains two parts; in other words, a question that is “two questions in one’’. This is a single question with one main idea but it is lengthy. QUESTlON 44 (1-11) You are creating a frequency distribution of the gender of students in your study group. In what chronological order would you do the following? a) Make a tally mark for every student in a particular category (male or female) b) List the relevant categories (male and female) c) Add the tally marks to get the total frequency for each category 1) (a) ~ (b) ~ (c) 2) (b) ~ (a) ~ (c) 3) (a) ~ (c) ~ (b) 4) (b) ~ (c) ~ (a) The correct answer is (2) QUESTlON 45 (1-11) The maximum possible score for an examination question paper in a specific second-year module at Unisa is 75. Which statistic would be useful if a lecturer wants to know how many students scored below 40 on this paper? 1) percentage 2) cumulative frequency 3) class interval 4) tally The correct answer is (2) SG p220 Cumulative frequency: number of scores below (or above) a certain value QUESTION 46 (1-11) A researcher is conducting a study on serious crimes. The relevant variable is 'type of crime' and the researcher obtains data on the number of crimes in a specific area for a specified time period. She distinguishes between murder, armed robbery and assault. What type of graph would best display the frequency distribution of the crimes? 1) bar chart 2) histogram S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: mosa123 | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences 20 3) X-Y plot 4) Polygon The correct answer is (1) SG p222 Histograms are used to illustrate the frequency distribution of numerical data (data measured on an interval or ratio level of measurement). Bar charts are used to illustrate used to illustrate frequency distribution of categorical data (i.e. if our measurements are in the form of categories, like gender, married, not married, etc) A bar chart reflects discrete data, whereas a histogram is used for continuous data. FIGURE 8.3 Histogram for aggression scores (n = 20 students) QUESTION 47 (1-11) Which measure(s} of central tendency is/are the largest for the following set of data? 1) mode 2) median 3) mean 4) all three measures are equal The correct answer is (4) SG p224, 225, 226 • mode: score in a sample of scores that occurs with the greatest frequency – therefore 8 • median: value or score such that half the observations fall above it and half below it. If the number of scores is an odd number, the median is simply the score in the middle of the list. When the number of scores is an even number, the middle of the list falls between two values and the median is the average of these two scores. – therefore 8 • mean: sum of a sample of scores divided by the number of scores in the sample – therefore 40/5=8 QUESTlON 48 (1-11) S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: mosa123 | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences Standard deviation is sometimes preferred to variance because it is: 21 1) a measure of variability 2) in original units of measurement 3) easier to calculate 4) an indication of the spread of scores The correct answer is (2) SG p228 Because the standard deviation is expressed in the same units as the original measure, researchers prefer to use this statistic. QUESTION 49 (1-11) A researcher finds the following correlation coefficients between income, family size and education. Which correlation coefficient indicates the strongest linear relation among the variables? income and family size +0,23 income and education +0,45 family size and education -0,49 1) +0,23 2) +0,45 3) - 0,49 4) not enough information is provided The correct answer is (3) SG p229 We refer to the statistical relationship between two variables as a correlation and the statistic used to describe this is called a correlation coefficient. It can range in value from –1,00 to +1,00. These values represent a perfect negative (–1) or a perfect positive correlation (+1). A value close to 0 indicates a weak relationship, while 0 means there is no relationship. We can see that the numerical size of a correlation coefficient indicates the strength of the relationship, while the sign (positive/negative) indicates the direction of the relationship. A positive correlation means that an increase in one variable is associated with an increase in the other. A negative correlation between two variables means that as the value of one variable increases, the value of the other one decreases. Please note that the correlation between two variables does not necessarily mean that one variable causes the other. QUESTION 50 (1-11) Qualitative data analysis refers to: 1) numerical processes of examining and interpreting of data in order to elicit meaning, gain understanding, and develop empirical knowledge 2) nonnumerical processes of examining and interpreting of data in order to elicit meaning, gain understanding, and develop empirical knowledge 3) the coding or assigning of certain numbers to the categories of a variable 4) process of transforming raw data into a format that can be used in a computer analysis The correct answer is (2) SG p239 Bogdan and Bilken (1982:145) define qualitative data analysis as “... working with data [which are textual, non-numerical and unstructured], organising it, breaking it into meaningful S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: mosa123 | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences 22 units, synthesising it, searching for patterns, discovering what is important and what is to be learned, and deciding what to tell others”. Leedy (1997:165) refers to McMillan and Schumacher who are of the view that qualitative data analysis is mainly an inductive process of organising data into categories/themes and identifying patterns among the categories/themes. Babbie (2007:378) and Corbin and Strauss (2008:1) concur with the aforementioned definitions and refer to qualitative analysis as a non-numerical process of examining and interpreting of data in order to elicit meaning, gain understanding, and develop empirical knowledge. QUESTION 51 (1-11) Qualitative data analysis is about organising or ___ the masses of information acquired during the process of data collection in such a way that the themes/categories and interpretations that emerge from this process address the research problem(s) and the ensuing questlon(s) posed at the outset of the research. 1) de-contextualising 2) re-contextualising The correct answer is (1) SG p239 Tutty, Rothery and Grinnell (1996:90) and Tesch (in Creswell 1994:154) state that qualitative data analysis is all about the “taking apart” or de-contextualising, sifting, and sorting the masses of information acquired during the process of data collection, and organising or recontextualising it in such a way that the themes/categories and interpretations that emerge from this process address the research problem(s) and the ensuing question(s) posed at the outset of the research. QUESTION 52 (1-12) Qualitative data analysis is about organising or ___ the masses of information acquired during the process of data collection. 1) de-contextualising 2) re-contextualising The correct answer is (1) SG p252 Qualitative data analysis is all about the “taking apart” or de-contextualising, sifting, and sorting the masses of information acquired during the process of data collection, and organising or re-contextualising it. QUESTION 53 (1-15) Qualitative data analysis is about the 'taking apart' or ___ sifting and sorting the masses of information acquired during the process of data collection. 1) de·contextualising 2) re-contextualising The correct answer is (1) Tutty, Rothery and Grinnell (1996:90) and Tesch (in Creswell 1994:154) state that qualitative data analysis is all about the “taking apart” or de-contextualising, sifting, and sorting the masses of information acquired during the process of data collection, and organising or recontextualising it in such a way that the themes/categories and interpretations that emerge from this process address the research problem(s) and the ensuing question(s) posed at the S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: mosa123 | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences 23 outset of the research. QUESTION 54 (1-11) In Iiterature, the process of qualitative data analysis is described as: a) eclectic b) nonlinear c) a lengthy process d) a messy process 1) (a)(b) 2) (b) (c) 3) (c) (d) 4) (a) (b) (c) 5) (a) (b) (c) (d) The correct answer is (5) SG p242 Tesch (in Creswell 1994:153) states that the process of data analysis is eclectic, and there is no “right way”. Leedy (1997:165) concurs and comments that there is no standard procedure for qualitative analysis, but add on that this does not mean it is not systematic and rigorous. He further points qualitative researchers to the fact that in qualitative data analysis, a linear procedure is not followed. Instead, qualitative data analysis tends to occur in several cyclical, overlapping phases in which the researcher moves back and forth between different levels (Leedy 1997:165). Although Creswell (2009:185) portrays qualitative data analysis as a step-wise linear, hierarchal approach building from the bottom to the top, he concurs with Leedy’s viewpoint that (in practice) qualitative data analysis is rather an interactive process where steps are interrelated and is not an orderly linear hierarchal step-wise process. According to Leedy (1997:165), this cyclical process or the moving back and forth during the process of qualitative data analysis can make this not only a “lengthy process”, but also a “messy” one. Patton (in Creswell 1994:153) agrees and further elaborates: “The data generated by qualitative methods are voluminous ... Sitting down to make sense out of pages of interviews and whole files of field notes can be overwhelming”. QUESTION 55 (2-12) In literature, the process of qualitative data analysis is described as: a) eclectic b) nonlinear c) a lengthy process 1) (a) (b) 2) (b) (c) 3) (a) c) 4) (a) (b) (c) The correct answer is (4) SG p242 Tesch (in Creswell 1994:153) states that the process of data analysis is eclectic, and there is no “right way”. Leedy (1997:165) concurs and comments that there is no standard procedure for qualitative analysis, but add on that this does not mean it is not systematic and rigorous. S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: mosa123 | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences 24 He further points qualitative researchers to the fact that in qualitative data analysis, a linear procedure is not followed. Instead, qualitative data analysis tends to occur in several cyclical, overlapping phases in which the researcher moves back and forth between different levels (Leedy 1997:165). Although Creswell (2009:185) portrays qualitative data analysis as a stepwise linear, hierarchal approach building from the bottom to the top, he concurs with Leedy’s viewpoint that (in practice) qualitative data analysis is rather an interactive process where steps are interrelated and is not an orderly linear hierarchal step-wise process. According to Leedy (1997:165), this cyclical process or the moving back and forth during the process of qualitative data analysis can make this not only a “lengthy process”, but also a “messy” one. Patton (in Creswell 1994:153) agrees and further elaborates: “The data generated by qualitative methods are voluminous ... Sitting down to make sense out of pages of interviews and whole files of field notes can be overwhelming”. QUESTION 56 (1-11) A/an ___ process entails moving from observations or data towards generalisations, hypotheses and theory 1) inductive 2) deductive 3) critical 4) judgemental The correct answer is (1) SG p239 An inductive process entails moving from observations or data towards generalisations, hypotheses or theory (Whittaker 2002:259). Deductive = general to specific Inductive = specific to general QUESTION 57 (2-12) A/an ___ process entails moving from observations or data towards generalisations, hypotheses and theory. 1) inductive 2) deductive 3) critical 4) evaluative The correct answer is (1) SG p239 An inductive process entails moving from observations or data towards generalisations, hypotheses or theory (Whittaker 2002:259). QUESTION 58 (1-11) Which statement below does not fit the task description of qualitative researchers? Qualitative researchers 1) aim to understand and interpret how the various participants in a social setting construct the world around them 2) aim to give privilege to the perspectives of the research participants S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: mosa123 | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences 25 3) label the perspectives of participants, count the number of perspectives and express them as frequencies and percentages 4) concern themselves with whether participants' perspectives have been authentically represented in the research process and the interpretations made from the information gathered 5) concem themselves with whether the findings are consistent in the sense that they "fit" the data and the social context from which they were derived The correct answer is (3) SG p239 Bogdan and Bilken (1982:145) define qualitative data analysis as “... working with data [which are textual, non-numerical and unstructured], organising it, breaking it into meaningful units, synthesising it, searching for patterns, discovering what is important and what is to be learned, and deciding what to tell others”. QUESTION 59 (1-11) In practice, when does the process of qualitative data analysis tend to commence? 1) Data analysis routinely starts prior to the first interview 2) The process of data analysis commences when the process of data collection begins 3) Data analysis will be conducted as an activity concurrently with data collection, data interpretation, and narrative report writing 4) The process of data analysis commences once data saturation becomes noticeable The correct answer is (4) SG p241 While the aforementioned discussion clearly indicates: When data collection begins, so too, does data analysis. In practice, we find that data analysis only occurs when data saturation becomes noticeable. In other words, when multiple interviews have been conducted and/or observations have been made and patterns and themes start recurring, or no new information emerges, the data are then said to have achieved “saturation” (Fossey et al 2002:726 and Donalek & Soldwisch 2004:356). QUESTION 60 (1-11) Which type of reasoning is a researcher using in a report in which he first gives an overview of the mass media as a source of information and then deals with an analysis of specific media preferences by respondents? 1) inductive 2) deductive 3) critical 4) judgmental The correct answer is (2) SG p57 Wright et al (1999) follow a deductive approach. They indicate the relationships that theories encourage us to examine. Propositions are stated and these are then examined empirically within a specific context. Chafetz (1978:7) identifies deduction and induction as the two processes of reasoning which we use to develop theories. Deduction involves the process of testing general ideas (theory). This is done by finding out whether abstract, logical relationships apply to specific, concrete contexts. During the process of deduction, general ideas are linked to empirical evidence. QUESTION 61 (1-11) S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: mosa123 | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences 26 Identify the three primary functions of a research report. The functions of a research report are to: a) expand scientific understanding b) point to areas needing further research c) discover new scientific concepts d) transfer scientific knowledge 1) (a) (b) (c) 2) (a) (b) (d) 3) (a) (c) (d) 4) (b) (c) (d) The correct answer is (2) SG p259 Babbie (1992:8) identifies three primary functions of the research report. The research report: • communicates scientific data and ideas to an audience • contributes to the general body of scientific knowledge • stimulates and directs further inquiry QUESTION 62 (1-16) The three primary functions of a research report, as identified by Babbie, are ___. a. record keeping of the various steps you followed when doing the research b. stimulating and directing further inquiry c. communicating scientific data and ideas d. contributing to a general body of scientific knowledge e. demonstrating the author's research skills 1) (a) (b) (c) 2) (b) (c) (d) 3) (c) (d) (e) 4) (a) (d) (e) The correct answer is (2) SG p259 Babbie (1992:8) identifies three primary functions of the research report. The research report: • communicates scientific data and ideas to an audience • contributes to the general body of scientific knowledge • stimulates and directs further inquiry QUESTION 63 (1-11) The introduction to a research report should: 1) be written comprehensively, so that it is equal in length to other sections 2) comprise the problem, the method used and research findings 3) be written after the body of the report has been completed 4) contain a brief summary of the essential findings of the research The correct answer is (3) SG p272 It may seem odd to you that we are talking about the introduction to your report at the end. S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: mosa123 | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences 27 But the introduction, in fact, forms part of the fourth and final stage of the research process. QUESTION 64 (2-12) The introduction to a research report should: 1) be written comprehensively, so that It is equal in length to other sections 2) comprise the problem, the method used and research findings 3) be written after the body of the report has been completed 4) contain an extensive review of the supporting theory The correct answer is (3) SG p272 It may seem odd to you that we are talking about the introduction to your report at the end. But the introduction, in fact, forms part of the fourth and final stage of the research process. QUESTION 65 (1-11) Which of the following should be presented in the appendices to a research report? 1) relevant quotations 2) addresses of participants 3) references 4) calculations The correct answer is (4) SG p273 Although we have not discussed appendices, these would be placed after your conclusion and list of sources (bibliography). Appendices are the place for complex tables, statistical tests, copies of questionnaires and any other evidence related to your study (Cooper & Schindler 1998:603). In the case of dissertations and theses, some raw data can also be placed in the appendix. Appendices are usually attached to more complex forms of research, such as dissertations and theses. QUESTION 66 (1-11) When writing a journal article, theoretical background to the research should be located in the: 1) abstract 2) methodology 3) literature review 4) interpretation The correct answer is (3) QUESTION 67 (1-11) Which ethical requirement is met by the following? A researcher shows sensitivity by not revealing the names of tuberculosis patients in a published report. 1) generalizability 2) utilit