RSE4801 Assignment 2 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: 2025
SECTION A: SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
1.
In research, context refers to the surrounding conditions, environments or factors that
influence the research process. These include social, cultural, political, economic, and
historical elements that shape what researchers study, how they study it, and why
(RSE4801, 2023). Context is not fixed or separate from the research itself—it changes over
time and is partly shaped by the research process. Researchers work within different layers
of context, such as the personal (micro), institutional or national (meso), and global (macro),
which all interact in complex ways (Foucault in RSE4801, 2023). Understanding context
helps researchers create meaningful and relevant studies.
2.
Understanding context is essential in research because it shapes the questions we ask, the
methods we use, and the meaning we draw from the results. According to the RSE4801
study material (2023), research never happens in a vacuum—it is
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
SECTION A: SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
1.
In research, context refers to the surrounding conditions, environments or factors
that influence the research process. These include social, cultural, political,
economic, and historical elements that shape what researchers study, how they
study it, and why (RSE4801, 2023). Context is not fixed or separate from the
research itself—it changes over time and is partly shaped by the research process.
Researchers work within different layers of context, such as the personal (micro),
institutional or national (meso), and global (macro), which all interact in complex
ways (Foucault in RSE4801, 2023). Understanding context helps researchers create
meaningful and relevant studies.
2.
Understanding context is essential in research because it shapes the questions we
ask, the methods we use, and the meaning we draw from the results. According to
the RSE4801 study material (2023), research never happens in a vacuum—it is
always influenced by political systems, social structures, personal experiences, and
global processes. For example, in South Africa, the education system exists within a
constitutional democracy, but classrooms may still reflect inequality or undemocratic
practices. This gap between ideals and lived experience shows how important it is to
analyse context when researching schools, learners, and teachers (Mattes et al.,
2012).
Research is also shaped by personal contexts, such as a researcher‘s values,
background, or experiences. Linda Tuhiwai Smith‘s work shows that personal stories
and cultural knowledge can lead to research questions that are deeply rooted in lived
realities (Smith, 1999). These personal connections often give rise to research that
challenges dominant worldviews and highlights local or marginalised knowledge.
At the same time, larger forces like neoliberalism and globalisation influence how
research is done. Neoliberalism, which promotes market values over public good,
affects how schools are run, how teachers are assessed, and what counts as useful
knowledge (Sims et al., 2018; Hall, Massey & Rustin, 2013). Globalisation pushes
Unique Number:
Due date: 2025
SECTION A: SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
1.
In research, context refers to the surrounding conditions, environments or factors that
influence the research process. These include social, cultural, political, economic, and
historical elements that shape what researchers study, how they study it, and why
(RSE4801, 2023). Context is not fixed or separate from the research itself—it changes over
time and is partly shaped by the research process. Researchers work within different layers
of context, such as the personal (micro), institutional or national (meso), and global (macro),
which all interact in complex ways (Foucault in RSE4801, 2023). Understanding context
helps researchers create meaningful and relevant studies.
2.
Understanding context is essential in research because it shapes the questions we ask, the
methods we use, and the meaning we draw from the results. According to the RSE4801
study material (2023), research never happens in a vacuum—it is
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
SECTION A: SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
1.
In research, context refers to the surrounding conditions, environments or factors
that influence the research process. These include social, cultural, political,
economic, and historical elements that shape what researchers study, how they
study it, and why (RSE4801, 2023). Context is not fixed or separate from the
research itself—it changes over time and is partly shaped by the research process.
Researchers work within different layers of context, such as the personal (micro),
institutional or national (meso), and global (macro), which all interact in complex
ways (Foucault in RSE4801, 2023). Understanding context helps researchers create
meaningful and relevant studies.
2.
Understanding context is essential in research because it shapes the questions we
ask, the methods we use, and the meaning we draw from the results. According to
the RSE4801 study material (2023), research never happens in a vacuum—it is
always influenced by political systems, social structures, personal experiences, and
global processes. For example, in South Africa, the education system exists within a
constitutional democracy, but classrooms may still reflect inequality or undemocratic
practices. This gap between ideals and lived experience shows how important it is to
analyse context when researching schools, learners, and teachers (Mattes et al.,
2012).
Research is also shaped by personal contexts, such as a researcher‘s values,
background, or experiences. Linda Tuhiwai Smith‘s work shows that personal stories
and cultural knowledge can lead to research questions that are deeply rooted in lived
realities (Smith, 1999). These personal connections often give rise to research that
challenges dominant worldviews and highlights local or marginalised knowledge.
At the same time, larger forces like neoliberalism and globalisation influence how
research is done. Neoliberalism, which promotes market values over public good,
affects how schools are run, how teachers are assessed, and what counts as useful
knowledge (Sims et al., 2018; Hall, Massey & Rustin, 2013). Globalisation pushes
