RCE2601
Assignment 4 2025
(Answer Guide) -
DUE 4 September
2025
QUESTIONS WITH 100%
VERIFIED AND
CERTIFIED ANSWERS.
,1|Page
RCE2601 Assignment 4 2025 (Answer Guide) - DUE 4 September 2025
VERIFIED AND CERTIFIED ANSWERS. WRITTEN IN REQUIRED FORMAT AND WITHIN
GIVEN GUIDELINES. IT IS GOOD TO USE AS A GUIDE AND FOR REFERENCE, NEVER
PLAGARIZE. Thank you and success in your academics.
UNISA, 2025
Contents
Question 1 – Literature Review Design (20 marks) ......................................................................... 2
a) Definition and differentiation between a conceptual framework and a theoretical framework,
and which would be more appropriate for this study (10) ................................................................ 2
b) Five steps to conduct a literature review for this study using academic databases (10) ....... 3
Question 2 – Research Paradigms (25 marks) ................................................................................. 4
a) Comparison of the positivist, interpretivist, and critical paradigms in terms of ontology,
epistemology, and methodology (15) .................................................................................................. 4
b) Recommended paradigm for this study and justification (10)..................................................... 7
Question 3 – Research Approach and Design (20 marks) ............................................................ 8
a) Suitable research approach and two justifications (10) ............................................................... 8
b) One data collection method and one data analysis method, with reasons (10) ...................... 9
Question 4 – Action Research Application (20 marks) .................................................................. 9
a) The cyclical nature of the Action Research (AR) process (10)................................................... 9
b) Two ways Action Research can resolve issues during the study, with practical examples
(10) ......................................................................................................................................................... 11
Question 5 – Ethical Considerations and Trustworthiness (15 marks) ................................... 13
a) Three ethical issues and how to address them (9) .................................................................... 13
b) Ensuring trustworthiness in qualitative aspects (6) .................................................................... 14
References ............................................................................................................................................... 16
, 2|Page
Question 1 – Literature Review Design (20 marks)
a) Definition and differentiation between a conceptual framework and a
theoretical framework, and which would be more appropriate for this study (10)
A conceptual framework is a research tool that outlines the specific variables,
concepts, and relationships relevant to a study. It is developed from the researcher’s
understanding of the topic and integrates insights from literature, preliminary
observations, and professional experience. It provides a visual or narrative map
showing how the different elements in the study relate to each other (Adom, Hussein &
Agyem, 2018). Conceptual frameworks are context-specific and can include elements
that are not necessarily drawn from a single established theory but from multiple
sources.
A theoretical framework, on the other hand, is rooted in existing, established
theory. It uses a recognised body of knowledge or model to explain the phenomena
under investigation, guiding the study by providing tested principles and constructs
(Grant & Osanloo, 2014). Unlike conceptual frameworks, which are customised to a
specific study, theoretical frameworks are derived directly from the literature and are
more generalised.
Key differences include:
Aspect Conceptual Framework Theoretical Framework
Developed from literature, experience,
Basis Drawn from an established theory
and context
Maps relationships between variables Explains phenomena using
Purpose
for the specific study principles of a specific theory
More flexible, can integrate multiple
Flexibility More rigid, based on one theory
sources
Context Study-specific Theory-specific
Nature Often visual or diagrammatic Often narrative, referencing theory
Assignment 4 2025
(Answer Guide) -
DUE 4 September
2025
QUESTIONS WITH 100%
VERIFIED AND
CERTIFIED ANSWERS.
,1|Page
RCE2601 Assignment 4 2025 (Answer Guide) - DUE 4 September 2025
VERIFIED AND CERTIFIED ANSWERS. WRITTEN IN REQUIRED FORMAT AND WITHIN
GIVEN GUIDELINES. IT IS GOOD TO USE AS A GUIDE AND FOR REFERENCE, NEVER
PLAGARIZE. Thank you and success in your academics.
UNISA, 2025
Contents
Question 1 – Literature Review Design (20 marks) ......................................................................... 2
a) Definition and differentiation between a conceptual framework and a theoretical framework,
and which would be more appropriate for this study (10) ................................................................ 2
b) Five steps to conduct a literature review for this study using academic databases (10) ....... 3
Question 2 – Research Paradigms (25 marks) ................................................................................. 4
a) Comparison of the positivist, interpretivist, and critical paradigms in terms of ontology,
epistemology, and methodology (15) .................................................................................................. 4
b) Recommended paradigm for this study and justification (10)..................................................... 7
Question 3 – Research Approach and Design (20 marks) ............................................................ 8
a) Suitable research approach and two justifications (10) ............................................................... 8
b) One data collection method and one data analysis method, with reasons (10) ...................... 9
Question 4 – Action Research Application (20 marks) .................................................................. 9
a) The cyclical nature of the Action Research (AR) process (10)................................................... 9
b) Two ways Action Research can resolve issues during the study, with practical examples
(10) ......................................................................................................................................................... 11
Question 5 – Ethical Considerations and Trustworthiness (15 marks) ................................... 13
a) Three ethical issues and how to address them (9) .................................................................... 13
b) Ensuring trustworthiness in qualitative aspects (6) .................................................................... 14
References ............................................................................................................................................... 16
, 2|Page
Question 1 – Literature Review Design (20 marks)
a) Definition and differentiation between a conceptual framework and a
theoretical framework, and which would be more appropriate for this study (10)
A conceptual framework is a research tool that outlines the specific variables,
concepts, and relationships relevant to a study. It is developed from the researcher’s
understanding of the topic and integrates insights from literature, preliminary
observations, and professional experience. It provides a visual or narrative map
showing how the different elements in the study relate to each other (Adom, Hussein &
Agyem, 2018). Conceptual frameworks are context-specific and can include elements
that are not necessarily drawn from a single established theory but from multiple
sources.
A theoretical framework, on the other hand, is rooted in existing, established
theory. It uses a recognised body of knowledge or model to explain the phenomena
under investigation, guiding the study by providing tested principles and constructs
(Grant & Osanloo, 2014). Unlike conceptual frameworks, which are customised to a
specific study, theoretical frameworks are derived directly from the literature and are
more generalised.
Key differences include:
Aspect Conceptual Framework Theoretical Framework
Developed from literature, experience,
Basis Drawn from an established theory
and context
Maps relationships between variables Explains phenomena using
Purpose
for the specific study principles of a specific theory
More flexible, can integrate multiple
Flexibility More rigid, based on one theory
sources
Context Study-specific Theory-specific
Nature Often visual or diagrammatic Often narrative, referencing theory
