Fall Semester 2025 UNISA RSE4801 Research in Education Tutorial – Practice Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions for Exam Preparation (Updated 2025 Edition)

Fall Semester 2025 UNISA RSE4801 Research in Education
Tutorial – Practice Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions for Exam
Preparation (Updated 2025 Edition)
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of quantitative research in education?
A) To develop theories based on observations
B) To measure variables and identify relationships
C) To explore participants' experiences
D) To emphasize narrative descriptions
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Quantitative research focuses on measuring variables and identifying
relationships between them, often using statistical methods. It aims to quantify data
and generalize findings across populations.


Question 2:
Which of the following is an example of qualitative research?
A) Survey with numerical ratings
B) Case study with interviews
C) Experimental design
D) Meta-analysis
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Qualitative research seeks to understand phenomena through detailed
descriptions and interpretations, often utilizing methods like interviews and case
studies to gather rich, contextual data.


Question 3:
In educational research, what is the significance of a literature review?
A) To provide a summary of the researcher's opinions
B) To identify gaps in the existing research
C) To showcase diverse methodologies
D) To report the findings of the study
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: A literature review critically evaluates existing studies in a field, helping
researchers identify gaps or inconsistencies and justify the need for their research.

,Question 4:
What is an operational definition?
A) A theoretical concept
B) A specific way to measure a variable
C) A subjective interpretation
D) A review of existing literature
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: An operational definition specifies how a variable will be measured or
defined in the context of a study, ensuring clarity and replicability in research.


Question 5:
What is the main ethical concern in conducting research with human participants?
A) Ensuring statistical validity
B) Informed consent
C) Random sampling
D) Data analysis techniques
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Informed consent is crucial in research involving human participants, as it
ensures that individuals understand what the research entails and agree to participate
voluntarily, protecting their rights and welfare.
Question 6:
What is the primary characteristic of a longitudinal study?
A) Short-term data collection
B) Data collection over an extended period
C) One-time observations
D) Cross-sectional analysis
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Longitudinal studies involve collecting data from the same subjects over an
extended period, allowing researchers to observe changes and developments over time.


Question 7:
Qualitative data analysis often involves which of the following?
A) Statistical software
B) Thematic coding

,C) Numerical comparisons
D) Experimental controls
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Thematic coding is a common method in qualitative research for identifying
patterns and themes in non-numerical data, enabling deeper insights into participants'
experiences.


Question 8:
A researcher wants to study the impact of technology on student engagement.
Which research design is most suitable?
A) Experimental design
B) Descriptive study
C) Case study
D) Literature review
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: An experimental design allows the researcher to manipulate variables (e.g.,
technology use) and observe its effect on student engagement, establishing cause-and-
effect relationships.


Question 9:
Which of the following sampling methods ensures every individual has a chance of
being included in the study?
A) Convenience sampling
B) Snowball sampling
C) Random sampling
D) Purposive sampling
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Random sampling ensures that every individual in the population has an
equal chance of being selected, which enhances the representativeness of the sample
and reduces bias.


Question 10:
What does a high p-value (e.g., p > 0.05) indicate in hypothesis testing?
A) Strong evidence against the null hypothesis
B) Weak evidence against the null hypothesis

, C) No difference between groups
D) A statistically significant effect
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: A high p-value suggests that there is not enough evidence to reject the null
hypothesis, indicating that the results may be due to chance rather than a true effect.


Question 11:
What is triangulation in educational research?
A) Using one data source
B) Combining multiple methods or perspectives
C) Focusing on a single research question
D) A random sampling technique
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Triangulation involves using multiple methods or sources of data to enhance
the credibility and validity of research findings by providing different perspectives on the
same phenomenon.


Question 12:
Which type of validity refers to the degree to which a study accurately reflects the
concept it intends to measure?
A) Internal validity
B) Construct validity
C) External validity
D) Ecological validity
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Construct validity assesses whether a test or instrument adequately
represents the concept it is intended to measure, ensuring that the research truly
measures what it claims to measure.


Question 13:
Which of the following is a key component of a research proposal?
A) Data analysis
B) Literature review
C) Results section
D) Discussion section