RSC2601 EXAM MEMO PACK 2024

Terms & D rsc 2601 exam pack Exam_pack_-_Research_in_the_Social_Sciences_RSC_2601_li - C RSC 2601 EXAMPACK Previous Assignment and Answers - Answers to Unit Answers to Unit Answers to Unit Answers to Unit Answers to Unit Answers to Unit Answers to Unit Answers to Unit Answers to Unit Answers to Unit RSC RSC-E- RSC-E-1 (1).pdf RSC-E- RSC-E-1[1].pdf RSC-OCT.pdf RSC-MAY.pdf RSC-E-1[1].pdf rsc2601_ Introduction to research in communication Term Definition Empirical refers to observations or experience; empirical methodologies in communication are based on or are derived from experiences with observable phenomena Heuristic Characteristic of research; results of one study lead to more questions Hypothesis Tentative, educated guess or proposition about the relationship between two or more variables; often, hypotheses take the form of statements like “if x occurs, they y will follow,” or as x increases, so will y Proprietary research Research that is commissioned by an individual or organization for it’s private use Qualitative methods Research in which the researchers is the primary observer, or data collector Quantitative methods Research that relies on numerical measurement Questions of fact Questions that ask for definitions or phenomena in which we are interested Questions of policy Questions that ask for evaluation of procedures or programs Questions of value Questions that ask for individuals’ subjective evaluations on issues and phenomena, usually about the aesthetic or normative features of communication Questions of variable relations Questions that examine if. How, and the degree to which phenomena are related Research The discovery of answers to questions thought the application of scientific and systematic procedures Research question Question that asks what the tentative relationship among variables might be or asks about the state or nature of some communication phenomenon Social science research Research conducted through the use of scientific and systematic methods; based on the assumption that research can uncover patterns in the lives of people Theory Related set of ideas that explains how or why something happens; present a systematic view of the phenomenon; and specifies the relationship among the concepts with the objective of describing, explaining, and predicating the S - The study-notes marketplace phenomenon The research process Term Definition Deductive Reasoning process in which researcher begins with a theory and then gathers evidence, or data, to assess whether the theory is correct’ generally used with quantitative research methods Inductive Reasoning process in which data tare gathered and examined, hypotheses are formulated, and eventually theories are developed in response to what the data reveal; generally used with qualitative research methods Introduction to Quantitative Research Term Definition Antecedent variable Variable manipulated by the researcher; presumably, this manipulation, or variation, is the cause of change in other variables; also referred to as independent variable, experimental variable, treatment variable, and causal variable Causal variable Variable manipulated by the researcher; presumably, this manipulation, or variation, is the cause of change in other variables; also referred to as antecedent variable, experimental variable, treatment variable, and independent variable Concept Abstract idea or way thinking about something that helps us distinguish it from other elements; can be an object, event, relationship, or process Conceptual scheme A set of concepts connected together to form an integrated whole that specifies and clarifies the relationships among them; individually, each concept describes a unique process; as a group, the concepts still retain common characteristics Confounding variable Variable that confuses or obscures the effect of one S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: compupro | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace variable on another, when present, it is often difficult to isolate the effects of independent variables Construct Theoretical definition of a concept; not directly observable Criterion variable Variable that is influenced or changed by the predictor variable Dependent variable Variable that is influenced or changed by the independent variable Directional hypothesis A precise statement indicating the nature and direction of the relationship or difference between the variables Experimental variable Variable manipulated by the researcher; presumably, this manipulation, or variation, is the cause of change in other variables; also referred to as independent variable, antecedent variable, treatment variable, and causal variable Independent variable Variable manipulated by the researcher; presumably, this manipulation, or variation, is the cause of change in other variables; also referred to as antecedent variable, experimental variable, treatment variable, and causal variable Intervening variable Element that is presumed to explain or provide a link between other variables Non-directional hypothesis Statement that a difference or relationship between variables will occur; does not specify the direction of the difference or the nature of the relationship Null hypothesis Implicit complementary statement to the research hypothesis that states that no relationship, except one due to chance, exists between the variables Operationalization Statement that denotes how the variable is observed and measured in a specific way; most variables can be operationalized in multiple ways Outcome variable Variable that is influenced or changed by the independent, or predictor, variable Predictor variable Variable that causes change in the dependent, or criterion, variable; used in non-experimental research designs because the researcher cannot directly control manipulation of the independent variable Reliability Achieved when researchers are consistent in their use of data collection procedures and when participants react S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: compupro | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace similarly to them; other researchers using the same measure in other project with comparable participants would produce similar results; measurements is stable, trustworthy, or dependable; a reliable measure is one that is consistent or gives very similar results each time it is used Treatment variable Variable manipulated by the researcher; presumably, this manipulation, or variation, is the cause of change in other variables; also referred to as antecedent variable, experimental variable, independent variable, and causal variable Validity Achieved when t he measurement does what it is intended to do; related to truthfulness or accuracy in measurement Variable Element that is specifically identified in the research hypotheses or questions; must be able to be expressed as more than one value or in various categories S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: compupro | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace Feedback on previous examination papers May/June 2011 - May/June 2016 Downloaded by: compupro | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 RSC2601 MEMORANDUM QUESTION CORRECT OPTION AND EXPLANATION 1 Option 1 is correct. (pp.14, 23) 2 Option 5 is correct. (pp.25-26) 3 Option 5 is correct. (pp. 30-34) 4 Option 4 is correct. (pp.12). 5 Option 2 is correct. (pp. 18). 6 Option 4 is correct. (pp.25-26). 7 Option 3 is correct. (pp.55-56) 8 Option 1 is correct. An abstract term is not easily visible or straightforward in nature. (pp.56-57) 9 Option 1 is correct. (pp.77) 10 Option 4 is correct. Operationalisation is the process through which abstract concepts are translated into measurable variables. At each stage in the Operationalisation process, maximum care in theory is taken in breaking down concepts into component parts, making rational decisions legitimating those decisions legitimating those decisions in respect of theoretical considerations. (pp.68-69) 11 Option 1 is correct. (pp66-67) 12 Option 4 is correct. Concepts may be defined as the most elementary symbolic constructions by means of which people classify or categorised reality. In other words concepts are pigeon holes into which we sort our unstructured empirical experiences. Characteristically, concepts have more than one connotation, they are dynamic, ever changing in meaning and abstraction (pp.50-55). 13 Option 4 is correct (pp.90). 14 Option 3 is correct. (pp.81-82) S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: compupro | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace 15 Option 1 is correct. Qualitative studies assume that people create and associate their own subjective and intersubjective meanings as they interact with the world around them. Qualitative researchers therefore, attempt to understand phenomena through accessing the meanings participants assign to them (pp.88). 16 Option 1 is correct. Quantitative research asserts that knowledge should be based on direct apprehension of the objective world via empirically verified causal explanation. It asserts that knowledge should be based on observation and experiment (pp.88). 17 Option 3 is correct. (pp.90) 18 Option 2 is correct. In cross-sectional research different groups of subjects are studied at the same time, e.g. adults aged 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 etc.). On the other hand in longitudinal studies the same group of subjects may be studied over some length of time. Correlational studies assess relationships between two or more phenomena. (pp.99-100) 19 Option 2 is correct. (pp.109) 20 Option 1 is correct. (pp.110) 21 Option 4 is correct. (pp.112-113) 22 Option 3 is correct. (pp.111) 23 Option 2 is correct. (pp.114) 24 Option 1 is correct. (pp.110) 25 Option 4 is correct. (pp.124) 26 Option 3 is correct. (pp.131) S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: compupro | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace 27 Option 4 is correct. Two phases are implemented in this design: Pre-test: respondents are asked to complete a questionnaire before they are given any information. Post-test: respondents are randomly assigned into two groups , with one control group being given no information, while another treatment group receiving more information. Pre-experimental and quasiexperimental designs do not utilise random assignment into groups. 28 Option 2 is correct. (pp.128) 29 Option 4 is correct. It is interrupted and typically used to evaluate the impact of a population. A single group is measured many times. 30 Option 1 is correct. (pp.88) 31 Option 3 is correct. (pp.163) 32 Option 4 is correct.(pp.153). 33 Option 3 is correct. (pp.164) 34 Option 4 is correct. 35 Option 2 is correct. 36 Option 3 is correct. 37 Option 1 is correct. (pp.187) 38 Option 2 is correct. (pp.190) 39 Option 2 is correct. 40 Option 1 is correct. 41 Option 4 is correct. (pp.180) 42 Option 2 is correct. 43 Option 1 is correct. (pp.231) 44 Option 3 is correct. Mode represent the number that appears the most. Mean represents the average. Median represent the middle number. 45 Option 2 is correct. (pp.220) 46 Option 4 is correct. 47 Option 1 is correct. (pp.224) 48 Option 3 is correct. (pp.228) 49 Option 3 is correct. 50 Option 2 is correct. (pp.84) 51 Option 3 is correct. (pp.241) S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: compupro | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace 52 Option 1 is correct. 53 Option 4 is correct. 54 Option 3 is correct. (pp.239-242) 55 Option 3 is correct. (pp.273) 56 Option 4 is correct. (pp.264) 57 Option 2 is correct. (pp.259) 58 Option 3 is correct. (pp.262) 59 Option 3 is correct. (pp.273) 60 Option 3 is correct. (pp.272) MAY/JUNE 2015 RSC2601 MEMORANDUM QUESTION CORRECT OPTION AND EXPLANATION 1 Option 1 is correct. (pp.110) 2 Option 1 is correct. (pp.8) 3 Option 4 is correct. (pp.5) 4 Option 4 is correct. (pp.110) S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: compupro | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace 10 Option 5 is correct. Postmodernism can be the set of ideas which try to define or explain the state of affairs in society. The theory sets about to dismantle most of our normal ways of thinking about how meaning interpretation and reality works. Option 4 is correct. (pp.50) Option 4 is correct. In a positive relationship, high values on one variable are associated with high values on the other and low values on one side are associated with low values on the other. On the other hand, a negative relationship implies that high values on one variable are associated with low values on the other (pp.229). Option 5 is correct. A research problem is a definite or clear expression/ statement about an area of concern, a condition to be improved upon, a difficulty to be eliminated or a troubling question that exists in scholarly literature, in theory, or within existing practice that points to a need for meaningful understanding and deliberate investigation. The purpose of a problem statement is to: Introduce the leader the reader to the importance of the topic being studied Place the topic into a particular context that defines the parameters of what is to be investigated Provide the framework for reporting the results and indicates what is probably necessary to conduct the study and explain how the findings will present this information. Sources of research problems: Deductions from theory Interdisciplinary perspectives Interviewing practitioners Personal experience (pp.269) Option 2 is correct. Option 4 is correct. (pp.68). 5 S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: compupro | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace 11 Option 3 is correct. Inductive reasoning begins with specific observations or real examples in the world and progresses analytically to broader generalisations and theories based on those observed cases. This is sometimes called bottom-up approach because it starts with the specific cases on the ground and works its way up to the abstract level of theory (pp.57) 12 Option 2 is correct. (pp.58) 13 Option 4 is correct. True experimental design is regarded as the most accurate form of experimental research, in that it tries to prove or disprove a hypotheses mathematically, with statistical analysis. For an experiment to be classified as a true experimental design it must fit all of the following criteria: The sample group must be assigned randomly There must be a viable control group. Only one variable can be manipulated and tested. The tested subjects must be randomly assigned to either control or experimental group Double blind procedure is an experimental procedure in which neither the subjects of the experiment nor the persons administering the experiment know the critical aspects of the experiment. It is used to guard against both experimental bias and placebo (pp.139). 14 Option 1 is correct. The purpose of basic research is to explain, that is, the research is interested in formulating and testing theoretical constructs and propositions that ideally generalise across time and space. This type of research take the form of a theory that explains the phenomena under investigation to give its contribution to knowledge. The research is more S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: compupro | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace descriptive in nature, exploring what, why and how questions (pp.81). 15 Option 1 is correct. (pp.81) 16 Option 1 is correct. (pp.95) 17 Option 1 is correct. (pp.82) 18 Option 3 is correct. (pp.90) 19 Option 1 is correct. (pp.112/120) 20 Option 2 is correct. (pp.111) 21 Option 4 is correct. (pp.114) 22 Option 3 is correct. (pp.112) 23 Option 1 is correct. (pp.120) 24 Option 1 is correct. (pp.110) 25 Option 1 is correct. (pp.128) 26 Option 4 is correct. (pp.13) 27 Option 1 is correct. 28 Option 2 is correct. 29 Option 1 is correct. (pp.129) 30 Option 2 is correct. (pp.13) 31 Option 3 is correct. (pp.155) 32 Option 4 is correct. (pp.158) 33 Option 4 is correct. (pp.161) 34 Option 3 is correct. (pp.151) 35 Option 1 is correct. (pp.157) 36 Option 3 is correct. (pp.152) 37 Option 2 is correct. (pp.179) 38 Option 3 is correct. (pp.187) 39 Option 3 is correct. (pp.171) 40 Option 3 is correct. 41 Option 4 is correct. 42 Option 1 is correct. 43 Option 2 is correct. 44 Option 1 is correct. 45 Option 2 is correct. 46 Option 1 is correct. S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: compupro | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace 47 Option 2 is correct. 48 Option 4 is correct. 49 Option 1 is correct. 50 Option 4 is correct. 51 Option 5 is correct. 52 Option 4 is correct. (pp.242) 53 Option 1 is correct. (pp.254) 54 Option 3 is correct. (pp.88) 55 Option 3 is correct. 56 Option 3 is correct. (pp.264) 57 Option 3 is correct. (pp.272) 58 Option 4 is correct. (pp.269) 59 Option 4 is correct. (pp.272) 60 Option 2 is correct. (pp.273) OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 RSC2601 MEMORANDUM QUESTION CORRECT OPTION AND EXPLANATION 1 Option 3 is correct. 2 Option 5 is correct. 3 Option 1 is correct. Value freedom means adopting an approach to research that is not influenced by political, moral, racial or gender considerations. By and large, value freedom demands the consideration of all points of view rather than a single prejudiced point of view. 4 Option 4 is correct. Interpretive studies assume that people create and associate their own subjective and intersubjective meanings as they interact with the world around them. 5 Option 2 is correct. Tradition is practice through generation. Common sense is intuition. Authority refers to the words of experts. S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: compupro | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace 6 Option 4 is correct. Epistemology is concerned with the nature and scope of knowledge. It addresses the questions: What is knowledge? How is knowledge acquired? What do people know? How do we know what we know? Why do we know what we know? 7 Option 3 is correct. 8 Option 3 is correct. Independent variable is a factor which causes a change in another variable (the dependent variable). In this scenario relative deprivation brings a change in a country’s political landscape. 9 Option 2 is correct. The research problem provides context for the study. It reveals what the researcher is trying to answer. It involves the WHAT, WHO, the WHERE, the WHEN and the WHY of the problem. 10 Option 5 is correct. A theory is a set of interrelated concepts, definitions and propositions that explains or predict events or situations by specifying relations among variables. Theory presents a systematic way of understanding events, behaviour and or situations. They give researchers different lenses through which to look at complicated problems and social issues. Theories such as interactionism, phenomenology and critical theory can be used to: Interpret the data. Propose explanations of causes or influences. Guide the selection of relevant data. Provide complex and comprehensive conceptual understanding of things that are not pinned down. 11 Option 2 is correct. A hypothesis is a formal statement that presents the expected relationship between an independent and dependant variable. S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: compupro | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace 12 Option 3 is correct. An indicator is an observable and measurable entity that serves to define a concept in a practical way. In /b/ work is observable and measurable and in /c/ Retail Price Index is also observable and measurable. 13 Option 2 is correct. Reliability refers to the consistency of measurement, the extent to which the results are similar over different forms of the same instrument or occasions of data collection. 14 Option 3 is correct. Cross-sectional studies examine a wide range of subjects at one specific point in time. 15 Option 1 is correct. Basically descriptive research is directed at making careful observation and detailed documentation of a phenomena of interest. Characteristically, this research makes description of phenomena in their natural surroundings without experimental manipulation. 16 Option 1 is correct. Action research aims at solving specific problems within a programme, organisation or community. 17 Option 2 is correct. Basic research takes the form of theory that explains the phenomena under investigation. The research is more descriptive in nature. It explains the what, why, and how question. On the other hand, applied research help people to understand the nature of human problems. It pursues potential solutions to human and societal problems by focusing on the /How/ question. 18 Option 4 is correct. The collection and analysis of quantitative data is sequentially or chronologically followed by the collection and analysis of qualitative data. 19 Option 3 is correct. Researchers should not expose research participants to undue physical or psychological harm. S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: compupro | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace 20 Option 2 is correct. Bias is any influence, condition or set of conditions that singly or together distort the data. Data can creep into a research project in a variety of subtle and undetected ways. Bias attack the integrity of the facts. Primary data is the data which is closest to truth. The data is often valid, most illuminating and most truth manifesting. Primary sources appeared first time e.g. letters, diaries, sermons, photographs, laws, etc. Secondary data is data that have been already collected by someone and readily available from other sources. 21 Option 3 is correct. Plagiarism is an act of fraud. It involves both stealing someone else’s work and lying afterwards. Almost all forms of expression of original ideas are protected by copyright laws. 22 Option 3 is correct. Unobtrusive measures observe people in such a way that they do not know their actions are being observed. Participants should be informed of procedures for contacting the research. The researcher must respect the subjects and treat them fairly. 23 Option 1 is correct. 24 Option 3 is correct. Ethics is a set of moral principles which are suggested by an individual or a group. These are subsequently widely accepted. They offer rules and behavioural expectations about the most correct conduct towards research subjects. Ethics are generally considered to deal with beliefs, about what is right or wrong, proper or improper, good or bad. 25 Option 2 is correct. 26 Option 1 is correct. 27 Option 4 is correct. 28 Option 4 is correct. S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: compupro | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace 29 Option 3 is correct. The testing effect refers to the effects or consequences of taking a test on the outcomes of taking a second test. Instrumentation refers to the changes in the instrument, observers, or scorers which may produce changes in outcome. Maturation refers to the processes within subjects which act as a function of the passage of time, i.e. if the project last a few years, most participants may improve their performance regardless of treatment. Statistical regression or the regression effect is a threat caused by the selection of subjects on the basis of the extreme scores or characteristics. For example, give me forty worst students and l guarantee they will show improvement. 30 Option 2 is correct. Flexibility is the capacity to adapt. Only qualitative designs are viewed as being flexible. 31 Option 2 is correct. 32 Option 2 is correct. A representative sample is a group of participants selected from a larger population that closely matches the characteristics of the people as a whole. When researchers want precise statistical descriptions of large populations they turn to probability sampling. A basic principle of probability sampling is that a sample will be representative of the population from which it is selected if all the numbers of the population have an equal chance of being selected in the sample. 33 Option 1 is correct. Sampling statistics describe a sample while a parameter describes an entire population. Sampling error is the difference between a sample statistics used to estimate a population parameter. 34 Option 2 is correct. Bias selection is the selection of individuals, groups or data without achieving proper randomisation. S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: compupro | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace 35 Option 2 is correct. All the research findings of a qualitative or interpretivist research cannot be generalised. Non-probability sampling methods cannot guarantee that the sample we observed is representative of the whole population. 36 Option 1 is correct. Cluster sampling is similar to stratified random sampling in that groups of individuals are identified from the population and subjects are drawn from these groups. Nevertheless, in cluster sampling, the researcher identifies convenient, naturally occurring group units, such as neighbourhoods, schools, districts, or regions, not individual subjects, and then randomly selects some of these units for study. Once the units have been selected, individuals are selected from each one. 37 Option 2 is correct. Ordinal scale allows researchers to rank order our data. Values of the variable can be ordered from highest to lowest. 38 Option 4 is correct. 39 Option 3 is correct. Telephone interviews are less time-consuming and less expensive and the researcher has ready access to virtually anyone on the planet who has a telephone. 40 Option 3 is correct. Test-retest reliability method is the extent to which the same instrument yields the same result on two different occasions. 41 Option 4 is correct. Systematic error comes from the measuring instrument. Something will be wrong with the measuring instrument or data handling system because the instrument is wrongly used. 42 Option 1 is correct. Open questions elicit what the person thinks about their experiences. They can reveal a person’s intentions, goals and values. 43 Option 2 is correct. S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: compupro | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace 44 Option 1 is correct. Standard deviation is the standard measure of variability in most statistical procedures while central tendency is the average score or mean. 45 Option 3 is correct. Correlation is the statistical process by which we discover the nature of relationships among different variables. On the other hand correlation coefficient is a number between -1 and +1. In a positive correlation when one variable increases, the other variable also increases. In a negative correlation when one variable increases the other variable decreases and vice versa. Closer the coefficients are to +1.0 and -1.0 (e.g. +0.89 or - 0.76) greater is the strength of the relationship between the variables. 46 Option 2 is correct. A frequency distribution or frequency table showing various possible measurement categories or classes, together with the number of cases contained in each category. The number of cases observed in a particular category is known as the frequency for that category. 47 Option 1 is correct. 48 Option 3 is correct. 49 Option 4 is correct. 50 Option 5 is correct. 51 Option 1 is correct. Inductive research is theory building. Inductive reasoning begins not with a preestablished truth or assumption but with an observation. In inductive reasoning, people use specific instances or occurrences to draw conclusions about entire classes of objects or events. In other words, they observe the sample and then draw conclusions about the population from which the sample come. 52 Option 2 is correct. 53 Option 1 is correct. 54 Option 2 is correct. 55 Option 3 is correct. S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: compupro | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace 56 Option 3 is correct. 57 Option 3 is correct. The following is a list of the major purposes of literature review: Provide a context for the research. Justify the research. Ensure the research has not been done before. Show where the research fits into the existing body of knowledge. Enable the researcher to learn from the previous theory on the subject. Illustrate how the subject has been studied previously. Highlight flaws in the previous research. Outline gaps in the previous research. Show that the work is adding to the understanding and knowledge of the field. Help refine, refocus or even change the topic. 58 Option 3 is correct. 59 Option 2 is correct. 60 Option 1 is correct. MAY/JUNE 2016 RSC2601 MEMORANDUM QUESTION CORRECT EXPLANATION AND EXPLANATION 1 Option 4 is correct. Ego involvement in research manifest if researchers commit themselves all the more unshakably to their understanding of how things are and create a formidable barrier to further enquiry and more accurate understanding. (pp.10) 2 Option 2 is correct. 3 Option 2 is correct. Interpretivism is an informal, subjective, semi systematic research approach which usually emphasises words rather numbers in the collection and analysis of data. S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: compupro | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace 4 Option 4 is correct. Note that in research, an epistemological statement is concerned with the nature and scope of knowledge. It addresses the following questions: What is knowledge? How is knowledge acquired? What do people know? Why do we know what we know? 5 Option is 4 correct. 6 Option 4 is correct. 7 Option 2 is correct. 8 Option 4 is correct. Negative relationship implies that high values on one variable are associated with low values on the other. 9 Option is 4 correct. 10 Option 1 is correct. Operationalisation is a process through which abstract concepts are translated into measurable variables. Through this process social phenomena are selected as indicators of social concepts. Maximum care in theory is taken in breaking down concepts into component parts, making rational decisions legitimating these decisions in respect of theoretical considerations. Through operationalisation fuzzy concepts or vague ideas that lack clarity or are only partially true are defined into measurable factors and allow them to be measured empirically and quantitatively. 11 Option 1 is correct. 12 Option 1 is correct. Concepts may be defined as the most elementary symbolic constructions by means of which people classify or categorised reality. They are pigeon holes into which we sort our unstructured empirical experiences. Concepts are chosen specifically to explain the phenomena of interest. They can be precise and objective or more abstract and difficult to visualise. 13 Option 2 is correct. S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: compupro | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace 14 Option 1 is correct. A quantitative study usually ends with confirmation or disconfirmation of the hypotheses that were tested. Quantitative researchers seeks explanations and predictions that will generalise to other persons and places. The intent is to establish, confirm or validate relationships and to develop generalisations that will contribute to theory. 15 Option 4 is correct. Descriptive research answers the question what and explanatory research seeks answers to /why/ and /How/ type questions. 16 Option 2 is correct. Longitudinal research focuses on a single group of subjects throughout time. It allows the researcher to examine how the phenomena is changing and evolving over time. 17 Option 4 is correct. 18 Option 3 is correct. Explanatory research seeks explanations of observed phenomena, problems or behaviour. It seeks answers to /Why/ and /How/ types of questions. 19 Option 1 is correct. 20 Option 4 is correct. 21 Option 1 is correct. 22 Option 4 is correct. 23 Option 2 is correct. 24 Option 1 is correct. 25 Option 3 is correct. True experimental designs offer a great degree of control and as a result greater internal validity. In true experimental designs the groups are randomly formed. This controls past history, maturation, testing and all sources of invalidity that are based on non-equivalency of groups. 26 Option 3 is correct. 27 Option 2 is correct. The external validity of a research study is the extent to which its results apply to situations beyond the study S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: compupro | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace itself. In other words, the extent to which the conclusions drawn can be generalised to other contexts. Realism or a real-life-setting is a strategy used to enhance the external validity of a research project. Research conducted in the outside world may be more valid than the laboratory study in the sense that it yields results with broader applicability to other real world contexts. A representative sample and replication in different contexts can also enhance external validity. 28 Option 4 is correct. 29 Option 4 is correct. The internal validity of a research study is the extent to which its design and the data it yields allow the researcher to draw accurate conclusions about cause-and-effect and other relationships within the data. 30 Option 2 is correct. Factors which jeopardise internal validity: History - the specific events which occur between the first and second measurement. Maturation - most participants may improve their performance regardless of treatment. Mortality - the loss of subjects. Instrumentation - changes in the instruments, observers or scorers. S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: compupro | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace 31 Option 4 is correct. Snowball sampling is a nonprobability sampling method often employed in field research, whereby each person interviewed may be asked to suggest additional people for interviews. Quota sampling is also a non-probability sampling type in which units are selected into a sample on the basis of prespecified characteristics so that the total sample will have the same distribution of characteristics assumed to exist in the population being studied. Purposive sampling: the researcher select a sample on the basis of knowledge of a population, its elements and purpose of study. Theoretical sampling refers to the process of selecting incidents, slices of life, time periods or people on the basis of their potential manifestations or representations of important theoretical constructs. In stratified sampling the researcher samples equally from different layers of distinctly different types of individuals. 32 Option 3 is correct. 33 Option 2 is correct. 34 Option 2 is correct. 35 Option 2 is correct. 36 Option 2 is correct. Simple random sampling is a type of probability sampling in which the units composing a population are assigned numbers. A set of random numbers is then generated and the units having these numbers are included in the sample. 37 Option 4 is correct. 38 Option 3 is correct. 39 Option 4 is correct. In-depth interviewing is a qualitative research technique that involves conducting intensive individual interviews with a small number of respondents to explore their perspectives on a particular idea, programme or situation. S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: compupro | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace 40 Option 3 is correct. Reactive observation is said to occur when the subjects knows or suspects that their behaviour is under scrutiny. To some degree the behaviour of the subjects is in reaction to the observer’s presence and hence the research findings are distorted from the natural. 41 Option 4 is correct. 42 Option 1 is correct. Construct validity defines how well a test or experiment measure up to its claims. It refers to whether the operational definition of a variable actually reflect the true theoretical meaning of a concept. 43 Option 2 is correct. Mode is the value that appears most often in a set of data. Median is the value that lie at the mid-point or the middle value. Mean is the average of numbers or the range of values. 44 Option 2 is correct. 45 Option 2 is correct. Positive correlation is a relationship between two variables in which both variables move in tandem. It exists when one variable decreases as the other variable decreases also or when one variable increases while the other increases also. 46 Option 1 is correct. 47 Option 2 is correct. 48 Option 3 is correct. 49 Option 1 is correct. 50 Option 1 is correct. Coding is an analytical process in both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. It utilised so as to facilitate analysis. 51 Option 1 is correct. 52 Option 3 is correct. 53 Option 2 is correct. 54 Option 5 is correct. 55 Option 2 is correct. 56 Option 2 is correct. 57 Option 1 is correct. S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: compupro | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace 58 Option 1 is correct. 59 Option 2 is correct. 60 Option 3 is correct. S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: compupro | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace 1 Research in the Social Sciences (RSC 2601) Feedback on previous examination papers (2011 – 2014) RSC 2601 - May/June 2011 – Previous examination paper Question Correct answers and explanations 1 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 5). Authority figures can also make mistakes. 2 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 9). Study the list of errors in human error from page 8-10. 3 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 8). Study the list of sources of general knowledge from page 4-8. 4 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 18). Ontology involves assumptions which refer to what to what researchers think exists and is real, e.g. a rectangle has four sides. Option 2-5 referto ontological statements. Epistemology deals with how we can know and explain something, e.g. one can calculate the area of a rectangle by calculating the length and breadth of the area. 5 Option 5 is the most correct (pg 25). Option 1, 2 and 4 refer to attributes of positivism (pg21). Option 3 relates to explanatory research (pg 92). 6 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 23). Option 4 encompasses all the characteristics of valuefreedom. 7 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 50-6). Consult pages 50-6 to read more about theories. 8 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 55-6). An abstract term is not easily visible or straightforward in nature. 9 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 57). Deduction entails moving from general to specific. Inductive moves from specific to general. 10 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 229). Positive correlation – one value increases/decreases, the other increases/decreases at the same time. Negative correlation – one valuable increases, the other will decrease. 11 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 55-6). 12 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 74, 77). Study question 14 on page 74 and 77. 13 Option 5 is the most correct (pg 81-2). 14 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 98). 15 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 95). 16 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 82). Study the characteristics of descriptive research on page 82. 17 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 84-88). Consult the table on page 88. 18 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 84-88). Consult table on page 88. 19 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 12). 20 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 114). 21 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 114). Infringement of privacy. 22 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 111). Study the list of behavioral norms on page 111. 23 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 110). 24 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 114). 25 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 126). Option (a) relates to research conducted in the interpretive paradigm. 26 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 131). Option 4 – Self-fulfilling prophecy/Researcher expectancy. 27 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 133-55). Option 4 – Two phases are implemented in this design: Pretest (respondents are asked to complete a questionnaire before they are given any information) and Posttest (respondents are randomly assigned into two groups, with one control group being given no information, while another treatment group receiving more information). Option 1 and 3 – Pre-experimental and quasi-experimental designs do not utilize random S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: compupro | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace 2 assignment into groups. 28 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 131-2). True experiments seek to control and manipulate variables randomly assigned into two groups, namely a control and experimental group. 29 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 85-88). Qualitative approach is non-sequential. 30 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 139). Qualitative approach is non-sequential. 31 Option 3 is the most correct (pg159). Quota and judgmental sampling belong to non-probability sampling. 32 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 159). Option 2 and 4 – Stratified and cluster sampling uses groups and strata. Option 3 – Systemic sampling collects samples in 2nd, 5th or 10th. 33 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 153). 34 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 153). 35 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 162). Sampling technique is based on the researcher’s own knowledge. 36 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 161). 37 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 187). Who is represented by “We”? 38 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 171-2). Option 1 – Nominal scales mainly deal with data with non-numerical data which can further be separated into categories. Option 3 – Interval scales have a non-zero limit, measures can go below zero, e.g. temperature can be -3. Option 4 – Ratio scales have a zero limit, e.g. a child starts at 0 years and grows in months and later in years. 39 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 190). Contingency questions is an umbrella term for ranking, filter and inventory questions. 40 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 195). Option 2 – Questions will be divided into two forms (testing for job evaluation and performance appraisal procedures) and scores correlated to measure the difference. 41 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 202). 42 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 187). Single question with one main idea but is lengthy. 43 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 215-7). 44 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 220). Option 2 – Cumulative frequency will be represented into scores falling in the catergory of 18-35, 36-45, 46-55 et cetera. 45 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 222). Options 2 – Types of crimes do not need to be separated as in bar graphs since we are referring to a specific area and time period. 46 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 224). Option 1 – Mode represents the number that appears the most. Option 3 – Mean represents the average. Option 2 - Median represents the middle number. 47 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 228). 48 Option 3 is the most correct(pg 233, 235). Study question 6 on page 233 and 235. 49 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 239). 50 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 239). 51 Option 5 is the most correct (pg 242). 52 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 57). Deduction entails moving from general to specific. Inductive moves from specific to general. 53 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 84-88). 54 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 241). 55 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 57). 56 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 259). 57 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 272). 58 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 273). S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: compupro | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace 3 59 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 269). 60 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 115). S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: compupro | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace 4 RSC 2601 - October/November 2011 – Previous examination paper Question Correct answers and explanations 1 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 12, 64-8). Option 2 – A researcher may still remain bias by find previous literature which supports his viewpoint. Furthermore, a sample only ensures that our study is representative as in the case of non-random sampling. Option 4 – Using scientific methods to carefully test our hypothesis, while including the input of our peers, definitely eliminates any element of bias. 2 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 9). Option 2 – The “halo” effect results when we generalize positive qualities to an entity’s (University of South Africa) overall aspects (lectures, fees and students). Option 3 – Overgeneralization, on the other hand, steps out of this particular body’s positive attributes (Unisa) to apply them to other institutions (UP, UCT et cetera). 3 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 6). Option 2 – Mysticism relates to superstitious beliefs such as turning around whenever you encounter a black cat. 4 Option 5 is the most correct (pg 25). Option 1, 2 and 4 refer to positivism with its emphasis on rigor and causation (pg 21). Option 3 – Explanatory research (pg 92). 5 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 25-6). Option 2 – Definition of Intersubjectivity. 6 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 31-4). Option 4 – Critical and feminist researchers usually make use of ethnographic and phenomenological studies. In addition, both these researchers are opposed to oppressive structures. 7 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 50-6). Read these pages for more info on theories. 8 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 57). Deduction entails moving from general to specific. 9 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 66-7). Read the question tested on these pages. 10 Option 5 is the most correct (pg 60-70). Always remember that the independent variable is something we can control or objectively measure or at least manipulate to test for different effects. One’s state of health, personality disintegration, relative deprivation and neurotic behavior are concepts we cannot simply control. Option 5 – By performing a CD4 cell count, we can establish how depressed your immune system is. The dependent variable is always the result of the changes in the independent variable. 11 Option 5 is the most correct (pg 58-63). Option 5 – After conducting a literature review, our research problem will be grounded in theory, with narrow focus of a particular research topic and an empirical or conceptual issue to be researched. 12 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 68-9). Option 5 – Concepts are dynamic, ever changing in meaning and abstraction. 13 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 91). Option 2 – Reliability refers to similar research results being obtained after consecutive tests. Option 1 – Validity means the items, constructs, methods, analysis techniques should measure what the researcher is aiming to study. 14 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 131-3). Option 3 – A true experiment seeks to control and manipulate its variables using randomized groups, including a control and treatment groups. 15 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 94-9). Read all these pages to refer to the other types of research. 16 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 88). Consult the table on page 88. 17 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 88). Consult the table on page 88. 18 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 87-8). Consul table on page 88. 19 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 13). 20 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 112). Option 2 – Voluntariness is coerced in this case. 21 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 175-6). Option 2 – Primary data is free from interpretation. S - The study-notes marketplace Downloaded by: compupro | Distribution of this document is illegal S - The study-notes marketplace 5 22 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 111). Option 1 – The Department is infringing on participant’sright to privacy. 23 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 114). 24 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 111). 25 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 124). Option 1 – A design needs to preferably be flexible in order to accommodate any new information. Only quantitative research may require fixed guidelines. Option 2 – Sampling. Option 4 – Explanatory research. 26 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 140). Option 1 – Quantitative study. 27 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 133). Option 4 – Two phases are implemented in this design: Pretest (respondents are asked to complete a questionnaire before they are given any information) and Posttest (respondents are randomly assigned into two groups, with one control group being given no information, while another treatment group receiving more information). Option 1 and 3 – Pre-experimental and quasi-experimental designs do not utilize random assignment into groups. 28 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 135).Option 2 - Quasi-experimental designs do not utilize random assignment of participants into groups. 29 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 85-88). Option 2 – In-depth interviews. 30 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 85, 63). Option 2 – The research method is narrative research, however, the research question is not clearly defined since it can ask, “How outpatient suffering with depression cope in the family setting” to “How outpatients suffering with depression experience medication”. 31 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 161-3). 32 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 161-3). Options 2 – Quotas of specific criteria (20 male and 20 female) are set to be included in the sample. 33 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 153). Option 1 and 3 – Random samples offer participants an equal chance (100%) of being selected, but is expensive and also time-consuming to get right. Option 4 – A representative sample allows researchers to generalize the findings obtained from a study to the entire population. 34 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 159). Option 2 – Cluster sampling is also referred to as multistage sampling. Notice all the stages (study all cancer patients in the country, identify groups of hospitals that have cancer wards in different provinces and drawing a sample from these hospitals). 35 Option 3 is the most correct (161). Option 1 and 2 are eliminated since they belong to random sampling techniques. Option 4 – In quota sampling, the researcher does not know in advance the specifics about his or her sample. 36 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 151). 37 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 187). Option 4 – In which newspaper reference is this question referring too? Is it Daily Sun, Sunday Times or The Beeld? Option 1,2 and 3 – The item is a good open question, allowing the respondent to express his or her personal opinion. 38 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 172-192). Option 2 – Ordinal scales measure the degree of preferences, agreement, like or dislike et cetera. Option 1 – Nominal scales mainly deal with data with non-numerical data which can further be separated into categories. Option 3 – Interval scales have a non-zero limit, measures can go below zero, e.g. temperature can be -3. Option 4 – Ratio scales have a zero limit, e.g. a child starts at 0 years and grows in months and later in years. 39 Option 2is the most correct (pg 181-2). Option 2 – Role-play open question. 40 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 195).Option 3 – We can only question these individuals in one