Memo | Due January/February 2026 | Research
Methodology (UNISA)
,Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of conducting research?
A) To confirm existing beliefs
B) To discover new knowledge
C) To improve personal opinion
D) To generate profits
Correct Option: B)
Rationale: The primary purpose of conducting research is to discover new knowledge.
This knowledge can enhance understanding, challenge existing beliefs, and contribute
to a field of study.
Question 2:
Which of the following types of research is often used to determine cause-and-
effect relationships?
A) Descriptive Research
B) Qualitative Research
C) Experimental Research
D) Correlational Research
Correct Option: C)
Rationale: Experimental research is specifically designed to determine cause-and-
effect relationships by manipulating one variable to observe the effect on another.
Question 3:
In the context of research, what does “sampling” refer to?
A) The collection of all possible data
B) The selection of a subset of individuals from a population
C) The analysis of historical records
D) The evaluation of research methodology
Correct Option: B)
Rationale: Sampling refers to the selection of a subset of individuals from a larger
population to make inferences about the whole population based on the sample.
Question 4:
What is a “hypothesis” in research?
A) A testable prediction about the relationship between two or more variables
B) A summary of previous research findings
, C) A personal belief or opinion
D) A random guess about the research outcome
Correct Option: A)
Rationale: A hypothesis is a testable prediction about the relationship between two or
more variables, guiding the direction of the research.
Question 5:
Which of the following is NOT considered a primary source of research data?
A) Interviews
B) Surveys
C) Experiments
D) Literature reviews
Correct Option: D)
Rationale: Literature reviews are considered secondary sources because they analyze
and summarize existing research rather than presenting new experimental data.
Question 6:
What is the main function of a literature review in research?
A) To present personal opinions
B) To summarize existing research related to the topic
C) To collect experimental data
D) To write the final report
Correct Option: B)
Rationale: A literature review summarizes existing research related to the topic, helping
to identify gaps and establish a foundation for new research.
Question 7:
Which of the following is a qualitative research method?
A) Focus groups
B) Statistical analysis
C) Surveys with closed-ended questions
D) Experiments
Correct Option: A)
Rationale: Focus groups are a qualitative research method used to gather in-depth
insights and perspectives from participants on a specific topic.