RSE4801 ASSIGNMENT 1 (PDF) | 2026 QUESTIONS &
ANSWERS + RATIONALES | STUDY GUIDE
1. According to the UNISA module description, what is the primary purpose of the
RSE4801 module?
A) To prepare students to become school principals and administrators
B) To equip students with advanced knowledge and skills on research in education within
the African context
C) To provide a comprehensive history of education in South Africa
D) To train students in classroom management and teaching techniques
Correct Answer: To equip students with advanced knowledge and skills on research in education
within the African context
Rationale: The official UNISA module description states that RSE4801 aims to equip students
with advanced knowledge and skills on research in education that would enable them to conduct
research within the African context and to enable progression towards a Master's degree . This
purpose distinguishes it from modules focused on administration, history, or pedagogy.
2. What is the NQF level and credit value of the RSE4801 module?
A) NQF level 7, 10 credits
B) NQF level 8, 12 credits
C) NQF level 6, 15 credits
D) NQF level 9, 8 credits
Correct Answer: NQF level 8, 12 credits
Rationale: RSE4801 is an Honours-level module presented at NQF level 8 and carries 12
credits . It is a year module presented online in English and serves as a foundational course for
progression towards a Master's degree in education.
3. According to the claim "theory is the engine of research," what role does theory play in
the research process?
A) Theory is an optional component that can be ignored in practical research
B) Theory provides a framework that guides and directs the research inquiry
C) Theory is only relevant to quantitative research designs
D) Theory replaces the need for data collection and analysis
Correct Answer: Theory provides a framework that guides and directs the research inquiry
Rationale: The assertion that "theory is the engine of research" emphasizes theory's indispensable
role in providing direction and structure to research . Without a theoretical framework, research
can be directionless. However, some scholars argue that research can proceed without rigid
theorisation in emergent, practice-based methodologies .
4. What does the term "ontocide" refer to in the context of activist research in education?
A) The systematic destruction of indigenous languages
, B) The erasure of distinct ways of being and diverse existences
C) The elimination of traditional teaching methods
D) The destruction of physical educational infrastructure
Correct Answer: The erasure of distinct ways of being and diverse existences
Rationale: In activist research, ontocide refers to the erasure of distinct ways of being,
highlighting the destruction of diverse existences under colonial and capitalist logics . This
concept is linked to epistemicide (destruction of knowledge systems) and other forms of
systemic violence against marginalized communities.
5. Which of the following is NOT identified as one of the "multiple cides" in activist
research literature?
A) Epistemicide
B) Linguicide
C) Genocide
D) Capitalicide
Correct Answer: Capitalicide
Rationale: The text lists epistemicide, ontocide, linguicide, culturcide, and scholasticide as
interlocking dimensions of destruction in the context of activist research . "Capitalicide" is not
among these recognized forms of systemic destruction in this framework.
6. According to the module, how is the activist researcher of education best understood?
A) As a fixed identity that one achieves after completing formal training
B) As a continuous process of disposition involving reflexivity, ethics, and political
solidarity
C) As a detached observer who documents educational phenomena objectively
D) As a neutral facilitator who avoids taking positions on controversial issues
Correct Answer: As a continuous process of disposition involving reflexivity, ethics, and
political solidarity
Rationale: The activist researcher is best understood not as a fixed identity but as an ongoing
process of becoming . This involves continuous reflexivity, ethical engagement, and political
solidarity with communities. The researcher's disposition is shaped through critical engagement
rather than acquired as a permanent status.
7. Why is the conventional image of the researcher as a detached observer considered
inadequate in times of multiple crises?
A) Detached observation requires less training and expertise
B) Detached observation ignores the political nature of research and risks complicity in
ongoing destruction
C) Detached observation is more efficient for data collection
D) Detached observation aligns with indigenous research paradigms
, Correct Answer: Detached observation ignores the political nature of research and risks
complicity in ongoing destruction
Rationale: In times of multiple crises, the detached observer model is inadequate because it fails
to acknowledge that research is inherently political . This stance risks complicity in the
destruction of communities and knowledges, making active intervention and solidarity essential
for ethical research practice.
8. According to Santos (2014), what does the term "epistemicide" refer to in the context of
knowledge production?
A) The systematic destruction of knowledge systems, challenging the dominance of
Western modern science
B) The creation of new knowledge through interdisciplinary collaboration
C) The preservation and protection of indigenous knowledge systems
D) The development of artificial intelligence in educational research
Correct Answer: The systematic destruction of knowledge systems, challenging the dominance
of Western modern science
Rationale: Santos (2014) defines epistemicide as the systematic destruction of knowledge
systems that challenges the dominance of Western modern science and marginalizes other ways
of knowing . This concept is central to understanding how colonial power structures have
historically devalued and erased Indigenous and non-Western knowledge traditions.
9. According to the text, what is the primary task of the activist researcher in a time of
overlapping genocides?
A) To remain neutral and avoid taking sides
B) To document suffering from a position of detached observation
C) To participate in the work of Becoming, emphasizing active solidarity and
transformation
D) To focus exclusively on theoretical analysis without engaging with communities
Correct Answer: To participate in the work of Becoming, emphasizing active solidarity and
transformation
Rationale: The primary task of the activist researcher in times of overlapping genocides is to
participate in the work of Becoming . This means moving beyond merely documenting wounds
to engaging in active solidarity and transformative action with communities affected by systemic
violence.
10. How does the activist researcher's attitude towards the destruction of languages and
educational worlds differ from a conventional researcher's approach?
A) The activist researcher acknowledges being affected and channels that affect into
passionate, critical practice
B) The activist researcher maintains professional distance and objectivity
C) The activist researcher focuses only on theoretical implications
D) The activist researcher avoids emotional engagement with the subject
ANSWERS + RATIONALES | STUDY GUIDE
1. According to the UNISA module description, what is the primary purpose of the
RSE4801 module?
A) To prepare students to become school principals and administrators
B) To equip students with advanced knowledge and skills on research in education within
the African context
C) To provide a comprehensive history of education in South Africa
D) To train students in classroom management and teaching techniques
Correct Answer: To equip students with advanced knowledge and skills on research in education
within the African context
Rationale: The official UNISA module description states that RSE4801 aims to equip students
with advanced knowledge and skills on research in education that would enable them to conduct
research within the African context and to enable progression towards a Master's degree . This
purpose distinguishes it from modules focused on administration, history, or pedagogy.
2. What is the NQF level and credit value of the RSE4801 module?
A) NQF level 7, 10 credits
B) NQF level 8, 12 credits
C) NQF level 6, 15 credits
D) NQF level 9, 8 credits
Correct Answer: NQF level 8, 12 credits
Rationale: RSE4801 is an Honours-level module presented at NQF level 8 and carries 12
credits . It is a year module presented online in English and serves as a foundational course for
progression towards a Master's degree in education.
3. According to the claim "theory is the engine of research," what role does theory play in
the research process?
A) Theory is an optional component that can be ignored in practical research
B) Theory provides a framework that guides and directs the research inquiry
C) Theory is only relevant to quantitative research designs
D) Theory replaces the need for data collection and analysis
Correct Answer: Theory provides a framework that guides and directs the research inquiry
Rationale: The assertion that "theory is the engine of research" emphasizes theory's indispensable
role in providing direction and structure to research . Without a theoretical framework, research
can be directionless. However, some scholars argue that research can proceed without rigid
theorisation in emergent, practice-based methodologies .
4. What does the term "ontocide" refer to in the context of activist research in education?
A) The systematic destruction of indigenous languages
, B) The erasure of distinct ways of being and diverse existences
C) The elimination of traditional teaching methods
D) The destruction of physical educational infrastructure
Correct Answer: The erasure of distinct ways of being and diverse existences
Rationale: In activist research, ontocide refers to the erasure of distinct ways of being,
highlighting the destruction of diverse existences under colonial and capitalist logics . This
concept is linked to epistemicide (destruction of knowledge systems) and other forms of
systemic violence against marginalized communities.
5. Which of the following is NOT identified as one of the "multiple cides" in activist
research literature?
A) Epistemicide
B) Linguicide
C) Genocide
D) Capitalicide
Correct Answer: Capitalicide
Rationale: The text lists epistemicide, ontocide, linguicide, culturcide, and scholasticide as
interlocking dimensions of destruction in the context of activist research . "Capitalicide" is not
among these recognized forms of systemic destruction in this framework.
6. According to the module, how is the activist researcher of education best understood?
A) As a fixed identity that one achieves after completing formal training
B) As a continuous process of disposition involving reflexivity, ethics, and political
solidarity
C) As a detached observer who documents educational phenomena objectively
D) As a neutral facilitator who avoids taking positions on controversial issues
Correct Answer: As a continuous process of disposition involving reflexivity, ethics, and
political solidarity
Rationale: The activist researcher is best understood not as a fixed identity but as an ongoing
process of becoming . This involves continuous reflexivity, ethical engagement, and political
solidarity with communities. The researcher's disposition is shaped through critical engagement
rather than acquired as a permanent status.
7. Why is the conventional image of the researcher as a detached observer considered
inadequate in times of multiple crises?
A) Detached observation requires less training and expertise
B) Detached observation ignores the political nature of research and risks complicity in
ongoing destruction
C) Detached observation is more efficient for data collection
D) Detached observation aligns with indigenous research paradigms
, Correct Answer: Detached observation ignores the political nature of research and risks
complicity in ongoing destruction
Rationale: In times of multiple crises, the detached observer model is inadequate because it fails
to acknowledge that research is inherently political . This stance risks complicity in the
destruction of communities and knowledges, making active intervention and solidarity essential
for ethical research practice.
8. According to Santos (2014), what does the term "epistemicide" refer to in the context of
knowledge production?
A) The systematic destruction of knowledge systems, challenging the dominance of
Western modern science
B) The creation of new knowledge through interdisciplinary collaboration
C) The preservation and protection of indigenous knowledge systems
D) The development of artificial intelligence in educational research
Correct Answer: The systematic destruction of knowledge systems, challenging the dominance
of Western modern science
Rationale: Santos (2014) defines epistemicide as the systematic destruction of knowledge
systems that challenges the dominance of Western modern science and marginalizes other ways
of knowing . This concept is central to understanding how colonial power structures have
historically devalued and erased Indigenous and non-Western knowledge traditions.
9. According to the text, what is the primary task of the activist researcher in a time of
overlapping genocides?
A) To remain neutral and avoid taking sides
B) To document suffering from a position of detached observation
C) To participate in the work of Becoming, emphasizing active solidarity and
transformation
D) To focus exclusively on theoretical analysis without engaging with communities
Correct Answer: To participate in the work of Becoming, emphasizing active solidarity and
transformation
Rationale: The primary task of the activist researcher in times of overlapping genocides is to
participate in the work of Becoming . This means moving beyond merely documenting wounds
to engaging in active solidarity and transformative action with communities affected by systemic
violence.
10. How does the activist researcher's attitude towards the destruction of languages and
educational worlds differ from a conventional researcher's approach?
A) The activist researcher acknowledges being affected and channels that affect into
passionate, critical practice
B) The activist researcher maintains professional distance and objectivity
C) The activist researcher focuses only on theoretical implications
D) The activist researcher avoids emotional engagement with the subject
