AIS3704 APPLYING RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN INFORMATION SCIENCE
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION BANK
SEMESTER 2 2026 | ASSIGNMENT 1 PREPARATION
SECTION A: INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN INFORMATION
SCIENCE
1. What is the primary purpose of research methodology in Information Science?
A. To create new library cataloguing systems
B. To provide a systematic framework for conducting research and solving information-
related problems
C. To replace traditional library services with digital alternatives
D. To eliminate the need for statistical analysis
Answer: B
Rationale: Research methodology provides a systematic framework that guides
information professionals in conducting research to find solutions to various information-
related problems. Research is an important function of information professionals and is
often carried out to find solutions to different problems.
2. Which of the following best describes the nature of research in Library and Information
Science (LIS)?
A. It is purely theoretical with no practical applications
B. It focuses exclusively on quantitative data analysis
C. It applies basic research methods to address research problems in LIS contexts
D. It is limited to historical research only
Answer: C
,Rationale: Students who successfully complete this module demonstrate integrated
knowledge and understanding of the role of research in LIS and the application of basic
research methods relevant to a research problem in LIS.
3. According to the AIS3704 module outcomes, which skill is essential for information
professionals?
A. The ability to memorize library classification systems
B. Basic skills in collecting and analyzing research data
C. Advanced programming skills
D. Expertise in graphic design
Answer: B
Rationale: The module emphasizes that students will demonstrate basic skills in
collecting and analyzing research data, which is fundamental for information professionals
who need to conduct research in their practice.
4. What is the NQF level of the AIS3704 module?
A. Level 5
B. Level 6
C. Level 7
D. Level 8
Answer: C
Rationale: AIS3704 is an undergraduate degree module at NQF level 7, which indicates it is
a third-year level module that requires students to demonstrate integrated knowledge and
understanding of research methodology.
5. The AIS3704 module is part of which qualification?
A. Bachelor of Arts
B. Bachelor of Information Science (BInf.)
C. Bachelor of Commerce
D. Bachelor of Education
Answer: B
,Rationale: This module forms part of the Bachelor of Information Science (BInf.)
qualification, which prepares students for professional roles in information science and
library services.
6. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of applied research in Information
Science?
A. It seeks to solve practical problems
B. It is conducted in real-world settings
C. It focuses on developing abstract theories without practical application
D. It uses both quantitative and qualitative methods
Answer: C
Rationale: Applied research in Information Science focuses on solving practical problems
in real-world settings using appropriate research methods, rather than developing abstract
theories without practical application.
7. What does the term "research paradigm" refer to in the context of Information Science
research?
A. A specific data collection instrument
B. A basic set of beliefs that guides research action
C. A statistical analysis technique
D. A library classification system
Answer: B
Rationale: A research paradigm represents a basic set of beliefs or worldview that guides
research action, including assumptions about the nature of reality, knowledge, and how
research should be conducted.
8. The pragmatism paradigm in research is characterized by:
A. A focus on purely quantitative methods
B. A focus on purely qualitative methods
C. The use of both quantitative and qualitative methods to address research questions
D. Rejection of all research methods
, Answer: C
Rationale: The pragmatism paradigm employs both quantitative and qualitative methods,
allowing researchers to use the most appropriate approach to address their research
questions effectively.
9. Which of the following is a key outcome of studying AIS3704?
A. Ability to design websites
B. Understanding of the role of research in LIS and application of research methods
C. Mastery of computer programming
D. Expertise in graphic design
Answer: B
Rationale: A key outcome of AIS3704 is that students demonstrate integrated knowledge
and understanding of the role of research in LIS and the application of basic research
methods relevant to a research problem in LIS.
10. What is the significance of research for information professionals?
A. It is optional and rarely needed
B. It is important for finding solutions to different problems in information practice
C. It is only relevant for academic careers
D. It replaces the need for practical experience
Answer: B
Rationale: Research is an important function of information professionals and is often
carried out to find solutions to different problems in information practice, making it
essential for professional development.
SECTION B: RESEARCH DESIGNS AND APPROACHES
11. Which research design is most appropriate when a researcher wants to understand the
in-depth experiences of library users?
A. Survey research
B. Experimental research
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION BANK
SEMESTER 2 2026 | ASSIGNMENT 1 PREPARATION
SECTION A: INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN INFORMATION
SCIENCE
1. What is the primary purpose of research methodology in Information Science?
A. To create new library cataloguing systems
B. To provide a systematic framework for conducting research and solving information-
related problems
C. To replace traditional library services with digital alternatives
D. To eliminate the need for statistical analysis
Answer: B
Rationale: Research methodology provides a systematic framework that guides
information professionals in conducting research to find solutions to various information-
related problems. Research is an important function of information professionals and is
often carried out to find solutions to different problems.
2. Which of the following best describes the nature of research in Library and Information
Science (LIS)?
A. It is purely theoretical with no practical applications
B. It focuses exclusively on quantitative data analysis
C. It applies basic research methods to address research problems in LIS contexts
D. It is limited to historical research only
Answer: C
,Rationale: Students who successfully complete this module demonstrate integrated
knowledge and understanding of the role of research in LIS and the application of basic
research methods relevant to a research problem in LIS.
3. According to the AIS3704 module outcomes, which skill is essential for information
professionals?
A. The ability to memorize library classification systems
B. Basic skills in collecting and analyzing research data
C. Advanced programming skills
D. Expertise in graphic design
Answer: B
Rationale: The module emphasizes that students will demonstrate basic skills in
collecting and analyzing research data, which is fundamental for information professionals
who need to conduct research in their practice.
4. What is the NQF level of the AIS3704 module?
A. Level 5
B. Level 6
C. Level 7
D. Level 8
Answer: C
Rationale: AIS3704 is an undergraduate degree module at NQF level 7, which indicates it is
a third-year level module that requires students to demonstrate integrated knowledge and
understanding of research methodology.
5. The AIS3704 module is part of which qualification?
A. Bachelor of Arts
B. Bachelor of Information Science (BInf.)
C. Bachelor of Commerce
D. Bachelor of Education
Answer: B
,Rationale: This module forms part of the Bachelor of Information Science (BInf.)
qualification, which prepares students for professional roles in information science and
library services.
6. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of applied research in Information
Science?
A. It seeks to solve practical problems
B. It is conducted in real-world settings
C. It focuses on developing abstract theories without practical application
D. It uses both quantitative and qualitative methods
Answer: C
Rationale: Applied research in Information Science focuses on solving practical problems
in real-world settings using appropriate research methods, rather than developing abstract
theories without practical application.
7. What does the term "research paradigm" refer to in the context of Information Science
research?
A. A specific data collection instrument
B. A basic set of beliefs that guides research action
C. A statistical analysis technique
D. A library classification system
Answer: B
Rationale: A research paradigm represents a basic set of beliefs or worldview that guides
research action, including assumptions about the nature of reality, knowledge, and how
research should be conducted.
8. The pragmatism paradigm in research is characterized by:
A. A focus on purely quantitative methods
B. A focus on purely qualitative methods
C. The use of both quantitative and qualitative methods to address research questions
D. Rejection of all research methods
, Answer: C
Rationale: The pragmatism paradigm employs both quantitative and qualitative methods,
allowing researchers to use the most appropriate approach to address their research
questions effectively.
9. Which of the following is a key outcome of studying AIS3704?
A. Ability to design websites
B. Understanding of the role of research in LIS and application of research methods
C. Mastery of computer programming
D. Expertise in graphic design
Answer: B
Rationale: A key outcome of AIS3704 is that students demonstrate integrated knowledge
and understanding of the role of research in LIS and the application of basic research
methods relevant to a research problem in LIS.
10. What is the significance of research for information professionals?
A. It is optional and rarely needed
B. It is important for finding solutions to different problems in information practice
C. It is only relevant for academic careers
D. It replaces the need for practical experience
Answer: B
Rationale: Research is an important function of information professionals and is often
carried out to find solutions to different problems in information practice, making it
essential for professional development.
SECTION B: RESEARCH DESIGNS AND APPROACHES
11. Which research design is most appropriate when a researcher wants to understand the
in-depth experiences of library users?
A. Survey research
B. Experimental research
