, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE TO ANSWER YOUR ASSIGNMENT
1. Identify and list five (5) academic sources of information that will be relevant to this study.
Each source should be referenced correctly.
Babbie, E., & Mouton, J. (2001). The practice of social research. Cape Town: Oxford
University Press.
Geertz, C. (1973). The interpretation of cultures. New York: Basic Books.
Marshall, C., & Rossman, G.B. (1989). Designing qualitative research. California: Sage.
Minnaar, A., Mistry, D., Redpath, J., & Dhlamini, J. (2001). The use of force by members of
the South African Police Service: Case studies from seven policing areas in Gauteng.
Unpublished research report, Institute for Human Rights & Criminal Justice Studies,
Technikon SA.
Huysamen, G.K. (1994). Methodology for the social and behavioural sciences. Johannesburg:
International Thomson.
2. Explain why background reading is important when conducting research.
Background reading plays a crucial role in research, particularly in providing a solid foundation for
any study. It allows researchers to gain an understanding of the existing knowledge in the chosen
area of research, which is essential for contextualizing the research problem and identifying gaps that
the new research could address (Minnaar et al., 2001).
Without sufficient background reading, a researcher risks duplicating previous studies, which can
undermine the originality and contribution of the work (Geertz, 1973). Furthermore, background
reading enables researchers to identify theoretical frameworks, methodologies, and research designs
that have been successfully applied to similar studies, aiding the selection of appropriate methods for
their own research (Babbie & Mouton, 2001). It also enhances the ability to formulate a focused
research question by understanding what has already been explored and what still requires
investigation (Marshall & Rossman, 1989).
Additionally, background reading ensures that researchers are aware of any ethical concerns and
practical challenges that have arisen in related studies, which can inform better research planning and
execution (Huysamen, 1994). In essence, background reading helps to improve the quality of the
research, ensuring that it is well-informed, credible, and able to contribute meaningfully to the
academic field.
1. Identify and list five (5) academic sources of information that will be relevant to this study.
Each source should be referenced correctly.
Babbie, E., & Mouton, J. (2001). The practice of social research. Cape Town: Oxford
University Press.
Geertz, C. (1973). The interpretation of cultures. New York: Basic Books.
Marshall, C., & Rossman, G.B. (1989). Designing qualitative research. California: Sage.
Minnaar, A., Mistry, D., Redpath, J., & Dhlamini, J. (2001). The use of force by members of
the South African Police Service: Case studies from seven policing areas in Gauteng.
Unpublished research report, Institute for Human Rights & Criminal Justice Studies,
Technikon SA.
Huysamen, G.K. (1994). Methodology for the social and behavioural sciences. Johannesburg:
International Thomson.
2. Explain why background reading is important when conducting research.
Background reading plays a crucial role in research, particularly in providing a solid foundation for
any study. It allows researchers to gain an understanding of the existing knowledge in the chosen
area of research, which is essential for contextualizing the research problem and identifying gaps that
the new research could address (Minnaar et al., 2001).
Without sufficient background reading, a researcher risks duplicating previous studies, which can
undermine the originality and contribution of the work (Geertz, 1973). Furthermore, background
reading enables researchers to identify theoretical frameworks, methodologies, and research designs
that have been successfully applied to similar studies, aiding the selection of appropriate methods for
their own research (Babbie & Mouton, 2001). It also enhances the ability to formulate a focused
research question by understanding what has already been explored and what still requires
investigation (Marshall & Rossman, 1989).
Additionally, background reading ensures that researchers are aware of any ethical concerns and
practical challenges that have arisen in related studies, which can inform better research planning and
execution (Huysamen, 1994). In essence, background reading helps to improve the quality of the
research, ensuring that it is well-informed, credible, and able to contribute meaningfully to the
academic field.
