RCE2601
ASSIGNMENT 1
ANSWERS 2026
RCE2601 ASSIGNMENT 1 ANSWERS
2026
, RCE2601
ASSIGNMENT 1
QUESTION 1
1.1 Define research in your own words (5)
- Research is a systematic, organized, and critical process of inquiry aimed at
discovering new knowledge or understanding about a question or problem, based on
evidence and the use of appropriate methods.
1.2 List and briefly explain any two characteristics of good research (5)
- Methodological rigor: Uses well-defined procedures, clear data collection and
analysis methods, and safeguards for reliability and validity.
- Ethical integrity and transparency: Treats participants ethically, reports methods
and findings honestly, and allows others to replicate or critique the work.
1.3 Difference between qualitative and quantitative research (6)
- Qualitative: Seeks depth of understanding about meanings, experiences, and
contexts. Data are words/images (e.g., interviews, observations, focus groups).
Analysis is interpretive (e.g., themes). Often smaller, purposive samples; findings are
context-rich and not easily generalizable.
- Quantitative: Seeks to measure and test hypotheses about variables. Data are
numerical (e.g., surveys, tests, experiments). Analysis is statistical. Often larger,
random samples; findings aim for generalizability and objectivity.
1.4 Three sources from which research problems may emerge (6)
- Personal experience or practice problems encountered by teachers/researchers.
- Gaps, contradictions, or unanswered questions found in existing literature.
- Societal, policy, or educational needs and challenges requiring evidence-based
solutions.
1.5 Explain four qualities of a good research question (8)
- Clarity and precision: Clearly stated, unambiguous, and specific.
ASSIGNMENT 1
ANSWERS 2026
RCE2601 ASSIGNMENT 1 ANSWERS
2026
, RCE2601
ASSIGNMENT 1
QUESTION 1
1.1 Define research in your own words (5)
- Research is a systematic, organized, and critical process of inquiry aimed at
discovering new knowledge or understanding about a question or problem, based on
evidence and the use of appropriate methods.
1.2 List and briefly explain any two characteristics of good research (5)
- Methodological rigor: Uses well-defined procedures, clear data collection and
analysis methods, and safeguards for reliability and validity.
- Ethical integrity and transparency: Treats participants ethically, reports methods
and findings honestly, and allows others to replicate or critique the work.
1.3 Difference between qualitative and quantitative research (6)
- Qualitative: Seeks depth of understanding about meanings, experiences, and
contexts. Data are words/images (e.g., interviews, observations, focus groups).
Analysis is interpretive (e.g., themes). Often smaller, purposive samples; findings are
context-rich and not easily generalizable.
- Quantitative: Seeks to measure and test hypotheses about variables. Data are
numerical (e.g., surveys, tests, experiments). Analysis is statistical. Often larger,
random samples; findings aim for generalizability and objectivity.
1.4 Three sources from which research problems may emerge (6)
- Personal experience or practice problems encountered by teachers/researchers.
- Gaps, contradictions, or unanswered questions found in existing literature.
- Societal, policy, or educational needs and challenges requiring evidence-based
solutions.
1.5 Explain four qualities of a good research question (8)
- Clarity and precision: Clearly stated, unambiguous, and specific.
