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PUB2618 Exam Portfolio 2026 (Answer Guide) – Due 16 October 2026
FUNDAMENTALS OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION RESEARCH II
VERIFIED AND CERTIFIED ANSWERS. WRITTEN IN REQUIRED FORMAT AND WITHIN
GIVEN GUIDELINES. IT IS GOOD TO USE AS A GUIDE AND FOR REFERENCE, NEVER
PLAGARIZE. Thank you and success in your academics.
UNISA, 2026
Contents
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 2
QUESTION 1: RELEVANCE OF THE FOUR PHILOSOPHICAL PRINCIPLES IN
DETERMINING WHETHER RESEARCH IS ETHICAL ....................................................................... 2
1.1 Beneficence .................................................................................................................................... 2
1.2 Non-maleficence ............................................................................................................................ 3
1.3 Respect for persons, dignity and autonomy .......................................................................... 4
1.4 Justice and equity ......................................................................................................................... 5
1.5 Overall relevance of the four principles .................................................................................. 5
QUESTION 2: RESEARCH METHODS .........................................................................................6
2.1 Quantitative research method ............................................................................................6
2.2 Qualitative research method ..............................................................................................6
2.3 Participatory Action Research ...........................................................................................7
CONCLUSION .................................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................9
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INTRODUCTION
Research is an important instrument for generating evidence that can support effective
decision-making and improve public-sector policies, programmes and services.
However, research involving people and communities must be conducted ethically to
protect participants and maintain the integrity and credibility of the research process.
Ethical principles guide researchers in deciding what is acceptable when collecting,
analysing and reporting information. In public administration, these principles are
particularly important because research may involve citizens, public officials, vulnerable
communities and sensitive government information. This discussion examines four
principles relevant to ethical research, namely beneficence, non-maleficence, respect
for persons and justice, with specific application to public-sector research.
QUESTION 1: RELEVANCE OF THE FOUR PHILOSOPHICAL PRINCIPLES IN
DETERMINING WHETHER RESEARCH IS ETHICAL
1.1 Beneficence
Beneficence refers to the ethical obligation of researchers to promote benefits and
contribute positively to the wellbeing of research participants and society. Research
should have a worthwhile purpose and the anticipated benefits should justify the risks
associated with participation (National Department of Health, 2024). The principle
therefore requires researchers to consider whether a proposed study can generate
useful knowledge or contribute to improvements in public services, policies or
programmes.
In the public sector, for example, a government department may conduct research to
evaluate the effectiveness of a social-support programme. The study may involve
beneficiaries providing information about their experiences. Applying beneficence
requires the researcher to ensure that the study has a legitimate purpose and that its
findings can potentially contribute to improving the programme. Research should not
unnecessarily burden citizens merely to generate information of little practical value.
PUB2618 Exam Portfolio 2026 (Answer Guide) – Due 16 October 2026
FUNDAMENTALS OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION RESEARCH II
VERIFIED AND CERTIFIED ANSWERS. WRITTEN IN REQUIRED FORMAT AND WITHIN
GIVEN GUIDELINES. IT IS GOOD TO USE AS A GUIDE AND FOR REFERENCE, NEVER
PLAGARIZE. Thank you and success in your academics.
UNISA, 2026
Contents
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 2
QUESTION 1: RELEVANCE OF THE FOUR PHILOSOPHICAL PRINCIPLES IN
DETERMINING WHETHER RESEARCH IS ETHICAL ....................................................................... 2
1.1 Beneficence .................................................................................................................................... 2
1.2 Non-maleficence ............................................................................................................................ 3
1.3 Respect for persons, dignity and autonomy .......................................................................... 4
1.4 Justice and equity ......................................................................................................................... 5
1.5 Overall relevance of the four principles .................................................................................. 5
QUESTION 2: RESEARCH METHODS .........................................................................................6
2.1 Quantitative research method ............................................................................................6
2.2 Qualitative research method ..............................................................................................6
2.3 Participatory Action Research ...........................................................................................7
CONCLUSION .................................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................9
, 2|Page
INTRODUCTION
Research is an important instrument for generating evidence that can support effective
decision-making and improve public-sector policies, programmes and services.
However, research involving people and communities must be conducted ethically to
protect participants and maintain the integrity and credibility of the research process.
Ethical principles guide researchers in deciding what is acceptable when collecting,
analysing and reporting information. In public administration, these principles are
particularly important because research may involve citizens, public officials, vulnerable
communities and sensitive government information. This discussion examines four
principles relevant to ethical research, namely beneficence, non-maleficence, respect
for persons and justice, with specific application to public-sector research.
QUESTION 1: RELEVANCE OF THE FOUR PHILOSOPHICAL PRINCIPLES IN
DETERMINING WHETHER RESEARCH IS ETHICAL
1.1 Beneficence
Beneficence refers to the ethical obligation of researchers to promote benefits and
contribute positively to the wellbeing of research participants and society. Research
should have a worthwhile purpose and the anticipated benefits should justify the risks
associated with participation (National Department of Health, 2024). The principle
therefore requires researchers to consider whether a proposed study can generate
useful knowledge or contribute to improvements in public services, policies or
programmes.
In the public sector, for example, a government department may conduct research to
evaluate the effectiveness of a social-support programme. The study may involve
beneficiaries providing information about their experiences. Applying beneficence
requires the researcher to ensure that the study has a legitimate purpose and that its
findings can potentially contribute to improving the programme. Research should not
unnecessarily burden citizens merely to generate information of little practical value.
