RSC2601
Notes
Summarie
s
Past exam
questions
,ASSIGNMENTS & ANSWERS - 2005
QUESTION 1
Experienced scientists are expected to...
(1) only undertake research when they can prevent all errors in research
(2) challenge established theories
(3) regard all knowledge as reliable and therefore highly predictable
(4) engage only in research that interests them
1 Option (2) is the key
Option (2) is correct because by challenging established theories the validity and
reliability of theories can be confirmed or disproved. This process promotes the
development of knowledge.
,Option (1) is incorrect because errors or shortcomings in research can motivate
other
researchers to develop and apply better research methods.
Option (3) is incorrect because experienced researchers must demonstrate
healthy
skepticism when validity and reliability of knowledge is at stake.
Option (4) is incorrect because it can be expected from experienced researchers
to
undertake diverse research that not necessarily stimulates their interests.
QUESTION 2
Norms for the scientific community contain the following:
(1) universalism and organised skepticism
(2) universalism and neutrality as to the possible popularity or unpopularity of
research results
(3) communalism and honesty
(4) all the above
2 Option (4) is the key
Option (4) is correct as the norms for the scientific community includes all the
norms
characteristics as indicated under options (1), (2) and (3). By choosing just one of
the
alternative options is an exclusive choice.
RSC201H Assignments & Answers
2 of 196
QUESTION 3
In order for research to be regarded as scientific it must...
(a)entail observation and measurement
(b)formulate assumptions and hypothesis
(c)have a language of presentation that can only be understood by fellow
researchers
The answer(s) to the above QUESTIONis/are...
(1) (a)
(2) (a) (b)
(3) (c)
, 3 Option (2) is the key
Option (2) is correct because it addresses the essential elements of scientific
research.
Option (1) is incorrect because observation and measurement makes no sense if
it is
not guided by an assumption or hypothesis with regards to the possible
interaction or
causal relationship between the observations and measurements.
Option (3) is incorrect because scientific knowledge is not necessarily reserved
for a
selected group of scientists. Especially in the social and behavioural sciences the
consumer of knowledge is often the proverbial man in the street that stands to
benefit from knowledge that is reported in understandable language.
QUESTION 4
Premature closing of enquiry can be avoided by...
(1) carefully studying published research results and current thinking on a
specific
subject matter
(2) planning for more time in which to research a problem
(3) not being intimidated by bodies of authority to produce results
(4) selecting a very interesting research topic that continuously fascinates the
researcher
4 Option (1) is the key
Option (1) is correct as it can be used to assess the extend of goal achievement
and
contemplation of specific research.
RSC201H Assignments & Answers
3 of 196
Option (2) is incorrect because despite all the time in the world research can still
be
terminated prematurely if the researcher cannot determine whether goals have
been achieved satisfactorily.
Option (3) is incorrect as a researcher can do little against intimidation of bodies
of
Notes
Summarie
s
Past exam
questions
,ASSIGNMENTS & ANSWERS - 2005
QUESTION 1
Experienced scientists are expected to...
(1) only undertake research when they can prevent all errors in research
(2) challenge established theories
(3) regard all knowledge as reliable and therefore highly predictable
(4) engage only in research that interests them
1 Option (2) is the key
Option (2) is correct because by challenging established theories the validity and
reliability of theories can be confirmed or disproved. This process promotes the
development of knowledge.
,Option (1) is incorrect because errors or shortcomings in research can motivate
other
researchers to develop and apply better research methods.
Option (3) is incorrect because experienced researchers must demonstrate
healthy
skepticism when validity and reliability of knowledge is at stake.
Option (4) is incorrect because it can be expected from experienced researchers
to
undertake diverse research that not necessarily stimulates their interests.
QUESTION 2
Norms for the scientific community contain the following:
(1) universalism and organised skepticism
(2) universalism and neutrality as to the possible popularity or unpopularity of
research results
(3) communalism and honesty
(4) all the above
2 Option (4) is the key
Option (4) is correct as the norms for the scientific community includes all the
norms
characteristics as indicated under options (1), (2) and (3). By choosing just one of
the
alternative options is an exclusive choice.
RSC201H Assignments & Answers
2 of 196
QUESTION 3
In order for research to be regarded as scientific it must...
(a)entail observation and measurement
(b)formulate assumptions and hypothesis
(c)have a language of presentation that can only be understood by fellow
researchers
The answer(s) to the above QUESTIONis/are...
(1) (a)
(2) (a) (b)
(3) (c)
, 3 Option (2) is the key
Option (2) is correct because it addresses the essential elements of scientific
research.
Option (1) is incorrect because observation and measurement makes no sense if
it is
not guided by an assumption or hypothesis with regards to the possible
interaction or
causal relationship between the observations and measurements.
Option (3) is incorrect because scientific knowledge is not necessarily reserved
for a
selected group of scientists. Especially in the social and behavioural sciences the
consumer of knowledge is often the proverbial man in the street that stands to
benefit from knowledge that is reported in understandable language.
QUESTION 4
Premature closing of enquiry can be avoided by...
(1) carefully studying published research results and current thinking on a
specific
subject matter
(2) planning for more time in which to research a problem
(3) not being intimidated by bodies of authority to produce results
(4) selecting a very interesting research topic that continuously fascinates the
researcher
4 Option (1) is the key
Option (1) is correct as it can be used to assess the extend of goal achievement
and
contemplation of specific research.
RSC201H Assignments & Answers
3 of 196
Option (2) is incorrect because despite all the time in the world research can still
be
terminated prematurely if the researcher cannot determine whether goals have
been achieved satisfactorily.
Option (3) is incorrect as a researcher can do little against intimidation of bodies
of
