RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences – Assignments with Feedback – 2014,
2016, 2017 and 2018 – Both Semesters
ASSIGNMENT 1, Semester 1 - 2014 1
QUESTION 1
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.
1) (a)
2) (a) (b)
3) (c)
Answer: The correct answer is (2)
Refer: Feedback on assignment
Reasoning: • 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 2
Which norm of the scientific community is trespassed in the following scenario?
A scientist, employed by a government medical research laboratory, discovers an agent that can
drastically reduce the transmission of HIV from mother to unborn baby. He keeps his discovery a
secret. The scientist resigns from the laboratory taking the formula for the agent with him for later
personal financial gain.
1) trespassing communalism in science
2) lack of interest in the welfare of people
3) entrepreneurial vision in the present capitalistic dominated society
4) a lack of honesty in the scientific community
Answer: The correct answer is (1)
Refer: Feedback on assignment
Reasoning: • Option (1) is the correct answer because being scientific implies that
researchers will make their information known to the scientific community
without forfeiting acknowledgement and possible rewards for their work, It is
precisely this norm of scientific commonality that leads to scientific progress
which is made known inter alia in scientific journals and during conferences.
• Option (2) is incorrect because the welfare of people is not the primary
concern of the scientific community.
• Option (3) is incorrect because it is not an offence to develop
entrepreneurship amidst scientific enterprise.
• Option (4) is incorrect because honesty is incorporated within the context of
, RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences – Assignments with Feedback – 2014,
2016, 2017 and 2018 – Both Semesters
communalism in science. A lack of honesty refers to deliberate false reporting 2
of results with the aim to mislead people.
QUESTION 3
Ms Ndlovu runs a health education programme on the prevention of the spread of HIV each first
Monday of the month on the importance of condom use. During February she trains clients
regarding the importance of using condoms. In April she finds that the majority of the clients still do
NOT use condoms. She concludes that the clients show a lack of knowledge as well as a negative
attitude towards the prevention of the spread of HIV.
This is an example of:
1) ego involvement.
2) overgeneralisation.
3) inaccurate observation.
4) premature closure.
Answer: The correct answer is (4)
Refer: Feedback on assignment
Reasoning: • Option (4) is correct because the changing of sexual behaviours is quite
complex and the time period that elapsed between the education programme
and the follow-up is too short to assess behaviour change.
• Option (1) is incorrect as there are no indications of any personal agenda or
bias on the part of Mrs Ndlovu.
• Option (2) is incorrect because Mrs Ndlovu does not claim that the research
results apply to all people.
• Option (3) is incorrect because the observation Mrs Ndlovu made is in fact
correct despite the fact that she might not be c orrect with regards to the
reasons why the participants do not use condoms
QUESTION 4
"Violence in the media reflects violence in society". This statement is an example of ":
1) tradition.
2) mysticism.
3) common sense.
4) media myths.
Answer: The correct answer is (1)
Refer: RSC2601 Study Guide, pg. 8
Reasoning: Media Myths: The mass media, including television, films, newspapers and magazines
and, most recently, the Internet, have a powerful influence on knowledge. Most
people learn about the world and develop their concept of social reality according to
what they see, hear and read in the media. However, as Neuman (1997) points out, the
chief purpose of the media is to entertain, not to present reality accurately. Writers
who adapt real life for television shows and films scripts distort reality, often relying on
tradition, authority or common sense. Writers for newspapers and magazines have
deadlines which limit their information and they cannot be specialists in every topic
they write about. Mistakes may be made from ignorance. Public thinking can be
changed by selective emphasis, and this, in turn, can lead people into error.
QUESTION 5
, RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences – Assignments with Feedback – 2014,
2016, 2017 and 2018 – Both Semesters
3
Which one of the following is NOT a criterion for determining causality?
1) temporal order
2) association
3) elimination of alternatives
4) logical reasoning
5) operationalization
Answer: The correct answer is (5)
Refer: RSC2601 Study Guide, pp. 64-65
Reasoning: In quantitative research we intend to establish causal connections between things. Our
hypotheses are therefore constructed so as to be able to reflect such connections.
Causal explanations identify a cause and effect relationship between phenomena. Four
conditions need to be met to establish whether a causal relationship exists between
phenomena:
• First, the cause should become apparent or change in some way be¬fore the
effect, or any change in the effect, is observed. This suggests that there should be
a time delay between the cause and the effect.
• Second, the variation (change) in the phenomena linked should occur in both the
cause and the effect. This suggests that the cause and effect are associated.
However, we have to make sure that no spurious fac¬tors are operating. Because,
if such factors are operating, the assumed relationship between the cause and
effect will then be false.
• The third condition, therefore, is that all possible factors influencing the
relationship between the phenomena linked must be taken into consid¬eration. By
eliminating all other possible explanations, we can have more confidence that
there is a cause-and-effect relationship between the phe-nomena. All three of
these conditions mentioned need to be met before we can establish causality.
However, the third condition, namely that we should exclude alternatives, is never
complete. It is an ongoing process because new explanations continue to crop up
as our knowledge develops.
• Fourth, the rationale for the proposed relationship between phenom¬ena should
be based on careful reasoning.
QUESTION 6
In social science research induction is the process:
a) whereby the researcher becomes familiar with a particular setting.
b) through which theory is tested.
c) whereby abstract concepts are made concrete variables.
d) through which theory is built.
e) through which general statements are derived from specific evidence.
1) (a) (c)
2) (b) (c)
3) (c) (d)
4) (d) (e)
5) (b) (e)
Answer: The correct answer is (4)
, RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences – Assignments with Feedback – 2014,
2016, 2017 and 2018 – Both Semesters
Refer: Feedback on assignment 4
Reasoning: The process, induction, is described in section 2.2.4 of the study guide (see pages 56.
57, 76 and 77). You have to identify the statements describing induction.
Statement (a) describes how researchers orientate themselves to a setting when they
begin to conduct research. This is not the process of induction. Since option (1) lists
statement (a), it can be excluded as a possible answer to this question.
Statement (b) implies a link between theory and research based on deductive
reasoning (see page 56). Options (2) and (5), listing statement (b), can be excluded as
possible answers to the question.
Statement (c) describes a deductive process. In testing theory, abstract concepts have
to be operationalised into concrete variables (see page 56). Options (1), (2) and (3) list
statement (c) and can be excluded as potential answers to the question.
Through the process of elimination above, option (4) remains the only possible answer
to this question. Option (4) includes statements (d) and (e).
Statement (d) suggests that Induction entails a process of theory building. According to
statement (e) this occurs through deriving general statements from specific evidence.
On pages 57 and 76 of the study guide induction is described as the process through
which the concrete and specific domain of research is linked to the abstract and
general domain of theory. Statements (d) and (e) are correct and option (4) is the
answer to this question.
QUESTION 7
Which one of the following statements is the best example of a hypothesis?
1) More women than men register to study in the social sciences.
2) Alienation is a consequence of powerlessness.
3) Religiousness equals the frequency of church attendance.
4) The higher the level of education, the more liberal the political outlook.
5) The level of maturity depends on age.
Answer: The correct answer is (4)
Refer: Feedback on assignment
Reasoning: The hypothesis is discussed from page 65 to 67 in the study guide. You are given
examples of hypotheses in this section and the question asks you to identify the
statement which provides the ' best example". This implies the statement which
provides the most comprehensive example of a hypothesis. In assessing the options,
you have to ask yourself whether the minimum requirements for a hypothesis are met:
Are two or more variables related to each other and is the statement testable? You can
also ask whether the relationship between the variables is specified. If this is done, It
suggests a more comprehensive hypothesis.
• The statement in option (1) suggests a research finding (the result of a
measurement), rather than a hypothesis. This statement is a factual report,
2016, 2017 and 2018 – Both Semesters
ASSIGNMENT 1, Semester 1 - 2014 1
QUESTION 1
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.
1) (a)
2) (a) (b)
3) (c)
Answer: The correct answer is (2)
Refer: Feedback on assignment
Reasoning: • 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 2
Which norm of the scientific community is trespassed in the following scenario?
A scientist, employed by a government medical research laboratory, discovers an agent that can
drastically reduce the transmission of HIV from mother to unborn baby. He keeps his discovery a
secret. The scientist resigns from the laboratory taking the formula for the agent with him for later
personal financial gain.
1) trespassing communalism in science
2) lack of interest in the welfare of people
3) entrepreneurial vision in the present capitalistic dominated society
4) a lack of honesty in the scientific community
Answer: The correct answer is (1)
Refer: Feedback on assignment
Reasoning: • Option (1) is the correct answer because being scientific implies that
researchers will make their information known to the scientific community
without forfeiting acknowledgement and possible rewards for their work, It is
precisely this norm of scientific commonality that leads to scientific progress
which is made known inter alia in scientific journals and during conferences.
• Option (2) is incorrect because the welfare of people is not the primary
concern of the scientific community.
• Option (3) is incorrect because it is not an offence to develop
entrepreneurship amidst scientific enterprise.
• Option (4) is incorrect because honesty is incorporated within the context of
, RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences – Assignments with Feedback – 2014,
2016, 2017 and 2018 – Both Semesters
communalism in science. A lack of honesty refers to deliberate false reporting 2
of results with the aim to mislead people.
QUESTION 3
Ms Ndlovu runs a health education programme on the prevention of the spread of HIV each first
Monday of the month on the importance of condom use. During February she trains clients
regarding the importance of using condoms. In April she finds that the majority of the clients still do
NOT use condoms. She concludes that the clients show a lack of knowledge as well as a negative
attitude towards the prevention of the spread of HIV.
This is an example of:
1) ego involvement.
2) overgeneralisation.
3) inaccurate observation.
4) premature closure.
Answer: The correct answer is (4)
Refer: Feedback on assignment
Reasoning: • Option (4) is correct because the changing of sexual behaviours is quite
complex and the time period that elapsed between the education programme
and the follow-up is too short to assess behaviour change.
• Option (1) is incorrect as there are no indications of any personal agenda or
bias on the part of Mrs Ndlovu.
• Option (2) is incorrect because Mrs Ndlovu does not claim that the research
results apply to all people.
• Option (3) is incorrect because the observation Mrs Ndlovu made is in fact
correct despite the fact that she might not be c orrect with regards to the
reasons why the participants do not use condoms
QUESTION 4
"Violence in the media reflects violence in society". This statement is an example of ":
1) tradition.
2) mysticism.
3) common sense.
4) media myths.
Answer: The correct answer is (1)
Refer: RSC2601 Study Guide, pg. 8
Reasoning: Media Myths: The mass media, including television, films, newspapers and magazines
and, most recently, the Internet, have a powerful influence on knowledge. Most
people learn about the world and develop their concept of social reality according to
what they see, hear and read in the media. However, as Neuman (1997) points out, the
chief purpose of the media is to entertain, not to present reality accurately. Writers
who adapt real life for television shows and films scripts distort reality, often relying on
tradition, authority or common sense. Writers for newspapers and magazines have
deadlines which limit their information and they cannot be specialists in every topic
they write about. Mistakes may be made from ignorance. Public thinking can be
changed by selective emphasis, and this, in turn, can lead people into error.
QUESTION 5
, RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences – Assignments with Feedback – 2014,
2016, 2017 and 2018 – Both Semesters
3
Which one of the following is NOT a criterion for determining causality?
1) temporal order
2) association
3) elimination of alternatives
4) logical reasoning
5) operationalization
Answer: The correct answer is (5)
Refer: RSC2601 Study Guide, pp. 64-65
Reasoning: In quantitative research we intend to establish causal connections between things. Our
hypotheses are therefore constructed so as to be able to reflect such connections.
Causal explanations identify a cause and effect relationship between phenomena. Four
conditions need to be met to establish whether a causal relationship exists between
phenomena:
• First, the cause should become apparent or change in some way be¬fore the
effect, or any change in the effect, is observed. This suggests that there should be
a time delay between the cause and the effect.
• Second, the variation (change) in the phenomena linked should occur in both the
cause and the effect. This suggests that the cause and effect are associated.
However, we have to make sure that no spurious fac¬tors are operating. Because,
if such factors are operating, the assumed relationship between the cause and
effect will then be false.
• The third condition, therefore, is that all possible factors influencing the
relationship between the phenomena linked must be taken into consid¬eration. By
eliminating all other possible explanations, we can have more confidence that
there is a cause-and-effect relationship between the phe-nomena. All three of
these conditions mentioned need to be met before we can establish causality.
However, the third condition, namely that we should exclude alternatives, is never
complete. It is an ongoing process because new explanations continue to crop up
as our knowledge develops.
• Fourth, the rationale for the proposed relationship between phenom¬ena should
be based on careful reasoning.
QUESTION 6
In social science research induction is the process:
a) whereby the researcher becomes familiar with a particular setting.
b) through which theory is tested.
c) whereby abstract concepts are made concrete variables.
d) through which theory is built.
e) through which general statements are derived from specific evidence.
1) (a) (c)
2) (b) (c)
3) (c) (d)
4) (d) (e)
5) (b) (e)
Answer: The correct answer is (4)
, RSC2601 – Research in Social Sciences – Assignments with Feedback – 2014,
2016, 2017 and 2018 – Both Semesters
Refer: Feedback on assignment 4
Reasoning: The process, induction, is described in section 2.2.4 of the study guide (see pages 56.
57, 76 and 77). You have to identify the statements describing induction.
Statement (a) describes how researchers orientate themselves to a setting when they
begin to conduct research. This is not the process of induction. Since option (1) lists
statement (a), it can be excluded as a possible answer to this question.
Statement (b) implies a link between theory and research based on deductive
reasoning (see page 56). Options (2) and (5), listing statement (b), can be excluded as
possible answers to the question.
Statement (c) describes a deductive process. In testing theory, abstract concepts have
to be operationalised into concrete variables (see page 56). Options (1), (2) and (3) list
statement (c) and can be excluded as potential answers to the question.
Through the process of elimination above, option (4) remains the only possible answer
to this question. Option (4) includes statements (d) and (e).
Statement (d) suggests that Induction entails a process of theory building. According to
statement (e) this occurs through deriving general statements from specific evidence.
On pages 57 and 76 of the study guide induction is described as the process through
which the concrete and specific domain of research is linked to the abstract and
general domain of theory. Statements (d) and (e) are correct and option (4) is the
answer to this question.
QUESTION 7
Which one of the following statements is the best example of a hypothesis?
1) More women than men register to study in the social sciences.
2) Alienation is a consequence of powerlessness.
3) Religiousness equals the frequency of church attendance.
4) The higher the level of education, the more liberal the political outlook.
5) The level of maturity depends on age.
Answer: The correct answer is (4)
Refer: Feedback on assignment
Reasoning: The hypothesis is discussed from page 65 to 67 in the study guide. You are given
examples of hypotheses in this section and the question asks you to identify the
statement which provides the ' best example". This implies the statement which
provides the most comprehensive example of a hypothesis. In assessing the options,
you have to ask yourself whether the minimum requirements for a hypothesis are met:
Are two or more variables related to each other and is the statement testable? You can
also ask whether the relationship between the variables is specified. If this is done, It
suggests a more comprehensive hypothesis.
• The statement in option (1) suggests a research finding (the result of a
measurement), rather than a hypothesis. This statement is a factual report,
