Fall Semester 2025 | UNISA Assignment | RSE4801 –
Research in Education | Complete Answers,
Research Methods & Updated Study Guide | Due
November/December 2025
1. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of qualitative research?
• A) Subjective interpretation
• B) Statistical analysis
• C) Contextual understanding
• D) Participant observation
Correct Option: B) Statistical analysis
Rationale: Qualitative research focuses on understanding phenomena through context
and experiences, often employing subjective interpretation and observational methods.
Statistical analysis is a characteristic of quantitative research, which relies on
numerical data and objective measures.
2. What is the primary purpose of a literature review in educational research?
• A) To find new research techniques
• B) To summarize findings from previous studies
• C) To demonstrate compliance with ethical standards
• D) To analyze raw data
Correct Option: B) To summarize findings from previous studies
Rationale: A literature review compiles and synthesizes existing research to offer
insights into current knowledge, identify gaps, and provide a framework for further
investigation.
3. What is the role of a hypothesis in educational research?
• A) To analyze data collected from participants
• B) To serve as a statement to be tested through research
• C) To guide the research design and methodology
• D) To ensure ethical considerations are addressed
Correct Option: C) To guide the research design and methodology
,Rationale: A hypothesis provides a framework for the research, guiding the design and
methodology. It establishes the research question's focus and can be tested through
various methods, making it a crucial component of the research process.
4. Which sampling method involves selecting participants based on specific
characteristics?
• A) Random sampling
• B) Purposive sampling
• C) Stratified sampling
• D) Convenience sampling
Correct Option: B) Purposive sampling
Rationale: Purposive sampling selects participants based on specific characteristics
pertinent to the research study. This method is often used in qualitative research when
the researcher needs to gather insights from particular groups relevant to the study's
focus.
5. What does triangulation mean in the context of educational research?
• A) Using multiple hypotheses
• B) Combining different methods or data sources
• C) Testing a single hypothesis multiple times
• D) Ensuring ethical practices are followed
Correct Option: B) Combining different methods or data sources
Rationale: Triangulation involves using multiple methods, data sources, or
perspectives to enrich the research process and validate findings. It enhances the
credibility and reliability of the results by providing a more comprehensive
understanding of the research question.
6. Which type of research design allows for data collection at multiple points in
time?
• A) Cross-sectional study
• B) Longitudinal study
• C) Case study
• D) Experimental design
Correct Option: B) Longitudinal study
,Rationale: A longitudinal study collects data from the same subjects at multiple points
over time, allowing researchers to observe changes and developments. This design is
particularly useful for studying trends across different stages of growth or educational
interventions.
7. In qualitative research, what technique is often used to obtain rich, detailed
data?
• A) Surveys
• B) In-depth interviews
• C) Focus group discussions
• D) Standardized tests
Correct Option: B) In-depth interviews
Rationale: In-depth interviews are a primary method in qualitative research, allowing
researchers to explore participants’ thoughts and feelings deeply. This technique can
uncover nuances and complexities in experiences, which are vital for understanding
educational phenomena.
8. Which of the following is a primary ethical consideration in educational
research?
• A) Statistical validity
• B) Informed consent
• C) Data analysis techniques
• D) Sample size determination
Correct Option: B) Informed consent
Rationale: Informed consent is crucial in educational research to ensure that
participants understand the study's purpose, procedures, and potential risks. Ethical
research prioritizes participants' rights and autonomy, making informed consent a
fundamental requirement.
9. What is a key characteristic of quantitative research?
• A) Participant observation
• B) Open-ended questions
• C) Use of numerical data
, • D) Subjective analysis
Correct Option: C) Use of numerical data
Rationale: Quantitative research relies on numerical data that can be statistically
analyzed. This type of research often tests hypotheses and seeks to establish
generalizable patterns or relationships through objective measures.
10. What type of sampling involves dividing the population into subgroups before
sampling?
• A) Random sampling
• B) Stratified sampling
• C) Convenience sampling
• D) Purposive sampling
Correct Option: B) Stratified sampling
Rationale: Stratified sampling involves dividing the population into distinct subgroups
or strata (e.g., by age, gender) and then randomly sampling from these groups. This
method ensures representation across different segments, improving the study's
generalizability.
11. Which data collection method is often used to gather information from a large
number of respondents?
• A) Interviews
• B) Surveys
• C) Observations
• D) Case studies
Correct Option: B) Surveys
Rationale: Surveys are commonly used to collect data from large groups efficiently.
They often include structured questions that can be easily quantified, enabling
researchers to analyze trends and patterns across numerous respondents.
12. The concept of validity in research refers to what?
• A) The consistency of results
• B) The accuracy of the measurements or findings
Research in Education | Complete Answers,
Research Methods & Updated Study Guide | Due
November/December 2025
1. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of qualitative research?
• A) Subjective interpretation
• B) Statistical analysis
• C) Contextual understanding
• D) Participant observation
Correct Option: B) Statistical analysis
Rationale: Qualitative research focuses on understanding phenomena through context
and experiences, often employing subjective interpretation and observational methods.
Statistical analysis is a characteristic of quantitative research, which relies on
numerical data and objective measures.
2. What is the primary purpose of a literature review in educational research?
• A) To find new research techniques
• B) To summarize findings from previous studies
• C) To demonstrate compliance with ethical standards
• D) To analyze raw data
Correct Option: B) To summarize findings from previous studies
Rationale: A literature review compiles and synthesizes existing research to offer
insights into current knowledge, identify gaps, and provide a framework for further
investigation.
3. What is the role of a hypothesis in educational research?
• A) To analyze data collected from participants
• B) To serve as a statement to be tested through research
• C) To guide the research design and methodology
• D) To ensure ethical considerations are addressed
Correct Option: C) To guide the research design and methodology
,Rationale: A hypothesis provides a framework for the research, guiding the design and
methodology. It establishes the research question's focus and can be tested through
various methods, making it a crucial component of the research process.
4. Which sampling method involves selecting participants based on specific
characteristics?
• A) Random sampling
• B) Purposive sampling
• C) Stratified sampling
• D) Convenience sampling
Correct Option: B) Purposive sampling
Rationale: Purposive sampling selects participants based on specific characteristics
pertinent to the research study. This method is often used in qualitative research when
the researcher needs to gather insights from particular groups relevant to the study's
focus.
5. What does triangulation mean in the context of educational research?
• A) Using multiple hypotheses
• B) Combining different methods or data sources
• C) Testing a single hypothesis multiple times
• D) Ensuring ethical practices are followed
Correct Option: B) Combining different methods or data sources
Rationale: Triangulation involves using multiple methods, data sources, or
perspectives to enrich the research process and validate findings. It enhances the
credibility and reliability of the results by providing a more comprehensive
understanding of the research question.
6. Which type of research design allows for data collection at multiple points in
time?
• A) Cross-sectional study
• B) Longitudinal study
• C) Case study
• D) Experimental design
Correct Option: B) Longitudinal study
,Rationale: A longitudinal study collects data from the same subjects at multiple points
over time, allowing researchers to observe changes and developments. This design is
particularly useful for studying trends across different stages of growth or educational
interventions.
7. In qualitative research, what technique is often used to obtain rich, detailed
data?
• A) Surveys
• B) In-depth interviews
• C) Focus group discussions
• D) Standardized tests
Correct Option: B) In-depth interviews
Rationale: In-depth interviews are a primary method in qualitative research, allowing
researchers to explore participants’ thoughts and feelings deeply. This technique can
uncover nuances and complexities in experiences, which are vital for understanding
educational phenomena.
8. Which of the following is a primary ethical consideration in educational
research?
• A) Statistical validity
• B) Informed consent
• C) Data analysis techniques
• D) Sample size determination
Correct Option: B) Informed consent
Rationale: Informed consent is crucial in educational research to ensure that
participants understand the study's purpose, procedures, and potential risks. Ethical
research prioritizes participants' rights and autonomy, making informed consent a
fundamental requirement.
9. What is a key characteristic of quantitative research?
• A) Participant observation
• B) Open-ended questions
• C) Use of numerical data
, • D) Subjective analysis
Correct Option: C) Use of numerical data
Rationale: Quantitative research relies on numerical data that can be statistically
analyzed. This type of research often tests hypotheses and seeks to establish
generalizable patterns or relationships through objective measures.
10. What type of sampling involves dividing the population into subgroups before
sampling?
• A) Random sampling
• B) Stratified sampling
• C) Convenience sampling
• D) Purposive sampling
Correct Option: B) Stratified sampling
Rationale: Stratified sampling involves dividing the population into distinct subgroups
or strata (e.g., by age, gender) and then randomly sampling from these groups. This
method ensures representation across different segments, improving the study's
generalizability.
11. Which data collection method is often used to gather information from a large
number of respondents?
• A) Interviews
• B) Surveys
• C) Observations
• D) Case studies
Correct Option: B) Surveys
Rationale: Surveys are commonly used to collect data from large groups efficiently.
They often include structured questions that can be easily quantified, enabling
researchers to analyze trends and patterns across numerous respondents.
12. The concept of validity in research refers to what?
• A) The consistency of results
• B) The accuracy of the measurements or findings
