Fall Semester 2025 | UNISA Assignment | RSE4801 –
Research in Education | Complete Answers,
Methodology Guides & Updated Study Notes | Due
November/December 2025
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of qualitative research in educational settings?
• A) To generate numerical data for statistical analysis
• B) To understand the experiences and perspectives of participants
• C) To establish cause-and-effect relationships
• D) To develop standardized tests
Correct Option: B
Rationale: The primary purpose of qualitative research is to explore and understand the
meanings individuals or groups assign to a phenomenon. In education, this often
includes insights into students' and teachers' experiences, feelings, and perceptions,
rather than focusing solely on numerical data.
Question 2:
Which sampling method is most appropriate for ensuring diversity in qualitative
research?
• A) Random sampling
• B) Purposive sampling
• C) Convenience sampling
• D) Snowball sampling
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Purposive sampling allows researchers to select participants who reflect
specific characteristics or qualities relevant to the research question. This is crucial in
qualitative studies to capture a wide range of perspectives, thereby enhancing the
richness of the data.
Question 3:
In educational action research, what is the most critical component?
• A) Large sample sizes
• B) Reflection on practice
• C) Statistical analysis
, • D) Longitudinal data collection
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Action research emphasizes reflection on practice as a means to improve
educational strategies and outcomes. It is a cyclical process where educators identify
issues, implement strategies, collect data, reflect, and refine their practices.
Question 4:
What is the main limitation of using surveys in educational research?
• A) They provide quantitative data only
• B) They may not capture the depth of participants' understanding
• C) They are time-consuming to administer
• D) They are expensive to conduct
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Surveys are excellent for gathering broad information but often fail to delve
deeply into complex issues or understand the rationale behind participants’ responses.
This limitation can hinder the richness of data needed in educational research.
Question 5:
What technique is commonly used to analyze qualitative data?
• A) Regression analysis
• B) Thematic analysis
• C) ANOVA
• D) Descriptive statistics
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Thematic analysis is a widely used qualitative data analysis method that
involves identifying, analyzing, and reporting themes within data. This technique
enables researchers to interpret various aspects of the research topic effectively.
Question 6:
Which of the following is a characteristic of quantitative research?
• A) Focus on subjective experiences
• B) Use of statistical methods
, • C) Narrative data collection
• D) Open-ended questions
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Quantitative research is characterized by the use of statistical methods to
analyze numerical data. This approach aims to quantify variables and generalize
findings across populations, making it distinct from qualitative research.
Question 7:
In mixed-method research, what is the primary advantage?
• A) Combines strengths of both qualitative and quantitative approaches
• B) Limits the scope of data collection
• C) Focuses solely on statistical relationships
• D) Reduces the need for participant interaction
Correct Option: A
Rationale: Mixed-method research merges qualitative and quantitative approaches,
allowing for a more comprehensive analysis. It leverages the strengths of both
methodologies to enrich the data and provide a fuller understanding of the research
question.
Question 8:
What should be the first step in conducting a research study?
• A) Data collection
• B) Identifying a research question
• C) Reviewing the literature
• D) Analysis of data
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Identifying a clear and focused research question is the foundation of any
research study. It guides the entire research process, including literature review,
methodology, and analysis.
Question 9:
What is triangulation in educational research?
, • A) Using multiple hypothesis tests
• B) Employing different methodologies to study the same phenomenon
• C) Analyzing data from a single source only
• D) A technique to measure reliability
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Triangulation refers to the use of multiple methodologies or data sources to
enhance the credibility and validity of research findings. It allows researchers to view a
phenomenon from various perspectives and strengthens the overall conclusions.
Question 10:
What type of validity examines whether a test measures what it claims to measure?
• A) Construct validity
• B) Internal validity
• C) External validity
• D) Content validity
Correct Option: A
Rationale: Construct validity assesses whether a tool accurately measures the
theoretical construct it is intended to measure. This is critical for ensuring that the
research findings are meaningful and relevant to the research question.
Question 11:
Which ethical consideration involves ensuring that participants are not put at risk
during research?
• A) Informed consent
• B) Confidentiality
• C) Beneficence
• D) Justice
Correct Option: C
Rationale: Beneficence is an ethical principle that mandates researchers to maximize
benefits and minimize any potential harm to participants. This principle is crucial in
educational research to maintain participant safety and well-being.
Research in Education | Complete Answers,
Methodology Guides & Updated Study Notes | Due
November/December 2025
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of qualitative research in educational settings?
• A) To generate numerical data for statistical analysis
• B) To understand the experiences and perspectives of participants
• C) To establish cause-and-effect relationships
• D) To develop standardized tests
Correct Option: B
Rationale: The primary purpose of qualitative research is to explore and understand the
meanings individuals or groups assign to a phenomenon. In education, this often
includes insights into students' and teachers' experiences, feelings, and perceptions,
rather than focusing solely on numerical data.
Question 2:
Which sampling method is most appropriate for ensuring diversity in qualitative
research?
• A) Random sampling
• B) Purposive sampling
• C) Convenience sampling
• D) Snowball sampling
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Purposive sampling allows researchers to select participants who reflect
specific characteristics or qualities relevant to the research question. This is crucial in
qualitative studies to capture a wide range of perspectives, thereby enhancing the
richness of the data.
Question 3:
In educational action research, what is the most critical component?
• A) Large sample sizes
• B) Reflection on practice
• C) Statistical analysis
, • D) Longitudinal data collection
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Action research emphasizes reflection on practice as a means to improve
educational strategies and outcomes. It is a cyclical process where educators identify
issues, implement strategies, collect data, reflect, and refine their practices.
Question 4:
What is the main limitation of using surveys in educational research?
• A) They provide quantitative data only
• B) They may not capture the depth of participants' understanding
• C) They are time-consuming to administer
• D) They are expensive to conduct
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Surveys are excellent for gathering broad information but often fail to delve
deeply into complex issues or understand the rationale behind participants’ responses.
This limitation can hinder the richness of data needed in educational research.
Question 5:
What technique is commonly used to analyze qualitative data?
• A) Regression analysis
• B) Thematic analysis
• C) ANOVA
• D) Descriptive statistics
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Thematic analysis is a widely used qualitative data analysis method that
involves identifying, analyzing, and reporting themes within data. This technique
enables researchers to interpret various aspects of the research topic effectively.
Question 6:
Which of the following is a characteristic of quantitative research?
• A) Focus on subjective experiences
• B) Use of statistical methods
, • C) Narrative data collection
• D) Open-ended questions
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Quantitative research is characterized by the use of statistical methods to
analyze numerical data. This approach aims to quantify variables and generalize
findings across populations, making it distinct from qualitative research.
Question 7:
In mixed-method research, what is the primary advantage?
• A) Combines strengths of both qualitative and quantitative approaches
• B) Limits the scope of data collection
• C) Focuses solely on statistical relationships
• D) Reduces the need for participant interaction
Correct Option: A
Rationale: Mixed-method research merges qualitative and quantitative approaches,
allowing for a more comprehensive analysis. It leverages the strengths of both
methodologies to enrich the data and provide a fuller understanding of the research
question.
Question 8:
What should be the first step in conducting a research study?
• A) Data collection
• B) Identifying a research question
• C) Reviewing the literature
• D) Analysis of data
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Identifying a clear and focused research question is the foundation of any
research study. It guides the entire research process, including literature review,
methodology, and analysis.
Question 9:
What is triangulation in educational research?
, • A) Using multiple hypothesis tests
• B) Employing different methodologies to study the same phenomenon
• C) Analyzing data from a single source only
• D) A technique to measure reliability
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Triangulation refers to the use of multiple methodologies or data sources to
enhance the credibility and validity of research findings. It allows researchers to view a
phenomenon from various perspectives and strengthens the overall conclusions.
Question 10:
What type of validity examines whether a test measures what it claims to measure?
• A) Construct validity
• B) Internal validity
• C) External validity
• D) Content validity
Correct Option: A
Rationale: Construct validity assesses whether a tool accurately measures the
theoretical construct it is intended to measure. This is critical for ensuring that the
research findings are meaningful and relevant to the research question.
Question 11:
Which ethical consideration involves ensuring that participants are not put at risk
during research?
• A) Informed consent
• B) Confidentiality
• C) Beneficence
• D) Justice
Correct Option: C
Rationale: Beneficence is an ethical principle that mandates researchers to maximize
benefits and minimize any potential harm to participants. This principle is crucial in
educational research to maintain participant safety and well-being.
