Fall Semester 2025 | UNISA Assignment | RSE4801 –
Research in Education | Complete Answers,
Research Methods & Updated Study Guide | Due
November/December 2025
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of qualitative research in education?
• A) To test hypotheses through quantitative data
• B) To explore and understand complex phenomena
• C) To analyze numerical data for statistical significance
• D) To predict future trends through modeling
Correct Option: B) To explore and understand complex phenomena
Rationale: Qualitative research is aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of social
phenomena. It allows researchers to explore behaviors, experiences, and motivations in
detail. This approach is often used when the focus is on understanding rather than
measuring, making it essential for educational research that wishes to delve into the
subjective experiences of students and educators.
Question 2:
Which of the following is a key characteristic of a longitudinal study?
• A) It examines a single variable at one point in time
• B) It analyzes data from multiple subjects simultaneously
• C) It collects data over an extended period to observe changes
• D) It involves random sampling from a population
Correct Option: C) It collects data over an extended period to observe changes
Rationale: Longitudinal studies track the same subjects over a period of time, allowing
researchers to observe changes and developments within individuals or groups. This
method is particularly valuable in educational research to examine the impact of
educational interventions or the development of skills over time.
Question 3:
In educational research, what does the term "triangulation" refer to?
• A) Using multiple statistical tests to verify findings
• B) Combining qualitative and quantitative research methods
, • C) Collecting data from three different populations
• D) Implementing three interventions in an experimental study
Correct Option: B) Combining qualitative and quantitative research methods
Rationale: Triangulation refers to the use of multiple methods or data sources in
research to enhance the credibility and validity of the results. In educational research,
this often means blending qualitative methods (such as interviews) with quantitative
methods (such as surveys) to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the
research question.
Question 4:
What is the significance of a literature review in the research process?
• A) To present personal opinions on a topic
• B) To summarize existing research and identify gaps
• C) To gather data for the research study
• D) To write the final conclusion of the research
Correct Option: B) To summarize existing research and identify gaps
Rationale: A literature review serves as a foundation for research by synthesizing
existing knowledge on a topic. It identifies gaps in the current research landscape,
guiding researchers on where to focus their inquiries. This understanding can help in
formulating research questions that are both relevant and significant to the field of
education.
Question 5:
What is the primary advantage of using a mixed-methods approach in educational
research?
• A) It simplifies the research process
• B) It enhances the reliability of the findings
• C) It limits the scope of data collection
• D) It produces results more quickly
Correct Option: B) It enhances the reliability of the findings
Rationale: A mixed-methods approach combines qualitative and quantitative research
methods, integrating the strengths of both. This not only enriches the data collected but
also allows for triangulation, enhancing the reliability and validity of findings. By
corroborating results across different methods, researchers can produce more robust
and trustworthy conclusions.
,Question 6:
In the context of educational research, what is the role of a research question?
• A) To summarize the entire study
• B) To guide the data collection and analysis process
• C) To determine the study's funding
• D) To dictate the outcome of the research
Correct Option: B) To guide the data collection and analysis process
Rationale: A research question is fundamental as it directs the research design,
methodology, and analytical strategies. Well-formulated questions help in narrowing
down the focus, ensuring that data collection is relevant and aligned with the study's
objectives. This clarity is crucial to maintaining the study’s integrity and ensuring that
the research contributes meaningful insights to the field.
Question 7:
Which of the following best describes a "randomized control trial" (RCT) in
educational research?
• A) A method where participants choose their groups
• B) A comparative study without a control group
• C) An experimental design that randomly assigns participants to a treatment or
control group
• D) A qualitative approach focused on narratives
Correct Option: C) An experimental design that randomly assigns participants to a
treatment or control group
Rationale: An RCT is considered the gold standard in educational research for
evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. By randomly assigning participants to
either a treatment group or a control group, researchers can minimize biases and
isolate the effects of the intervention. This design allows for strong conclusions about
causal relationships, making it essential for assessing educational practices.
Question 8:
What does the term "validity" refer to in educational research?
• A) The consistency of measurements over time
• B) The degree to which a tool measures what it claims to measure
• C) The average score of participants
, • D) The number of participants in a study
Correct Option: B) The degree to which a tool measures what it claims to measure
Rationale: Validity is a critical aspect of research that assures the accuracy and
relevance of the findings. It encompasses various types, such as construct validity,
content validity, and criterion-related validity, each assessing whether the research
instruments (e.g., tests, surveys) appropriately measure the intended constructs. High
validity ensures that researchers can confidently interpret their results in relation to the
educational questions posed.
Question 9:
What is the significance of informed consent in educational research?
• A) It allows researchers to skip ethical reviews
• B) It ensures participants understand the study's purpose and procedures
• C) It is only necessary for research involving minors
• D) It guarantees the results will be accepted by the scientific community
Correct Option: B) It ensures participants understand the study's purpose and
procedures
Rationale: Informed consent is a cornerstone of ethical research practices. It requires
researchers to provide clear and comprehensive information regarding the study’s
purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits, ensuring that participants can make an
informed decision about their involvement. This practice promotes respect for
participants’ autonomy and contributes to the ethical integrity of educational research.
Question 10:
How does "grounded theory" differ from other qualitative research methodologies?
• A) It starts with a hypothesis to test
• B) It develops theory from data rather than imposing it
• C) It focuses exclusively on numerical data
• D) It uses surveys as the primary data collection tool
Correct Option: B) It develops theory from data rather than imposing it
Rationale: Grounded theory is a qualitative research methodology that emphasizes
generating theories from the data collected during the research process. Unlike
traditional approaches that begin with existing theories, grounded theory aims to
construct theories that are grounded in real-world observations and experiences. This
Research in Education | Complete Answers,
Research Methods & Updated Study Guide | Due
November/December 2025
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of qualitative research in education?
• A) To test hypotheses through quantitative data
• B) To explore and understand complex phenomena
• C) To analyze numerical data for statistical significance
• D) To predict future trends through modeling
Correct Option: B) To explore and understand complex phenomena
Rationale: Qualitative research is aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of social
phenomena. It allows researchers to explore behaviors, experiences, and motivations in
detail. This approach is often used when the focus is on understanding rather than
measuring, making it essential for educational research that wishes to delve into the
subjective experiences of students and educators.
Question 2:
Which of the following is a key characteristic of a longitudinal study?
• A) It examines a single variable at one point in time
• B) It analyzes data from multiple subjects simultaneously
• C) It collects data over an extended period to observe changes
• D) It involves random sampling from a population
Correct Option: C) It collects data over an extended period to observe changes
Rationale: Longitudinal studies track the same subjects over a period of time, allowing
researchers to observe changes and developments within individuals or groups. This
method is particularly valuable in educational research to examine the impact of
educational interventions or the development of skills over time.
Question 3:
In educational research, what does the term "triangulation" refer to?
• A) Using multiple statistical tests to verify findings
• B) Combining qualitative and quantitative research methods
, • C) Collecting data from three different populations
• D) Implementing three interventions in an experimental study
Correct Option: B) Combining qualitative and quantitative research methods
Rationale: Triangulation refers to the use of multiple methods or data sources in
research to enhance the credibility and validity of the results. In educational research,
this often means blending qualitative methods (such as interviews) with quantitative
methods (such as surveys) to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the
research question.
Question 4:
What is the significance of a literature review in the research process?
• A) To present personal opinions on a topic
• B) To summarize existing research and identify gaps
• C) To gather data for the research study
• D) To write the final conclusion of the research
Correct Option: B) To summarize existing research and identify gaps
Rationale: A literature review serves as a foundation for research by synthesizing
existing knowledge on a topic. It identifies gaps in the current research landscape,
guiding researchers on where to focus their inquiries. This understanding can help in
formulating research questions that are both relevant and significant to the field of
education.
Question 5:
What is the primary advantage of using a mixed-methods approach in educational
research?
• A) It simplifies the research process
• B) It enhances the reliability of the findings
• C) It limits the scope of data collection
• D) It produces results more quickly
Correct Option: B) It enhances the reliability of the findings
Rationale: A mixed-methods approach combines qualitative and quantitative research
methods, integrating the strengths of both. This not only enriches the data collected but
also allows for triangulation, enhancing the reliability and validity of findings. By
corroborating results across different methods, researchers can produce more robust
and trustworthy conclusions.
,Question 6:
In the context of educational research, what is the role of a research question?
• A) To summarize the entire study
• B) To guide the data collection and analysis process
• C) To determine the study's funding
• D) To dictate the outcome of the research
Correct Option: B) To guide the data collection and analysis process
Rationale: A research question is fundamental as it directs the research design,
methodology, and analytical strategies. Well-formulated questions help in narrowing
down the focus, ensuring that data collection is relevant and aligned with the study's
objectives. This clarity is crucial to maintaining the study’s integrity and ensuring that
the research contributes meaningful insights to the field.
Question 7:
Which of the following best describes a "randomized control trial" (RCT) in
educational research?
• A) A method where participants choose their groups
• B) A comparative study without a control group
• C) An experimental design that randomly assigns participants to a treatment or
control group
• D) A qualitative approach focused on narratives
Correct Option: C) An experimental design that randomly assigns participants to a
treatment or control group
Rationale: An RCT is considered the gold standard in educational research for
evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. By randomly assigning participants to
either a treatment group or a control group, researchers can minimize biases and
isolate the effects of the intervention. This design allows for strong conclusions about
causal relationships, making it essential for assessing educational practices.
Question 8:
What does the term "validity" refer to in educational research?
• A) The consistency of measurements over time
• B) The degree to which a tool measures what it claims to measure
• C) The average score of participants
, • D) The number of participants in a study
Correct Option: B) The degree to which a tool measures what it claims to measure
Rationale: Validity is a critical aspect of research that assures the accuracy and
relevance of the findings. It encompasses various types, such as construct validity,
content validity, and criterion-related validity, each assessing whether the research
instruments (e.g., tests, surveys) appropriately measure the intended constructs. High
validity ensures that researchers can confidently interpret their results in relation to the
educational questions posed.
Question 9:
What is the significance of informed consent in educational research?
• A) It allows researchers to skip ethical reviews
• B) It ensures participants understand the study's purpose and procedures
• C) It is only necessary for research involving minors
• D) It guarantees the results will be accepted by the scientific community
Correct Option: B) It ensures participants understand the study's purpose and
procedures
Rationale: Informed consent is a cornerstone of ethical research practices. It requires
researchers to provide clear and comprehensive information regarding the study’s
purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits, ensuring that participants can make an
informed decision about their involvement. This practice promotes respect for
participants’ autonomy and contributes to the ethical integrity of educational research.
Question 10:
How does "grounded theory" differ from other qualitative research methodologies?
• A) It starts with a hypothesis to test
• B) It develops theory from data rather than imposing it
• C) It focuses exclusively on numerical data
• D) It uses surveys as the primary data collection tool
Correct Option: B) It develops theory from data rather than imposing it
Rationale: Grounded theory is a qualitative research methodology that emphasizes
generating theories from the data collected during the research process. Unlike
traditional approaches that begin with existing theories, grounded theory aims to
construct theories that are grounded in real-world observations and experiences. This
