Fall Semester 2025 | UNISA Assignment | RSE4801 – Research in Education | Fully Updated 2025 Research Methods Guide, Assignment Answers & Exam-Aligned Content

Fall SemeSter 2025 | UNISa aSSIgNmeNt |
rSe4801 – reSearch IN edUcatIoN | FUlly
Updated 2025 reSearch methodS gUIde,
aSSIgNmeNt aNSwerS & exam-alIgNed coNteNt

Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of educational research?
A) To create new teaching methods
B) To improve educational practices
C) To study student behavior
D) To evaluate school budgets
**Correct Option: B) To improve educational practices
Rationale:
The primary purpose of educational research is to enhance the effectiveness of
teaching and learning processes. By systematically analyzing educational practices,
researchers aim to identify what works best in various contexts, ultimately leading to
improved outcomes for students.


Question 2:
Which research method is most appropriate for exploring the experiences of
students in a classroom?
A) Experimental research
B) Survey research
C) Case study research
D) Longitudinal research
**Correct Option: C) Case study research
Rationale:
Case study research is particularly effective for in-depth exploration of complex issues
within a real-life context. It allows researchers to gather comprehensive information
about a specific group, such as students in a classroom, capturing their experiences
and interactions in rich detail.


Question 3:
What is a mixed-methods research approach?
A) A method that uses only quantitative data
B) A method that combines qualitative and quantitative data

,C) A method that uses only qualitative data
D) A method that relies solely on statistical analysis
**Correct Option: B) A method that combines qualitative and quantitative data
Rationale:
A mixed-methods research approach integrates both qualitative and quantitative
research techniques, allowing researchers to provide a more comprehensive analysis of
research questions. This method leverages the strengths of both data types, offering
richer insights.
Question 4:
What is the role of a literature review in educational research?
A) To provide a summary of findings
B) To identify gaps in existing research
C) To collect data
D) To analyze statistical results
**Correct Option: B) To identify gaps in existing research
Rationale:
A literature review critically evaluates existing research on a topic, helping researchers
identify gaps that their study can address. It establishes the context and significance of
the new research, guiding the development of research questions and methods.


Question 5:
What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative research?
A) Qualitative research uses numbers; quantitative uses words
B) Qualitative research is subjective; quantitative is objective
C) Qualitative research is faster than quantitative
D) There is no significant difference
**Correct Option: B) Qualitative research is subjective; quantitative is objective
Rationale:
Qualitative research explores phenomena through subjective interpretations, focusing
on understanding experiences and meanings. In contrast, quantitative research relies
on objective measurements and statistical analyses to test hypotheses and quantify
relationships.


Question 6:
Which sampling technique involves selecting participants based on specific
characteristics?

,A) Random sampling
B) Stratified sampling
C) Convenience sampling
D) Purposive sampling
**Correct Option: D) Purposive sampling
Rationale:
Purposive sampling targets individuals who meet specific criteria relevant to the
research, allowing researchers to focus on particular characteristics or expertise that
are essential for the study, leading to more insightful data.


Question 7:
What is the primary ethical consideration in conducting educational research
involving minors?
A) Obtaining funding
B) Ensuring data is published
C) Informed consent
D) Using advanced technology
**Correct Option: C) Informed consent
Rationale:
Informed consent is crucial when conducting research with minors, as it ensures that
guardians or parents understand the study's purpose, procedures, and risks. This
protects the rights and welfare of child participants.


Question 8:
What does triangulation in research refer to?
A) Using one method to collect data
B) Applying multiple theoretical perspectives
C) Combining different methods or data sources
D) Focusing on a single study site
**Correct Option: C) Combining different methods or data sources
Rationale:
Triangulation enhances the credibility of research findings by using multiple data
collection methods, theories, or perspectives. It helps to corroborate results and
provides a more comprehensive understanding of the research question.


Question 9:

, Which of the following best describes a hypothesis?
A) A fact
B) A prediction
C) A conclusion
D) An assumption
**Correct Option: B) A prediction
Rationale:
A hypothesis is a testable prediction about the relationship between variables. It
provides a basis for experimentation and guides researchers in their investigations.


Question 10:
What is the primary focus of action research?
A) To test a hypothesis
B) To improve practices within a specific context
C) To evaluate long-term programs
D) To develop new theories
**Correct Option: B) To improve practices within a specific context
Rationale:
Action research aims to solve specific problems and improve practices in educational
settings. It involves a cyclical process of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting,
allowing practitioners to enhance their own performance and that of their students.


Question 11:
What type of research design is used to determine cause-and-effect relationships?
A) Descriptive research
B) Correlational research
C) Experimental research
D) Ethnographic research
**Correct Option: C) Experimental research
Rationale:
Experimental research is designed to establish cause-and-effect relationships by
manipulating variables and controlling conditions. This allows researchers to observe
the effects of independent variables on dependent variables, leading to clearer
conclusions.