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RSE4801 – RESEARCH IN EDUCATION |
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE AND
PRACTICE EXAMINATION (2026/2027) |
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA (UNISA)
HONOURS LEVEL (MOST RECENT UPDATE).
Table of Contents
1. Foundations of Psychological Research
2. Research Paradigms and Design
3. Literature Review and Conceptualisation
4. Research Proposals and Hypotheses
5. Research Methodology and Ethics
6. Data Analysis and Interpretation
7. The Research Report
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SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of psychological research?
A) To develop new technologies
B) To describe, explain, predict, and influence behaviour and mental processes
C) To prove common sense beliefs
D) To generate profit for research institutions
Correct Answer: B) To describe, explain, predict, and influence behaviour and mental
processes
Psychological research serves four primary goals: description (what is happening),
explanation (why it is happening), prediction (what will happen next), and influence (how to
change or control behaviour). These goals guide the entire research process and determine
the types of questions researchers ask.
Question 2: What is the difference between basic and applied research?
A) Basic research is conducted in laboratories; applied research is conducted in the field
B) Basic research aims to increase knowledge; applied research aims to solve practical
problems
C) Basic research is qualitative; applied research is quantitative
D) There is no difference
Correct Answer: B) Basic research aims to increase knowledge; applied research aims to
solve practical problems
Basic research (also called pure research) is conducted to expand the general body of
knowledge, without immediate concern for practical application. Applied research is
conducted to address specific, real-world problems. Both types of research are valuable and
contribute to the scientific enterprise.
Question 3: What is a research problem?
A) A question or issue that a researcher seeks to investigate
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B) A statistical error
C) A problem with the research methodology
D) A problem with the research participants
Correct Answer: A) A question or issue that a researcher seeks to investigate
A research problem is a clear statement of the question or issue that the researcher intends to
investigate. It identifies the gap in knowledge that the study aims to address and guides the
formulation of research questions and hypotheses.
Question 4: What is the role of theory in psychological research?
A) Theory is not important
B) Theory provides a framework for understanding phenomena, generating hypotheses, and
interpreting findings
C) Theory only matters for quantitative research
D) Theory replaces the need for data collection
Correct Answer: B) Theory provides a framework for understanding phenomena,
generating hypotheses, and interpreting findings
Theory is essential in psychological research. It provides a framework for understanding
phenomena, guides the formulation of research questions and hypotheses, and helps interpret
findings. Theoretical frameworks connect individual studies to the broader body of
knowledge in the field.
Question 5: What is the difference between a hypothesis and a research question?
A) A hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction; a research question is a broader inquiry
B) A research question is a specific prediction; a hypothesis is a broad inquiry
C) They are the same
D) A hypothesis is only for qualitative research
Correct Answer: A) A hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction; a research question is
a broader inquiry
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A research question is a broad inquiry that guides the study, while a hypothesis is a specific,
testable prediction derived from theory or previous research. Hypotheses are typically used in
quantitative and experimental research, while research questions are more common in
qualitative and exploratory studies.
Question 6: What is a variable in psychological research?
A) A characteristic or attribute that can take on different values
B) A constant factor
C) A research participant
D) A statistical test
Correct Answer: A) A characteristic or attribute that can take on different values
A variable is any characteristic or attribute that can take on different values across
individuals or situations. Examples include age, gender, anxiety level, and test scores.
Variables are the fundamental building blocks of psychological research.
Question 7: What is the difference between an independent variable and a dependent
variable?
A) The independent variable is measured; the dependent variable is manipulated
B) The independent variable is manipulated; the dependent variable is measured
C) They are the same
D) The independent variable is qualitative; the dependent variable is quantitative
Correct Answer: B) The independent variable is manipulated; the dependent variable is
measured
The independent variable is the variable that the researcher manipulates or varies to observe
its effect. The dependent variable is the outcome variable that is measured to see if it changes
as a result of the manipulation. This distinction is fundamental to experimental research.
Question 8: What is an operational definition?
A) A theoretical definition of a concept
B) A clear, specific, and measurable definition of a variable for the purpose of the study
RSE4801 – RESEARCH IN EDUCATION |
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE AND
PRACTICE EXAMINATION (2026/2027) |
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA (UNISA)
HONOURS LEVEL (MOST RECENT UPDATE).
Table of Contents
1. Foundations of Psychological Research
2. Research Paradigms and Design
3. Literature Review and Conceptualisation
4. Research Proposals and Hypotheses
5. Research Methodology and Ethics
6. Data Analysis and Interpretation
7. The Research Report
, Page |2
SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of psychological research?
A) To develop new technologies
B) To describe, explain, predict, and influence behaviour and mental processes
C) To prove common sense beliefs
D) To generate profit for research institutions
Correct Answer: B) To describe, explain, predict, and influence behaviour and mental
processes
Psychological research serves four primary goals: description (what is happening),
explanation (why it is happening), prediction (what will happen next), and influence (how to
change or control behaviour). These goals guide the entire research process and determine
the types of questions researchers ask.
Question 2: What is the difference between basic and applied research?
A) Basic research is conducted in laboratories; applied research is conducted in the field
B) Basic research aims to increase knowledge; applied research aims to solve practical
problems
C) Basic research is qualitative; applied research is quantitative
D) There is no difference
Correct Answer: B) Basic research aims to increase knowledge; applied research aims to
solve practical problems
Basic research (also called pure research) is conducted to expand the general body of
knowledge, without immediate concern for practical application. Applied research is
conducted to address specific, real-world problems. Both types of research are valuable and
contribute to the scientific enterprise.
Question 3: What is a research problem?
A) A question or issue that a researcher seeks to investigate
, Page |3
B) A statistical error
C) A problem with the research methodology
D) A problem with the research participants
Correct Answer: A) A question or issue that a researcher seeks to investigate
A research problem is a clear statement of the question or issue that the researcher intends to
investigate. It identifies the gap in knowledge that the study aims to address and guides the
formulation of research questions and hypotheses.
Question 4: What is the role of theory in psychological research?
A) Theory is not important
B) Theory provides a framework for understanding phenomena, generating hypotheses, and
interpreting findings
C) Theory only matters for quantitative research
D) Theory replaces the need for data collection
Correct Answer: B) Theory provides a framework for understanding phenomena,
generating hypotheses, and interpreting findings
Theory is essential in psychological research. It provides a framework for understanding
phenomena, guides the formulation of research questions and hypotheses, and helps interpret
findings. Theoretical frameworks connect individual studies to the broader body of
knowledge in the field.
Question 5: What is the difference between a hypothesis and a research question?
A) A hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction; a research question is a broader inquiry
B) A research question is a specific prediction; a hypothesis is a broad inquiry
C) They are the same
D) A hypothesis is only for qualitative research
Correct Answer: A) A hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction; a research question is
a broader inquiry
, Page |4
A research question is a broad inquiry that guides the study, while a hypothesis is a specific,
testable prediction derived from theory or previous research. Hypotheses are typically used in
quantitative and experimental research, while research questions are more common in
qualitative and exploratory studies.
Question 6: What is a variable in psychological research?
A) A characteristic or attribute that can take on different values
B) A constant factor
C) A research participant
D) A statistical test
Correct Answer: A) A characteristic or attribute that can take on different values
A variable is any characteristic or attribute that can take on different values across
individuals or situations. Examples include age, gender, anxiety level, and test scores.
Variables are the fundamental building blocks of psychological research.
Question 7: What is the difference between an independent variable and a dependent
variable?
A) The independent variable is measured; the dependent variable is manipulated
B) The independent variable is manipulated; the dependent variable is measured
C) They are the same
D) The independent variable is qualitative; the dependent variable is quantitative
Correct Answer: B) The independent variable is manipulated; the dependent variable is
measured
The independent variable is the variable that the researcher manipulates or varies to observe
its effect. The dependent variable is the outcome variable that is measured to see if it changes
as a result of the manipulation. This distinction is fundamental to experimental research.
Question 8: What is an operational definition?
A) A theoretical definition of a concept
B) A clear, specific, and measurable definition of a variable for the purpose of the study
