RCE2601
EXAM PORTFOLIO
DUE: 8 OCTOBER 2025 (MEMO)
, RCE2601
SECTION A: (Compulsory)
Answer all questions. These questions test recall of key concepts.
Question 1
1.1 Define the term primary source in the context of a literature review.
A primary source in a literature review is an original, first-hand report of research or direct
evidence (not someone’s summary or interpretation). Examples: empirical journal articles
that present new data/experiments, conference papers, doctoral theses/dissertations,
technical or government reports with original findings, datasets, and first-hand accounts
e.g., interview transcripts, observations.
1.2 State one key purpose of conducting a literature review in educational
research.
To map existing knowledge and identify gaps i.e., show what is already known, reveal
contradictions or open questions, and thereby justify and focus the new research.
1.2 List two ethical considerations in educational research.
Restructuring in Higher Education and Further Education and Training
Science, Technology, and Mathematics Education
Page 4 of 6
, Language Issues and Literacy
HIV/AIDS
1.3 Explain the difference between the conceptual framework and the
theoretical framework in research. Provide an example of each.
Aspect Conceptual Framework Theoretical
Framework
Definitio The conceptual The theoretical
n framework explains how framework is a
the main concepts in a structure based on
study are defined, established theories or
understood, and related models that provides a
to each other. It is lens for interpreting and
developed from literature analysing data in the
to guide the researcher’s study.
understanding of the
research problem.
Purpose To clarify key concepts To provide a
and show their theoretical lens that
interrelationships within guides the research
the study. design, data collection,
and interpretation of
findings.
Source Developed from Drawn from existing
concepts and definitions theories or models that
found in the reviewed have been tested and
literature. accepted in previous
research.
Page 5 of 6
EXAM PORTFOLIO
DUE: 8 OCTOBER 2025 (MEMO)
, RCE2601
SECTION A: (Compulsory)
Answer all questions. These questions test recall of key concepts.
Question 1
1.1 Define the term primary source in the context of a literature review.
A primary source in a literature review is an original, first-hand report of research or direct
evidence (not someone’s summary or interpretation). Examples: empirical journal articles
that present new data/experiments, conference papers, doctoral theses/dissertations,
technical or government reports with original findings, datasets, and first-hand accounts
e.g., interview transcripts, observations.
1.2 State one key purpose of conducting a literature review in educational
research.
To map existing knowledge and identify gaps i.e., show what is already known, reveal
contradictions or open questions, and thereby justify and focus the new research.
1.2 List two ethical considerations in educational research.
Restructuring in Higher Education and Further Education and Training
Science, Technology, and Mathematics Education
Page 4 of 6
, Language Issues and Literacy
HIV/AIDS
1.3 Explain the difference between the conceptual framework and the
theoretical framework in research. Provide an example of each.
Aspect Conceptual Framework Theoretical
Framework
Definitio The conceptual The theoretical
n framework explains how framework is a
the main concepts in a structure based on
study are defined, established theories or
understood, and related models that provides a
to each other. It is lens for interpreting and
developed from literature analysing data in the
to guide the researcher’s study.
understanding of the
research problem.
Purpose To clarify key concepts To provide a
and show their theoretical lens that
interrelationships within guides the research
the study. design, data collection,
and interpretation of
findings.
Source Developed from Drawn from existing
concepts and definitions theories or models that
found in the reviewed have been tested and
literature. accepted in previous
research.
Page 5 of 6
