HMEMS80 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY LATEST EXAM QUESTIONS AND
SOLUTIONS - VERIFIED ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. What is research methodology?
Research methodology is the systematic framework of methods,
procedures, and principles used to collect, analyse, and interpret data in
order to answer research questions or test hypotheses. It encompasses
philosophical assumptions, research design, data collection techniques,
and analytical strategies.
2. Distinguish between research methods and research methodology.
Research methods refer to the specific techniques used to collect and
analyse data (e.g., interviews, surveys, experiments), while research
methodology is the broader philosophical and theoretical framework that
justifies the choice and use of those methods. Methodology explains why
particular methods are appropriate for a given study.
3. What is the purpose of research in academic and professional
contexts?
Research aims to generate new knowledge, test existing theories, solve
practical problems, inform policy and practice, and contribute to the
cumulative body of knowledge in a discipline. In professional contexts,
research supports evidence-based decision-making and organisational
improvement.
4. What are the key characteristics of good research?
Good research is systematic, logical, empirical, replicable, objective, valid,
and reliable. It is guided by clear questions, uses appropriate methods,
follows ethical principles, and contributes meaningfully to existing
knowledge.
5. What is a research paradigm?
A research paradigm is a set of shared beliefs, values, and assumptions
about the nature of reality (ontology), what constitutes knowledge
(epistemology), and how research should be conducted (methodology).
Common paradigms include positivism, interpretivism, and critical theory.
,6. What is ontology in the context of research?
Ontology refers to the philosophical study of the nature of reality and
existence. In research, an ontological position answers the question: 'What
is the nature of reality that is being studied?' Realism and constructivism
are common ontological positions.
7. What is epistemology and why does it matter in research?
Epistemology is the branch of philosophy concerned with the nature,
sources, and limits of knowledge. In research, it addresses the question of
how we know what we know. It determines the relationship between the
researcher and the researched, influencing whether knowledge is seen as
objective or constructed.
8. Describe the positivist research paradigm.
Positivism holds that reality is objective and can be measured
independently of the observer. It emphasises scientific methods,
hypothesis testing, quantification, and the search for causal laws. Positivist
research typically uses quantitative methods and seeks to generalise
findings across contexts.
9. Describe the interpretivist research paradigm.
Interpretivism holds that reality is socially constructed and that meaning is
subjective. It emphasises understanding the lived experiences and
perspectives of individuals. Interpretivist research typically employs
qualitative methods and seeks depth of understanding rather than
generalisation.
10. What is the critical theory paradigm in research?
Critical theory challenges existing power structures and social inequalities.
It seeks to uncover and critique ideological assumptions in society and
aims to empower marginalised groups. Research in this paradigm often
employs qualitative methods and has a transformative agenda.
11. What is pragmatism as a research paradigm?
Pragmatism holds that research approaches should be selected based on
what best answers the research question, rather than rigid adherence to
one paradigm. It supports mixed-methods research and values practical
consequences and real-world relevance over philosophical purity.
,12. What are the main types of research?
Research can be classified as basic (fundamental) or applied; quantitative,
qualitative, or mixed methods; exploratory, descriptive, explanatory, or
evaluative; longitudinal or cross-sectional; and primary or secondary. Each
type serves different purposes and contexts.
13. What is basic research?
Basic (or pure) research is conducted to advance theoretical knowledge
without immediate practical application. It aims to understand fundamental
principles and phenomena. An example is studying the cognitive processes
involved in memory without a specific clinical goal.
14. What is applied research?
Applied research aims to solve specific practical problems or improve
processes in real-world settings. It draws on existing theoretical knowledge
to address issues such as improving educational outcomes, treating
disease, or enhancing organisational performance.
15. What is exploratory research?
Exploratory research is conducted when little is known about a topic. It
aims to gain insights, generate hypotheses, and clarify concepts. It typically
uses flexible, qualitative methods such as focus groups, interviews, or
literature reviews.
16. What is descriptive research?
Descriptive research aims to describe the characteristics of a population,
phenomenon, or situation accurately and systematically. It does not
establish cause-and-effect relationships but provides a detailed picture of
what exists, often using surveys and observational methods.
17. What is explanatory (causal) research?
Explanatory research seeks to identify the causes and effects of
phenomena. It tests hypotheses about causal relationships using
experimental or quasi-experimental designs, and typically employs
statistical analysis to determine the strength and direction of relationships.
18. What is evaluative research?
Evaluative research assesses the effectiveness, efficiency, or impact of
programmes, policies, interventions, or practices. It is commonly used in
, health, education, and social services to inform decisions about programme
continuation, modification, or termination.
19. What is the difference between primary and secondary research?
Primary research involves the collection of original data directly from
sources through methods such as surveys, interviews, or experiments.
Secondary research involves analysing data that has already been
collected and published by others, such as academic articles, government
reports, or databases.
20. What is action research?
Action research is a participatory, cyclical process in which practitioners
investigate and improve their own practice. It involves identifying a
problem, planning action, implementing change, observing results, and
reflecting on the process. It is common in education, nursing, and
management.
21. What is a research problem?
A research problem is a gap, inconsistency, or unresolved issue in existing
knowledge that warrants investigation. It provides the rationale for
conducting a study and should be clearly defined, researchable, significant,
and feasible.
22. How do you identify a research problem?
Research problems can be identified through reviewing existing literature to
find gaps, observing phenomena in practice, consulting with experts or
stakeholders, examining contradictions in prior findings, or recognising
unanswered questions in one's professional or academic field.
23. What is a research question?
A research question is a precise, focused interrogative statement that
guides the investigation. It specifies what the researcher wants to know and
is derived from the research problem. Good research questions are clear,
concise, researchable, and theoretically or practically significant.
24. What is a research hypothesis?
A research hypothesis is a testable, predictive statement about the
expected relationship between two or more variables. It translates a
SOLUTIONS - VERIFIED ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. What is research methodology?
Research methodology is the systematic framework of methods,
procedures, and principles used to collect, analyse, and interpret data in
order to answer research questions or test hypotheses. It encompasses
philosophical assumptions, research design, data collection techniques,
and analytical strategies.
2. Distinguish between research methods and research methodology.
Research methods refer to the specific techniques used to collect and
analyse data (e.g., interviews, surveys, experiments), while research
methodology is the broader philosophical and theoretical framework that
justifies the choice and use of those methods. Methodology explains why
particular methods are appropriate for a given study.
3. What is the purpose of research in academic and professional
contexts?
Research aims to generate new knowledge, test existing theories, solve
practical problems, inform policy and practice, and contribute to the
cumulative body of knowledge in a discipline. In professional contexts,
research supports evidence-based decision-making and organisational
improvement.
4. What are the key characteristics of good research?
Good research is systematic, logical, empirical, replicable, objective, valid,
and reliable. It is guided by clear questions, uses appropriate methods,
follows ethical principles, and contributes meaningfully to existing
knowledge.
5. What is a research paradigm?
A research paradigm is a set of shared beliefs, values, and assumptions
about the nature of reality (ontology), what constitutes knowledge
(epistemology), and how research should be conducted (methodology).
Common paradigms include positivism, interpretivism, and critical theory.
,6. What is ontology in the context of research?
Ontology refers to the philosophical study of the nature of reality and
existence. In research, an ontological position answers the question: 'What
is the nature of reality that is being studied?' Realism and constructivism
are common ontological positions.
7. What is epistemology and why does it matter in research?
Epistemology is the branch of philosophy concerned with the nature,
sources, and limits of knowledge. In research, it addresses the question of
how we know what we know. It determines the relationship between the
researcher and the researched, influencing whether knowledge is seen as
objective or constructed.
8. Describe the positivist research paradigm.
Positivism holds that reality is objective and can be measured
independently of the observer. It emphasises scientific methods,
hypothesis testing, quantification, and the search for causal laws. Positivist
research typically uses quantitative methods and seeks to generalise
findings across contexts.
9. Describe the interpretivist research paradigm.
Interpretivism holds that reality is socially constructed and that meaning is
subjective. It emphasises understanding the lived experiences and
perspectives of individuals. Interpretivist research typically employs
qualitative methods and seeks depth of understanding rather than
generalisation.
10. What is the critical theory paradigm in research?
Critical theory challenges existing power structures and social inequalities.
It seeks to uncover and critique ideological assumptions in society and
aims to empower marginalised groups. Research in this paradigm often
employs qualitative methods and has a transformative agenda.
11. What is pragmatism as a research paradigm?
Pragmatism holds that research approaches should be selected based on
what best answers the research question, rather than rigid adherence to
one paradigm. It supports mixed-methods research and values practical
consequences and real-world relevance over philosophical purity.
,12. What are the main types of research?
Research can be classified as basic (fundamental) or applied; quantitative,
qualitative, or mixed methods; exploratory, descriptive, explanatory, or
evaluative; longitudinal or cross-sectional; and primary or secondary. Each
type serves different purposes and contexts.
13. What is basic research?
Basic (or pure) research is conducted to advance theoretical knowledge
without immediate practical application. It aims to understand fundamental
principles and phenomena. An example is studying the cognitive processes
involved in memory without a specific clinical goal.
14. What is applied research?
Applied research aims to solve specific practical problems or improve
processes in real-world settings. It draws on existing theoretical knowledge
to address issues such as improving educational outcomes, treating
disease, or enhancing organisational performance.
15. What is exploratory research?
Exploratory research is conducted when little is known about a topic. It
aims to gain insights, generate hypotheses, and clarify concepts. It typically
uses flexible, qualitative methods such as focus groups, interviews, or
literature reviews.
16. What is descriptive research?
Descriptive research aims to describe the characteristics of a population,
phenomenon, or situation accurately and systematically. It does not
establish cause-and-effect relationships but provides a detailed picture of
what exists, often using surveys and observational methods.
17. What is explanatory (causal) research?
Explanatory research seeks to identify the causes and effects of
phenomena. It tests hypotheses about causal relationships using
experimental or quasi-experimental designs, and typically employs
statistical analysis to determine the strength and direction of relationships.
18. What is evaluative research?
Evaluative research assesses the effectiveness, efficiency, or impact of
programmes, policies, interventions, or practices. It is commonly used in
, health, education, and social services to inform decisions about programme
continuation, modification, or termination.
19. What is the difference between primary and secondary research?
Primary research involves the collection of original data directly from
sources through methods such as surveys, interviews, or experiments.
Secondary research involves analysing data that has already been
collected and published by others, such as academic articles, government
reports, or databases.
20. What is action research?
Action research is a participatory, cyclical process in which practitioners
investigate and improve their own practice. It involves identifying a
problem, planning action, implementing change, observing results, and
reflecting on the process. It is common in education, nursing, and
management.
21. What is a research problem?
A research problem is a gap, inconsistency, or unresolved issue in existing
knowledge that warrants investigation. It provides the rationale for
conducting a study and should be clearly defined, researchable, significant,
and feasible.
22. How do you identify a research problem?
Research problems can be identified through reviewing existing literature to
find gaps, observing phenomena in practice, consulting with experts or
stakeholders, examining contradictions in prior findings, or recognising
unanswered questions in one's professional or academic field.
23. What is a research question?
A research question is a precise, focused interrogative statement that
guides the investigation. It specifies what the researcher wants to know and
is derived from the research problem. Good research questions are clear,
concise, researchable, and theoretically or practically significant.
24. What is a research hypothesis?
A research hypothesis is a testable, predictive statement about the
expected relationship between two or more variables. It translates a
