HMEMS80 (RESEARCH METHODOLOGY) UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA
(UNISA) EXAMINATION
Section A: Multiple Choice Questions
Topic 1: The Research Process & Introduction to Research
1. A systematic process of inquiry that aims to generate new knowledge is best defined as:
a) A hypothesis
b) Research
c) A theory
d) Heuristics
Answer: b) Research
Rationale: Research is defined as a structured, methodical process of inquiry aimed at
discovering, interpreting, or revising facts, events, or theories. A hypothesis is a testable
prediction, a theory is a well-substantiated explanation, and heuristics are mental
shortcuts.
2. The first and most crucial step in the research process is:
a) Data collection
b) Sampling
c) Identifying and formulating a research problem
d) Reviewing the literature
Answer: c) Identifying and formulating a research problem
Rationale: The research problem defines the focus of the entire study. Without a clear
problem, subsequent steps like literature review, design, and data collection lack direction
and purpose.
3. Which of the following is a primary characteristic of applied research?
a) Expanding the frontiers of knowledge for its own sake
b) Testing theoretical propositions
c) Solving a specific, practical problem
d) Developing a new theory
Answer: c) Solving a specific, practical problem
Rationale: Applied research is conducted to address a real-world issue or find a solution to
an immediate practical problem. Basic research, in contrast, is driven by curiosity and the
expansion of knowledge.
4. A literature review primarily serves to:
a) Provide a list of all books and articles related to the topic
, b) Summarise the findings of the researcher's own previous studies
c) Identify gaps in existing knowledge and contextualise the study
d) Present the research methodology in detail
Answer: c) Identify gaps in existing knowledge and contextualise the study
Rationale: The literature review demonstrates the researcher's familiarity with the field,
shows how the current study fits into the existing body of knowledge, and identifies what is
not yet known (the gap) that the research will fill.
5. A research proposal is a blueprint for the study. Which section outlines the step-by-step
plan for collecting and analysing data?
a) Introduction and problem statement
b) Literature review
c) Research methodology
d) Budget and timeline
Answer: c) Research methodology
Rationale: The methodology section details the research design, sampling strategy, data
collection methods, and data analysis techniques, forming the procedural plan for the
study.
6. The "ontological" assumption in research refers to the nature of:
a) Knowledge
b) Value
c) Reality
d) Methodology
Answer: c) Reality
Rationale: Ontology is the philosophical study of the nature of being, becoming, existence,
or reality. It asks, "What is the nature of reality?" Epistemology, in contrast, concerns the
nature of knowledge.
7. A research paradigm that emphasizes objective, measurable, and generalizable findings
is:
a) Interpretivism
b) Constructivism
c) Positivism
d) Critical theory
Answer: c) Positivism
Rationale: Positivism holds that reality is objective and can be observed and measured. It
seeks to uncover universal laws through value-free, empirical methods, often using
quantitative approaches.
8. A researcher using an interpretivist paradigm would be most interested in:
a) Establishing cause-and-effect relationships
b) Understanding the subjective meanings and experiences of participants
c) Conducting a large-scale survey with closed-ended questions
, d) Rejecting the idea that reality can ever be understood
Answer: b) Understanding the subjective meanings and experiences of participants
Rationale: Interpretivism argues that reality is socially constructed and subjective. The goal
of research from this perspective is to understand how individuals interpret their world and
the meanings they attach to their experiences.
9. A hypothesis is best described as:
a) A proven fact
b) A tentative, testable statement about the relationship between variables
c) A research question that cannot be answered
d) The final conclusion of a study
Answer: b) A tentative, testable statement about the relationship between
variables
Rationale: A hypothesis is an educated guess or prediction that is formulated before data
collection. It is empirically tested to determine if it should be accepted or rejected.
10. A research question that asks "What are the experiences of first-year students
transitioning to university?" is most likely part of a:
a) Quantitative study
b) Experimental study
c) Qualitative study
d) Causal-comparative study
Answer: c) Qualitative study
Rationale: Questions focusing on "experiences," "meanings," and "perspectives" are typical
of qualitative research, which aims for depth of understanding rather than measurement
or causality.
Topic 2: Research Ethics
11. Which ethical principle requires researchers to obtain voluntary consent from
participants after informing them of the research's purpose, procedures, risks, and
benefits?
a) Anonymity
b) Debriefing
c) Informed consent
d) Confidentiality
Answer: c) Informed consent
Rationale: Informed consent is the process of providing potential participants with all
necessary information to make a voluntary, autonomous decision about whether to
participate in the study.
12. Anonymity in research is guaranteed when:
a) The researcher knows the participant's identity but agrees not to disclose it.
, b) The data is stored in a password-protected file.
c) No one, including the researcher, can link the data to a specific participant.
d) Participants are identified by pseudonyms in the final report.
Answer: c) No one, including the researcher, can link the data to a specific
participant.
Rationale: Anonymity means the researcher does not collect or have access to identifying
information. Confidentiality means the researcher knows the identity but promises not to
reveal it publicly.
13. The principle of non-maleficence obligates researchers to:
a) Maximise potential benefits for participants.
b) Treat all participants with fairness and justice.
c) Do no harm to participants.
d) Ensure participants are compensated for their time.
Answer: c) Do no harm to participants.
Rationale: Non-maleficence is a core ethical principle that translates to "first, do no harm."
Researchers must actively protect participants from physical, psychological, social, or
emotional harm.
14. Which of the following constitutes a vulnerable population in research ethics?
a) University professors
b) Middle-class adults
c) Prisoners
d) Professional athletes
Answer: c) Prisoners
Rationale: Vulnerable populations have diminished autonomy and are at higher risk for
coercion or undue influence. This includes prisoners, children, individuals with cognitive
disabilities, and pregnant women.
15. A researcher uses a codebook to replace participant names with numbers. This practice
is an example of ensuring:
a) Anonymity
b) Confidentiality
c) Informed consent
d) Debriefing
Answer: b) Confidentiality
Rationale: By separating data from direct identifiers and storing the key separately, the
researcher is protecting the identity of the participants, which is a measure to ensure
confidentiality.
16. The primary purpose of debriefing in research is to:
a) Obtain initial consent from participants.
b) Explain the true purpose of the study and address any harm after participation.
c) Select participants for the study.
(UNISA) EXAMINATION
Section A: Multiple Choice Questions
Topic 1: The Research Process & Introduction to Research
1. A systematic process of inquiry that aims to generate new knowledge is best defined as:
a) A hypothesis
b) Research
c) A theory
d) Heuristics
Answer: b) Research
Rationale: Research is defined as a structured, methodical process of inquiry aimed at
discovering, interpreting, or revising facts, events, or theories. A hypothesis is a testable
prediction, a theory is a well-substantiated explanation, and heuristics are mental
shortcuts.
2. The first and most crucial step in the research process is:
a) Data collection
b) Sampling
c) Identifying and formulating a research problem
d) Reviewing the literature
Answer: c) Identifying and formulating a research problem
Rationale: The research problem defines the focus of the entire study. Without a clear
problem, subsequent steps like literature review, design, and data collection lack direction
and purpose.
3. Which of the following is a primary characteristic of applied research?
a) Expanding the frontiers of knowledge for its own sake
b) Testing theoretical propositions
c) Solving a specific, practical problem
d) Developing a new theory
Answer: c) Solving a specific, practical problem
Rationale: Applied research is conducted to address a real-world issue or find a solution to
an immediate practical problem. Basic research, in contrast, is driven by curiosity and the
expansion of knowledge.
4. A literature review primarily serves to:
a) Provide a list of all books and articles related to the topic
, b) Summarise the findings of the researcher's own previous studies
c) Identify gaps in existing knowledge and contextualise the study
d) Present the research methodology in detail
Answer: c) Identify gaps in existing knowledge and contextualise the study
Rationale: The literature review demonstrates the researcher's familiarity with the field,
shows how the current study fits into the existing body of knowledge, and identifies what is
not yet known (the gap) that the research will fill.
5. A research proposal is a blueprint for the study. Which section outlines the step-by-step
plan for collecting and analysing data?
a) Introduction and problem statement
b) Literature review
c) Research methodology
d) Budget and timeline
Answer: c) Research methodology
Rationale: The methodology section details the research design, sampling strategy, data
collection methods, and data analysis techniques, forming the procedural plan for the
study.
6. The "ontological" assumption in research refers to the nature of:
a) Knowledge
b) Value
c) Reality
d) Methodology
Answer: c) Reality
Rationale: Ontology is the philosophical study of the nature of being, becoming, existence,
or reality. It asks, "What is the nature of reality?" Epistemology, in contrast, concerns the
nature of knowledge.
7. A research paradigm that emphasizes objective, measurable, and generalizable findings
is:
a) Interpretivism
b) Constructivism
c) Positivism
d) Critical theory
Answer: c) Positivism
Rationale: Positivism holds that reality is objective and can be observed and measured. It
seeks to uncover universal laws through value-free, empirical methods, often using
quantitative approaches.
8. A researcher using an interpretivist paradigm would be most interested in:
a) Establishing cause-and-effect relationships
b) Understanding the subjective meanings and experiences of participants
c) Conducting a large-scale survey with closed-ended questions
, d) Rejecting the idea that reality can ever be understood
Answer: b) Understanding the subjective meanings and experiences of participants
Rationale: Interpretivism argues that reality is socially constructed and subjective. The goal
of research from this perspective is to understand how individuals interpret their world and
the meanings they attach to their experiences.
9. A hypothesis is best described as:
a) A proven fact
b) A tentative, testable statement about the relationship between variables
c) A research question that cannot be answered
d) The final conclusion of a study
Answer: b) A tentative, testable statement about the relationship between
variables
Rationale: A hypothesis is an educated guess or prediction that is formulated before data
collection. It is empirically tested to determine if it should be accepted or rejected.
10. A research question that asks "What are the experiences of first-year students
transitioning to university?" is most likely part of a:
a) Quantitative study
b) Experimental study
c) Qualitative study
d) Causal-comparative study
Answer: c) Qualitative study
Rationale: Questions focusing on "experiences," "meanings," and "perspectives" are typical
of qualitative research, which aims for depth of understanding rather than measurement
or causality.
Topic 2: Research Ethics
11. Which ethical principle requires researchers to obtain voluntary consent from
participants after informing them of the research's purpose, procedures, risks, and
benefits?
a) Anonymity
b) Debriefing
c) Informed consent
d) Confidentiality
Answer: c) Informed consent
Rationale: Informed consent is the process of providing potential participants with all
necessary information to make a voluntary, autonomous decision about whether to
participate in the study.
12. Anonymity in research is guaranteed when:
a) The researcher knows the participant's identity but agrees not to disclose it.
, b) The data is stored in a password-protected file.
c) No one, including the researcher, can link the data to a specific participant.
d) Participants are identified by pseudonyms in the final report.
Answer: c) No one, including the researcher, can link the data to a specific
participant.
Rationale: Anonymity means the researcher does not collect or have access to identifying
information. Confidentiality means the researcher knows the identity but promises not to
reveal it publicly.
13. The principle of non-maleficence obligates researchers to:
a) Maximise potential benefits for participants.
b) Treat all participants with fairness and justice.
c) Do no harm to participants.
d) Ensure participants are compensated for their time.
Answer: c) Do no harm to participants.
Rationale: Non-maleficence is a core ethical principle that translates to "first, do no harm."
Researchers must actively protect participants from physical, psychological, social, or
emotional harm.
14. Which of the following constitutes a vulnerable population in research ethics?
a) University professors
b) Middle-class adults
c) Prisoners
d) Professional athletes
Answer: c) Prisoners
Rationale: Vulnerable populations have diminished autonomy and are at higher risk for
coercion or undue influence. This includes prisoners, children, individuals with cognitive
disabilities, and pregnant women.
15. A researcher uses a codebook to replace participant names with numbers. This practice
is an example of ensuring:
a) Anonymity
b) Confidentiality
c) Informed consent
d) Debriefing
Answer: b) Confidentiality
Rationale: By separating data from direct identifiers and storing the key separately, the
researcher is protecting the identity of the participants, which is a measure to ensure
confidentiality.
16. The primary purpose of debriefing in research is to:
a) Obtain initial consent from participants.
b) Explain the true purpose of the study and address any harm after participation.
c) Select participants for the study.
