RCE 2601
ASSIGNMENT 1
2026
, QUESTION 1
1.1. Define research in your own words. (5)
Research can be defined as a special way of investigating a specific problem or
topic inorder to understand the world. It involves data collection, analyzes and
giving recommendations as well as reaching conclusions based on evidence rather
than just guessing.
1.2. List and briefly explain any two characteristics of good research. (5)
A good research should be objectivity meaning it should be unbiased and based on
factual evidence. The researcher must ensure that their personal feelings or opinions
do not influence the results or the interpretation of the data. A good research should
be reliable meaning it should be consistency of the results. If the research were to
be repeated by someone else using the same methods and conditions, they should
achieve similar results.
1.3. Differentiate between qualitative and quantitative research. (6)
Quantitative Research Qualitative Research
To test hypotheses and look at cause To understand ideas, experiences, or
and effect. social contexts.
Descriptive data (words, images, or
Numerical data and statistics.
observations).
Usually large and representative. Usually small and specific.
Interviews, focus groups, and case
Surveys and experiments.
studies.
1.4. State three sources from which research problems may emerge. (6)
ASSIGNMENT 1
2026
, QUESTION 1
1.1. Define research in your own words. (5)
Research can be defined as a special way of investigating a specific problem or
topic inorder to understand the world. It involves data collection, analyzes and
giving recommendations as well as reaching conclusions based on evidence rather
than just guessing.
1.2. List and briefly explain any two characteristics of good research. (5)
A good research should be objectivity meaning it should be unbiased and based on
factual evidence. The researcher must ensure that their personal feelings or opinions
do not influence the results or the interpretation of the data. A good research should
be reliable meaning it should be consistency of the results. If the research were to
be repeated by someone else using the same methods and conditions, they should
achieve similar results.
1.3. Differentiate between qualitative and quantitative research. (6)
Quantitative Research Qualitative Research
To test hypotheses and look at cause To understand ideas, experiences, or
and effect. social contexts.
Descriptive data (words, images, or
Numerical data and statistics.
observations).
Usually large and representative. Usually small and specific.
Interviews, focus groups, and case
Surveys and experiments.
studies.
1.4. State three sources from which research problems may emerge. (6)
