P.S
2025
IOP2601 Assessment 02 Complete Answers
Due: 31 March 2025 @ 12:00
(45marks)
Semester 1/ 2025
Organisational Research Methodology
, QUESTION ANSWERS
NUMBER
QUESTION 1
1.1 In your own words, briefly name and explain the first three steps of the research process. Provide
examples where possible. (3)
Page 5 Study Guide
Step1: The research process starts with identifying the problem. What is the question that has to
be answered or what is the problem that has to be solved? For example: IOP2601 students who
spend more time studying have better grades than IOP2601 students who do not study.
Step2: This step involves the design of the research study in order to answer the research question.
Who is going to be involved in the study and when and how will they be involved? For example:
IOP2601 students and lecturers will be asked to participate in the study, through providing their
grades and answering questions.
Step3: This step addresses the way in which the information needed to answer the research question
is obtained, that is, the way the data will be collected. For example: A sample of students and
lecturers will be interviewed and provide proof of grades.
1.2 In your own words, differentiate between descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Provide
examples where possible. (2)
Page 10 Study Guide
Descriptive statistics – a technique for organising, summarising and describing data. This is the
descriptive research approach. Descriptive statistics include the mean, variance, skewedness and
kurtosis.
Inferential statistics – a technique applied to samples in order to make inferences about populations.
This is also known as the experimental research approach. Inferential statics include the linear
regression analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), logit/Probit models and null hypothesis testing.
Page 1 of 8
2025
IOP2601 Assessment 02 Complete Answers
Due: 31 March 2025 @ 12:00
(45marks)
Semester 1/ 2025
Organisational Research Methodology
, QUESTION ANSWERS
NUMBER
QUESTION 1
1.1 In your own words, briefly name and explain the first three steps of the research process. Provide
examples where possible. (3)
Page 5 Study Guide
Step1: The research process starts with identifying the problem. What is the question that has to
be answered or what is the problem that has to be solved? For example: IOP2601 students who
spend more time studying have better grades than IOP2601 students who do not study.
Step2: This step involves the design of the research study in order to answer the research question.
Who is going to be involved in the study and when and how will they be involved? For example:
IOP2601 students and lecturers will be asked to participate in the study, through providing their
grades and answering questions.
Step3: This step addresses the way in which the information needed to answer the research question
is obtained, that is, the way the data will be collected. For example: A sample of students and
lecturers will be interviewed and provide proof of grades.
1.2 In your own words, differentiate between descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Provide
examples where possible. (2)
Page 10 Study Guide
Descriptive statistics – a technique for organising, summarising and describing data. This is the
descriptive research approach. Descriptive statistics include the mean, variance, skewedness and
kurtosis.
Inferential statistics – a technique applied to samples in order to make inferences about populations.
This is also known as the experimental research approach. Inferential statics include the linear
regression analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), logit/Probit models and null hypothesis testing.
Page 1 of 8
