RSC2601 EXAM PACK - gimmenotes · 2018-08-09 · RSC2601 EXAM PACK Research in the Social Sciences...

RSC2601 EXAM PACK

Research in the Social Sciences (RSC 2601)

Past papers 2011- May 2013

Worked and compiled by

Lindo

For

And on behalf of

Only for UNISA students doing the module RSC2601

© March 2014

http://www.lucianotutorials.com/

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2

Contents Feedback on previous examination papers (2011 – 2013) ..................................................................... 3

May/June 2011 ................................................................................................................................... 4

October/November 2011 .................................................................................................................... 7

May/June 2012 ................................................................................................................................. 10

May/June 2013 ................................................................................................................................. 15



3

NOTE TO STUDENTS

This exam pack gives much reference to the prescribed

textbook, thus for it to be helpful you should always use it

with the prescribed textbook as complimentary.

Feedback on previous examination papers

(2011 – 2013)



4

May/June 2011

RSC 2601 - May/June 2011 – Previous examination paper

Question Correct answers and explanations

1 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 5). Authority figures can also make mistakes.

2 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 9). Study the list of errors in human error from page 8-10.

3 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 8). Study the list of sources of general knowledge from

page 4-8.

4 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 18). Ontology involves assumptions which refer to what to

what researchers think exists and is real, e.g. a rectangle has four sides. Option 2-5 refer to

ontological statements. Epistemology deals with how we can know and explain something,

e.g. one can calculate the area of a rectangle by calculating the length and breadth of

the area.

5 Option 5 is the most correct (pg 25). Option 1, 2 and 4 refer to attributes of positivism (pg21).

Option 3 relates to explanatory research (pg 92).

6 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 23). Option 4 encompasses all the characteristics of value-

freedom.

7 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 50-6). Consult pages 50-6 to read more about theories.

8 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 55-6). An abstract term is not easily visible or straightforward

in nature.

9 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 57). Deduction entails moving from general to specific.

Inductive moves from specific to general.

10 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 229). Positive correlation – one value increases/decreases,

the other increases/decreases at the same time. Negative correlation – one valuable

increases, the other will decrease.

11 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 55-6).

12 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 74, 77). Study question 14 on page 74 and 77.


14 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 98).


16 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 82). Study the characteristics of descriptive research on

page 82.

17 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 84-88). Consult the table on page 88.

18 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 84-88). Consult table on page 88.



21 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 114). Infringement of privacy.

22 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 111). Study the list of behavioral norms on page 111.



25 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 126). Option (a) relates to research conducted in the

interpretive paradigm.

26 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 131). Option 4 – Self-fulfilling prophecy/Researcher

expectancy.

27 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 133-55). Option 4 – Two phases are implemented in this

design: Pretest (respondents are asked to complete a questionnaire before they are given

any information) and Posttest (respondents are randomly assigned into two groups, with



5

one control group being given no information, while another treatment group receiving

more information). Option 1 and 3 – Pre-experimental and quasi-experimental designs do

not utilize random assignment into groups.

28 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 131-2). True experiments seek to control and manipulate

variables randomly assigned into two groups, namely a control and experimental group.

29 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 85-88). Qualitative approach is non-sequential.

30 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 139). Qualitative approach is non-sequential.

31 Option 3 is the most correct (pg159). Quota and judgmental sampling belong to non-

probability sampling.

32 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 159). Option 2 and 4 – Stratified and cluster sampling uses

groups and strata. Option 3 – Systemic sampling collects samples in 2nd, 5th or 10th.



35 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 162). Sampling technique is based on the researcher’s own

knowledge.


37 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 187). Who is represented by “We”?

38 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 171-2). Option 1 – Nominal scales mainly deal with data

with non-numerical data which can further be separated into categories. Option 3 – Interval

scales have a non-zero limit, measures can go below zero, e.g. temperature can be -3.

Option 4 – Ratio scales have a zero limit, e.g. a child starts at 0 years and grows in months

and later in years.

39 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 190). Contingency questions is an umbrella term for

ranking, filter and inventory questions.

40 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 195). Option 2 – Questions will be divided into two forms

(testing for job evaluation and performance appraisal procedures) and scores correlated

to measure the difference.


42 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 187). Single question with one main idea but is lengthy.


44 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 220). Option 2 – Cumulative frequency will be represented

into scores falling in the catergory of 18-35, 36-45, 46-55 et cetera.

45 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 222). Options 2 – Types of crimes do not need to be

separated as in bar graphs since we are referring to a specific area and time period.

46 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 224). Option 1 – Mode represents the number that appears

the most. Option 3 – Mean represents the average. Option 2 - Median represents the middle

number.


48 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 233, 235). Study question 6 on page 233 and 235.





Inductive moves from specific to general.






6








7

October/November 2011

RSC 2601 - October/November 2011 – Previous examination paper


1 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 12, 64-8). Option 2 – A researcher may still remain bias by

find previous literature which supports his viewpoint. Furthermore, a sample only ensures

that our study is representative as in the case of non-random sampling. Option 4 – Using

scientific methods to carefully test our hypothesis, while including the input of our peers,

definitely eliminates any element of bias.

2 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 9). Option 2 – The “halo” effect results when we generalize

positive qualities to an entity’s (University of South Africa) overall aspects (lectures, fees and

students). Option 3 – Overgeneralization, on the other hand, steps out of this particular

body’s positive attributes (Unisa) to apply them to other institutions (UP, UCT et cetera).

3 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 6). Option 2 – Mysticism relates to superstitious beliefs such

as turning around whenever you encounter a black cat.

4 Option 5 is the most correct (pg 25). Option 1, 2 and 4 refer to positivism with its emphasis

on rigor and causation (pg 21). Option 3 – Explanatory research (pg 92).

5 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 25-6). Option 2 – Definition of Intersubjectivity.

6 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 31-4). Option 4 – Critical and feminist researchers usually

make use of ethnographic and phenomenological studies. In addition, both these

researchers are opposed to oppressive structures.

7 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 50-6). Read these pages for more info on theories.


9 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 66-7). Read the question tested on these pages.

10 Option 5 is the most correct (pg 60-70). Always remember that the independent variable is

something we can control or objectively measure or at least manipulate to test for different

effects. One’s state of health, personality disintegration, relative deprivation and neurotic

behavior are concepts we cannot simply control. Option 5 – By performing a CD4 cell

count, we can establish how depressed your immune system is. The dependent variable is

always the result of the changes in the independent variable.

11 Option 5 is the most correct (pg 58-63). Option 5 – After conducting a literature review, our

research problem will be grounded in theory, with narrow focus of a particular research

topic and an empirical or conceptual issue to be researched.

12 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 68-9). Option 5 – Concepts are dynamic, ever changing in

meaning and abstraction.

13 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 91). Option 2 – Reliability refers to similar research results

being obtained after consecutive tests. Option 1 – Validity means the items, constructs,

methods, analysis techniques should measure what the researcher is aiming to study.

14 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 131-3). Option 3 – A true experiment seeks to control and

manipulate its variables using randomized groups, including a control and treatment

groups.

15 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 94-9). Read all these pages to refer to the other types of

research.

16 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 88). Consult the table on page 88.

17 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 88). Consult the table on page 88.

18 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 87-8). Consul table on page 88.




8

20 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 112). Option 2 – Voluntariness is coerced in this case.

21 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 175-6). Option 2 – Primary data is free from interpretation.

22 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 111). Option 1 – The Department is infringing on participant’s

right to privacy.



25 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 124). Option 1 – A design needs to preferably be flexible in

order to accommodate any new information. Only quantitative research may require fixed

guidelines. Option 2 – Sampling. Option 4 – Explanatory research.

26 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 140). Option 1 – Quantitative study.

27 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 133). Option 4 – Two phases are implemented in this design:

Pretest (respondents are asked to complete a questionnaire before they are given any

information) and Posttest (respondents are randomly assigned into two groups, with one

control group being given no information, while another treatment group receiving more

information). Option 1 and 3 – Pre-experimental and quasi-experimental designs do not

utilize random assignment into groups.

28 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 135). Option 2 - Quasi-experimental designs do not utilize

random assignment of participants into groups.

29 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 85-88). Option 2 – In-depth interviews.

30 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 85, 63). Option 2 – The research method is narrative

research, however, the research question is not clearly defined since it can ask, “How

outpatient suffering with depression cope in the family setting” to “How outpatients suffering

with depression experience medication”.


32 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 161-3). Options 2 – Quotas of specific criteria (20 male and

20 female) are set to be included in the sample.

33 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 153). Option 1 and 3 – Random samples offer participants

an equal chance (100%) of being selected, but is expensive and also time-consuming to

get right. Option 4 – A representative sample allows researchers to generalize the findings

obtained from a study to the entire population.

34 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 159). Option 2 – Cluster sampling is also referred to as

multistage sampling. Notice all the stages (study all cancer patients in the country, identify

groups of hospitals that have cancer wards in different provinces and drawing a sample

from these hospitals).

35 Option 3 is the most correct (161). Option 1 and 2 are eliminated since they belong to

random sampling techniques. Option 4 – In quota sampling, the researcher does not know

in advance the specifics about his or her sample.


37 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 187). Option 4 – In which newspaper reference is this

question referring too? Is it Daily Sun, Sunday Times or The Beeld? Option 1, 2 and 3 – The

item is a good open question, allowing the respondent to express his or her personal

opinion.

38 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 172-192). Option 2 – Ordinal scales measure the degree of

preferences, agreement, like or dislike et cetera. Option 1 – Nominal scales mainly deal

with data with non-numerical data which can further be separated into categories. Option

3 – Interval scales have a non-zero limit, measures can go below zero, e.g. temperature

can be -3. Option 4 – Ratio scales have a zero limit, e.g. a child starts at 0 years and grows

in months and later in years.



9

39 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 181-2). Option 2 – Role-play open question.

40 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 195). Option 3 – We can only question these individuals in

one single opportunity. Option 4 – Items will be split and the reliability measured according

to the obtained correlation between the two halves. Option 1 – Intercoder method requires

two researchers to show how reliable the results are and in this case, it would not be

necessary since the participants’ responses using the split-half method can determine such

reliability.


42 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 187). Option 1 – Double-barrel refers to statements

containing two questions.

43 Option 2 is the most correct (217-8).

44 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 231-5). Option 2 – Descriptive statistics organizes and

summaries quantitative data (mean mode and median). Option 3 – Inferential statistics

makes generalizations about the population (standard deviation, Pearson’s correlation

coefficient and t-score)..





number.

47 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 224). Option 1 – Mode = 16. Option 2 – Median = 8. Option

3 – Mean = 50/5 = 10.

48 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 233-235). Option 3 – Regardless of the sign, -(49) is closest

to –(1). Study question 6 on page 233.












59 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 130). Option 1 – External validity refers to the extent to

which results can be generalized to other populations or circumstances.




10

May/June 2012



1 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 12, 64-8). Option 2 – A researcher may still remain bias by

find previous literature which supports his viewpoint. Furthermore, a sample only ensures

that our study is representative as in the case of non-random sampling. Option 4 – Using

scientific methods to carefully test our hypothesis, while including the input of our peers,

definitely eliminates any element of bias.

2 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 12). Research on sensitive issues (e.g. male rape) is needed

to expand our understanding of the phenomenon.


4 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 13). Option 1 – Honesty.

5 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 50). Option 1 - Ontology.


7 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 50-6). Read the following pages about the nature of

theories.

8 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 57). Option 4 – Inductive reasoning.

9 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 66-7). Study the question on page 66.








12 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 74, 77). Study question 14 on page 74.

13 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 94-5). Option 1 – Descriptive research seeks to define or

describe social phenomenon.


15 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 141). Option 1 – Cross-reference with applied research.

16 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 82). Applied research aims to apply research findings.

17 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 85-7). Qualitative research studies people’s perception

and experiences from their point of view.

18 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 88). Consult table on page 88




22 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 114). Researcher should ensure anonymity.

23 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 111). Option 1 – The Department is infringing on participant’s

right to privacy.


25 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 139). Option 3 – Coherency refers to whether elements are

presented in a orderly manner (pg 126). Option 4 – Qualitative research is usually non-

sequential.

26 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 131). Option 4 – Self-fulfilling prophecy/Researcher

expectancy.



11

27 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 132). Option 3 – True experiments seek to control and

manipulate samples randomly assigned into two, namely a control and treatment group.

28 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 133). Option 2 – One phase is implemented in this design:

Posttest (respondents are randomly assigned into two groups, with one control group being

given behavior therapy, while another treatment group receiving the new treatment).

Option 1 and 3 – Pre-experimental and quasi-experimental designs do not utilize random

assignment into groups.

29 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 128). Option 1, 3 and 4 – Raters are still working

(instrumentation), nothing extraordinary happened during the study (history) and scores

did not regress from extreme to average (regression effect).

30 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 180). Focus group interviews.

31 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 115, 160-1). Probability sampling is costly and time-

consuming.



34 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 162). Researcher selects sample based on his or her own

knowledge.

35 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 157). Option 3 and 4 are eliminated since they use non-

probability.

36 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 164). Option 3 – A sample usually has to be 30 in order to

minimize sampling error. Option 1 – The accessible population will definitely differ from the

target population since we selected our sample using random sampling. Option 4 –

Agoraphobia can be studied using self-administered questionnaires.

37 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 201). Option 2 – Reactive observation. Option 4 –

Unobtrusive observation. Option 3 – Participant observation.

38 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 181). Option 2 – Exploratory research – new phenomenon.

39 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 195). Option 3 – We can only question these individuals in

one single opportunity. Option 4 – Items will be split and the reliability measured according

to the obtained correlation between the two halves. Option 1 – Intercoder method requires

two researchers to show how reliable the results are and in this case, it would not be

necessary since the participants’ responses using the split-half method can determine such

reliability.

40 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 181). Questions starting with “are, is and can” belong to

closed questions.

41 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 187). Who is represented by “Our”?

42 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 171). Option 4 – Ordinal scales measure the degree of






43 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 215). Option 1 – Descriptive statistics organizes and



coefficient and t-score).

44 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 221). Separate scores for individual participants.





12

46 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 224-5). Option 1 – Mode represents the number that

appears the most. Option 3 – Mean represents the average. Option 2 - Median represents

the middle number.

47 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 224). Options 1 – Measures of central tendency refer to the

mean, mode and median. Standard deviation represents average of total population,

which is not always easy to obtain since we cannot study the entire population.

48 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 233-5). Option 3 – Regardless of the sign -(49) is closest to

–(1). Study question 6 on page 233.









57 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 61, 269-70). Literature review points to new areas of study.

58 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 261). Consult table on page 267.



RSC 2601 - October/November 2012 – Previous examination paper


1 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 5). Authority figures are not infallible, they also can be

wrong.


3 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 12). Honesty.

4 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 8). Option 2 – Mysticism relates to superstitious beliefs such

as turning around whenever you encounter a black cat.






7 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 55-6). Age, gender, educational level and income are

concrete terms.

8 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 57). Option 3 - Deduction entails moving from general to

specific. Induction involves moving from the specific to a general principle.


the other increases/decreases at the same time.









13






14 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 88). Consult table on page 88.

15 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 91). Same variables can be studied within a specific

phenomenon.

16 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 82). Applied research seeks to come up with immediate

solutions.


18 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 104-5). Study question 3 on page 104.


20 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 120). Plagiarism is a serious legal offence.


22 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 114). Sensitivity.



25 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 128). Study other threats on internal validity on page 127-

9.

26 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 129). Study the example given under selection as a possible

threat to internal validity on page 129.

27 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 132). True experiments seek to control and manipulate

variables randomly assigned into two groups, namely a control and experimental group.

28 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 135). Option 2 - Quasi-experimental designs do not utilize

random assignment of participants into groups.

29 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 139). Flexibility deals with all the processes of analyzing

data.

30 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 180). Focus groups interviews.

31 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 163). Option 1 and 2 – Quota and judgmental sampling fall

within non-random sampling.








36 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 263). Option 1 – Purposive sampling. Option 3 –

Convenience sampling. Option 4 – Random sampling gives respondents equal (100%)

opportunity of being selected.

37 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 202). Option 1 – Non-participant observation. Option 3 –

Participant observation. Option 4 – Unobtrusive observation.

38 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 182-3). Option 4 – Applied research to come up with

immediate solution



14

39 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 195). Option 2 – Questions will be divided into two forms

(testing for job evaluation and performance appraisal procedures) and scores correlated

tp measure the difference.

40 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 181-2). Role-play open question.

41 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 172). Option 1 – Scale should read = Strongly agree, Agree,

Neutral, Disagree and Strongly disagree.

42 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 171). Option 1 – Nominal scales mainly deal with data with

non-numerical data which can further be separated into categories. Option 3 – Interval

scales have a non-zero limit, measures can go below zero, e.g. temperature can be -3.

Option 4 – Ratio scales have a zero limit, e.g. a child starts at 0 years and grows in months

and later in years.

43 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 231-5). Option 2 – Descriptive statistics organizes and



coefficient and t-score).

44 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 222). Options 2 – Types of crimes do not need to be

separated as in bar graphs since we are referring to a specific area and time period.





number.

47 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 224). Options 1 – Measures of central tendency refer to the

mean, mode and median. Standard deviation represents average of total population,

which is not always easy to obtain since we cannot study the entire population.


the other increases/decreases at the same time.















15

May/June 2013



1 Option 5 is the most correct (pg 2-3). Option 5 encompasses all the characteristics of

scientific inquiry.

2 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 5). Authority figures are not infallible, they also can be

wrong.



5 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 12). Research on sensitive issues (e.g. male rape) is needed

to expand our understanding of the phenomenon.





7 Option 5 is the most correct (pg 53-4). Read pages 53 to 54 for more on theory.

8 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 55-6). An abstract term is not easily visible or straightforward

in nature.



effects.


the other increases/decreases at the same time. Negative correlation – one valuable

increases, the other will decrease.




12 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 68-9). Concepts are dynamic, ever changing in meaning

and abstraction.


14 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 94-5). Read page 94-5 for more on descriptive research.



17 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 131-3). Option 3 – A true experiment seeks to control and


groups.



20 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 114-5). Infringement of privacy.





25 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 131). Option 4 – A true experiment seeks to control and


groups.



16

26 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 128). Consult page 28 for more threats to internal validity.

27 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 133). Option 4 – Two phases are implemented in this design:

Pretest (respondents are asked to complete a questionnaire before they are given any

information) and Posttest (respondents are randomly assigned into two groups, with one

control group being given no information, while another treatment group receiving more

information). Option 1 and 3 – Pre-experimental and quasi-experimental designs do not

utilize random assignment into groups.

28 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 85-8). Qualitative approach is non-sequential (pg 88).

29 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 131). Quantitative approach is sequential (control of

variables).


31 Option 2 is the most correct (163).



34 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 48-9). Instead, one can take it once and use that sample

to represent the entire population.






37 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 179). Structured questionnaire has closed questions

(yes/no) which can be completed quickly.

38 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 187). Single question with one main idea but is lengthy.

39 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 175). Compare with secondary and tertiary data on page

175.


41 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 171-2). Option 4 – Ordinal scales measure the degree of







43 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 229). Option 1 and 3, the variable ‘family size’ encapsulates

small and large families, it is a general term.

44 Option 2 is the most correct (pg 224). Option 2 –Mode represents the number that appears


number.



47 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 231-2, 234). Study question 1 on page 232 and 234.

48 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 221-2). Separate scores for different individuals.







17



55 Option 4 is the most correct (pg 261, 276).


57 Option 1 is the most correct (pg 260). The audience will establish the focus of your report.

58 Option 3 is the most correct (pg 261, 267). Consult table on page 267.




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RSC2601 EXAM PACK - gimmenotes · 2018-08-09 · RSC2601 EXAM PACK Research in the Social Sciences...

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