ASSIGNMENTS & ANSWERS - 2005
QUESTION 1
Experienced scientists are expected to...
(1) only undertake research when they can prevent all errors in research
(2) challenge established theories
(3) regard all knowledge as reliable and therefore highly predictable
(4) engage only in research that ...
QUESTION 1
Experienced scientists are expected to...
(1) only undertake research when they can prevent all errors in research
(2) challenge established theories
(3) regard all knowledge as reliable and therefore highly predictable
(4) engage only in research that interests them
1 Option (2) is the key
Option (2) is correct because by challenging established theories the validity and
reliability of theories can be confirmed or disproved. This process promotes the
development of knowledge.
Option (1) is incorrect because errors or shortcomings in research can motivate other
researchers to develop and apply better research methods.
Option (3) is incorrect because experienced researchers must demonstrate healthy
skepticism when validity and reliability of knowledge is at stake.
Option (4) is incorrect because it can be expected from experienced researchers to
undertake diverse research that not necessarily stimulates their interests.
QUESTION 2
Norms for the scientific community contain the following:
(1) universalism and organised skepticism
(2) universalism and neutrality as to the possible popularity or unpopularity of
research results
(3) communalism and honesty
(4) all the above
2 Option (4) is the key
Option (4) is correct as the norms for the scientific community includes all the norms
characteristics as indicated under options (1), (2) and (3). By choosing just one of the
alternative options is an exclusive choice.
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QUESTION 3
In order for research to be regarded as scientific it must...
(a) entail observation and measurement
(b) formulate assumptions and hypothesis
(c) have a language of presentation that can only be understood by fellow
researchers
The answer(s) to the above question is/are...
(1) (a)
(2) (a) (b)
(3) (c)
3 Option (2) is the key
Option (2) is correct because it addresses the essential elements of scientific
research.
Option (1) is incorrect because observation and measurement makes no sense if it is
not guided by an assumption or hypothesis with regards to the possible interaction or
causal relationship between the observations and measurements.
Option (3) is incorrect because scientific knowledge is not necessarily reserved for a
selected group of scientists. Especially in the social and behavioural sciences the
consumer of knowledge is often the proverbial man in the street that stands to
benefit from knowledge that is reported in understandable language.
QUESTION 4
Premature closing of enquiry can be avoided by...
(1) carefully studying published research results and current thinking on a specific
subject matter
(2) planning for more time in which to research a problem
(3) not being intimidated by bodies of authority to produce results
(4) selecting a very interesting research topic that continuously fascinates the
researcher
4 Option (1) is the key
Option (1) is correct as it can be used to assess the extend of goal achievement and
contemplation of specific research.
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, RSC201H Assignments & Answers
Option (2) is incorrect because despite all the time in the world research can still be
terminated prematurely if the researcher cannot determine whether goals have
been achieved satisfactorily.
Option (3) is incorrect as a researcher can do little against intimidation of bodies of
authority that are not interested in valid and reliable research results.
Option (4) is incorrect as all research is not necessarily fascinating, but is often
essential and must stand the test of being scientific.
QUESTION 5
Which norm of the scientific community is trespassed in the following scenario?
A scientist, employed by a government medical research laboratory, discovers an
agent that can drastically reduce the transmission of HIV from mother to her unborn
baby. He keeps his discovery a secret. The scientist resigns from the laboratory taking
the formula for the agent with him for later personal financial gain.
(1) trespassing communalism in science
(2) lack of interest in the welfare of people
(3) entrepreneurship in the present capitalistic dominated society
(4) a lack of honesty in the scientific community
5 Option (1) is the key
Option (1) is the correct answer because being scientific implies that researchers will
make their information known to the scientific community without forfeiting
acknowledgement and possible rewards for their work. It is precisely this norm of
scientific commonality that leads to scientific progress which is made known inter alia
in scientific journals and during conferences.
Option (2) is incorrect because the welfare of people is not the primary concern of
the scientific community.
Option (3) is incorrect because it is not an offence to develop entrepreneurship
amidst scientific enterprise.
Option (4) is incorrect because honesty is incorporated within the context of
communalism in science. A lack of honesty refers to deliberate false reporting of
results with the aim to mislead people.
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