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Summary STA1507 ASSIGNMENT 1 2023 SOLUTIONS
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- University Of South Africa (Unisa)
This document contains essay type written solutions to every question for assignment 1 2023
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STA1507ASSIGNMENT 2023
Introduction to research skills
DUE DATE: 22 MAY 2023
QUESTION 1
a)
When we say that research should be focused, it means that the research should have a clearly
defined objective or purpose. The researcher should have a specific question or hypothesis that they
want to investigate and should design their study around this question. This ensures that the
research is purposeful and efficient, as it is focused on answering a specific question rather than
exploring a broad topic without any clear direction.
Overall, a focused research approach is essential for ensuring that the research is purposeful,
efficient, and impactful. It enables researchers to investigate specific questions or hypotheses in
depth, leading to a better understanding of the topic and providing useful insights to the community.
b)
A research project would usually aim to answer specific research questions rather than addressing a
more general research problem because it allows the research to be focused, clear, and manageable.
When a researcher has a specific question or hypothesis that they want to investigate, they can
design their study with a clear objective in mind. This means that they can select appropriate
methods, collect relevant data, and analyse their findings in a way that is directly related to their
research question. This focused approach allows researchers to draw meaningful conclusions that
can inform decision-making or generate new knowledge in their field.
On the other hand, if a researcher is addressing a more general research problem, the research can
become too broad, unfocused, and overwhelming. They may struggle to select appropriate methods
or collect relevant data because there are too many variables to consider. This may result in a study
that is inconclusive or provides little useful information.
Overall, addressing specific research questions is more effective and efficient than addressing a more
general research problem. It helps to ensure that the research is focused, clear, and manageable,
and allows the researcher to draw meaningful conclusions that can inform decision-making or
generate new knowledge in their field.
QUESTION 2
a)
The key difference between true experimental research and quasi-experimental research is that true
experimental research involves random assignment of participants to experimental groups, whereas
quasi-experimental research does not.
, In true experimental research, the researcher randomly assigns participants to either an
experimental group or a control group. This random assignment helps to ensure that the groups are
equivalent and that any differences in the outcome between the groups can be attributed to the
intervention or treatment being tested. The researcher then manipulates the independent variable
(the intervention or treatment) and measures its effect on the dependent variable (the outcome).
In contrast, quasi-experimental research does not involve random assignment of participants to
groups. Instead, the groups may be naturally occurring or may be formed based on some
characteristic of the participants (e.g., age, gender, or diagnosis). The researcher still manipulates
the independent variable and measures the effect on the dependent variable, but the lack of
random assignment means that there may be other factors besides the intervention or treatment
that contribute to any differences in the outcome between the groups.
Because of the lack of random assignment, quasi-experimental research is generally considered to
be less rigorous than true experimental research. However, quasi-experimental designs may be
necessary or more feasible in certain situations where random assignment is not possible or ethical.
b)
Qualitative research and descriptive research are two different types of research approaches.
Descriptive research is all about describing and documenting phenomena, events, or situations,
while qualitative research aims to understand the underlying meanings, interpretations, and
experiences related to a particular topic.
In descriptive research, the researcher observes and measures a phenomenon without manipulating
it or attempting to explain why it occurs. It involves collecting and analysing data through various
methods such as surveys, questionnaires, or interviews to provide a clear and objective description
of the research topic. This type of research is useful in situations where the researcher wants to
establish the frequency, prevalence, or extent of a phenomenon or to describe a particular
population or group.
In contrast, qualitative research is a more subjective and interpretive approach that aims to explore
the experiences, beliefs, and perspectives of individuals or groups. It involves collecting data through
methods such as interviews, observations, or focus groups and analysing the data to identify themes
or patterns that emerge. The goal of qualitative research is to gain a deep understanding of the
research topic and to generate new insights or theories based on the data collected.
In summary, while descriptive research is concerned with documenting and describing a
phenomenon, qualitative research aims to understand the experiences, perspectives, and meanings
associated with that phenomenon. Both approaches are valuable in their own way and can be used
to address different research questions or objectives.
c)
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