INRS 7311 : Learning Unit 2 Research Topic , Research Questions and Hypotheses . Theme 1 Research Topics and Research Questions

Question 1

Explain different sources of research topics 5 marks

Answer 1

• Direct experience and observation
• Society and societal context
• Tradition and culture-beliefs that stem from our environment.
• Theories and previous research-the proving of current theories and the debunking and refinement of accepted ones.
• The media

Question 2

Explain the criteria for formulating a research problem 10 marks

Answer 2

• Answerability = The research problem must be able to be solved via observing a phenomenon .
• Feasibility = Manageable regarding cost , time , methodology and sample size .
• Scope = Not too broad or narrow .
• Theoretical value = Must be theoretically important and contribute to the advancement of knowledge .
• Relevance = Must make a noteworthy contribution . Should aim to explore , explain or question a particular phenomenon .

Question 3

Discuss the influence of research traditions on the formulations of research problems 6 marks

Answer 3

• Positivistic tradition : Aims to predict , control , manipulate phenomena in natural and social environments. Research problems based on trying to find causal links .
• Intrepretivist tradition : Aim is to gain a deeper and more empathetic understanding of aspects of social life and human behaviour .
• Critical realist : Problems come from trying to liberate others from oppression . Try to counteract harmful ideological positions that promote oppression , whatever form that may be in .

Question 4

Explain the influence of research traditions on the formulation of research questions 6 marks .

Answer 4

• Positivist tradition : Question will aim to identify a causal link . Will leave no room for error or guesswork
• Interpretivist : Question aims to gauge understanding or feelings in a particular situation . Not “black or white” , no specific answer is correct .
• Critical realist: How does this question help solve a problem that perpetuates the cycle of oppression ?

Question 5

Explain criteria for formulating the research question : 5 marks

Answer 5

• Narrow down a broad topic to a more focused area
• Shouldn’t just imply a desired outcome
• Should be directly related to the research problem statement .
• Should indicate how the data must be collected and how it should be interpreted .

Question 6

Provide examples of empirical research questions

Answer 6

• Exploratory questions : Questions that start with “What?” eg What makes a good leader ?
• Descriptive questions : Does a relationship exist between a variable ? Or how many of a particular thing are or aren’t there eg Is there a relationship between violence on TV and violent behaviour ? How many blac movie directors are there in the SA movie industry ?
• Causal questions : Attempt to ask “Why?” or determine what causes a given phenomenon . eg What causes school bullying ? “
• Evaluative questions : Attempt to indicate the outcome of a particular endeavour eg Has Instagram led to more online sales of this product ?
• Predictive questions : Addresses how one phenomenal aspect has or hasn’t affected another . e.g. : What effect does junk status have on the SA economy ?
• Historical questions : Investigates how the history of a situation influenced the current situation .

Question 7

Provide examples of non empirical questions 8 marks .

Answer 7

Meta-analytical : Try to ascertain current state of debates on topic .

• Conceptual : attempt to determine the meaning of constructs
• Theoretical : Try to ID appropriate themes , models , frameworks and explanations .
• Philosophical/normative : Addresses issues or a perfect state of being eg religious questions etc .

Question 8

Distinguish between non-empirical and empirical research questions 2 marks

Answer 8

• Empirical deals with what can be directly observed and measured
• Non-empirical is about processes and aspects that can’t be directly observed or measured .