Names : Nokwanda Phindile

Surname : Mlambo

Student no : ST10126547

Group :1

Module : Introduction to Education Research Test

Module Code : INER7411

Lecturer : Ms Thandiwe Dlamini

Date : 12 May 2022

Question 1

Dudu will have to go under a cyclical process of a research, where she will have to:

 Do a pre- testing data collection methods/ instrument where she will test on
small groups of respondents called pilot test. The purpose is to eliminate
problems with instrument (surveys).
 Dudu will have to do a sample and collect data using a pilot and then actual
data collection.
 She will have to analyse and interpret her data and after forms basis of
findings, conclusion/ recommendations.
 And then after that she must write a report.
 Identify and analyse the question/ problem where she will think of a topic that
interest her.
 Dudu will have to conduct the literature review where she states relevant
literature published in academic journals.
 She will have to formulate the research question where she considers
probability of finding answers and proving or disproving hypotheses. Referred
to as feasibility of research project. A hypothesis is a statement you attempt to
accept/ reject at the end of research.
 Dudu will have to decide on a research approach on whether is it qualitative or
quantitative approach, or both, known as mixed- method approach (Du Plooy-
Cilliers, Davis and Bezuidenhout, 2014)

Question 2

2.1 Paradigms: Are more likely to be referred to as research traditions or worldviews.

The word ‘paradigm' was coined by historian Thomas Kuhn. In a given subject, it
influences what should be investigated, how research should be conducted, and how
findings should be evaluated (Bryman, 2012:630). Paradigms are most often utilised in
the scientific sciences. Researchers in the social sciences call paradigms research
traditions or worldviews. It's crucial to realise that researchers choose a certain
technique of examining events in their area by adopting a particular paradigm or
research tradition. Knowing your research paradigm or tradition is critical since it
dictates what topics are worthy of examination and what techniques are necessary to
provide acceptable results. Kuhn recognised that when researchers embrace and
follow specific study methodologies and procedures, they are certain to run into issues
and discrepancies. These contradictions eventually cause a disciplinary dilemma. If a
crisis cannot be resolved, a revolution occurs. A revolution is a battle that results in
change. This is known as a paradigm shift in research (Plooy-Cilliers Et Al, 2014)

Paradigm shift: when a paradigm shift occurs, researchers take on new views,
method and beliefs and start conducting their research differently. When a discipline's
paradigm shifts, researchers adopt new perspectives, methodologies, and beliefs, and
conduct research in novel ways. However, the introduction of a new paradigm does
not imply that earlier paradigms are outmoded. Some scholars will never go beyond
their accustomed paradigm; others will never see beyond their habitual way of thinking
(Du Plooy-Cilliers, Davis and Bezuidenhout, 2014)

2.2 it is interpretivism

2.3 The reason interpretivism is the best paradigm for Dudu's study is because she
will use qualitative research from common methodology and data will be collected
through interviewing the teachers; therefore, the final data collecting of her research
will be based on human experiences, which may not be accurate because everyone
will be sharing their experience on the topic being researched.

Question 3

3.1 Assumptions

Assumptions are theoretical claims about a phenomena, the nature of people, or

concerns that cannot be verified directly. It is an unproven first remark regarding the
nature of human life and occurrences. Theoretical frameworks rely on assumptions to
explain and test hypotheses (Neuman, 2011). Most of what we know is based on
untested assumptions. For example, we think a woman is a good mother because she
carries her child for nine months and births it. Case studies of mothers who neglect,
mistreat or leave their children shock us.

Concepts:

The most fundamental components or aspects of a theory are its concepts. They are
regarded as the essential components of a theory. Two dimensions, namely label/
symbol and definition.
  Labelling a concept gives it a name.
 A definition is the description of the meaning of the concept.

Relationships

Associations between concepts. A hypothesis is an explanation about relationships

between concepts in terms of dependent and independent variables.

Explanation and Predictions

Prediction is a statement that event/ outcome will occur.

3.2 Functions of Theories.

 Organise experiences into smaller categories.

 Select concepts of phenomenon to study.
 Predict/ control aspects of a phenomenon.
 Critical theories are used to ask questions.
 Promotes insignificant concepts
 Explains relationships between concepts.
 Identify variables to test hypothesis.

3.3

Inductive reasoning Deductive reasoning

 Infers theoretical concepts from
data collected
 Moves from specific to general
assumptions (apply fundings to
more abstract/ broad theoretical
constructs)
 Allows building of existing /new
theory.
 Conduct study then data
collected.
Question 4
 Moves from general specific
assumptions top- down approach
 Allows testing of an existing
theory through conducting a
research study
 Theory is conducted before study
is.

4.1 an experiment study of grade 7 mathematics teachers in reducing mathematical

anxiety in uMgungundlovu district in Kwa Zulu Natal
4.2 what are the experiences that grade 7 mathematics teachers have faced when
dealing with mathematics anxiety.

Question 5

5.1 a null hypothesis predicts no relationship exists between the variables being
tested. For example: reading does not improve spelling. The null hypothesis is a
theory that is characteristic of arithmetic and suggests that there is no statistical
relationship and significance that exists in a set of given, single, observed variables
between two sets of observed data and measured phenomena. This theory is also
known as the "default hypothesis." The hypotheses are an important part of the
process of determining whether or not the differences between the experiments and
the observations are significant. H0 is an abbreviation for the null hypothesis, which
states that there is no difference. It is assumed to be correct unless contradictory
evidence is shown (Porter, 2022)

 it is created to nullify or invalidate a specific hypothesis.

 it opposes the alternative hypothesis.
 these hypotheses can be accepted or rejected at the end of the research.

5.2 In this case of Gerald experiment a null hypothesis would be: If I drop a half a
pack of Peppermint flavoured Mentos through a Geyser-tube into a 2-liter of
Coca Cola that is only half full, then the Coca Cola will not react and rise

5.3 Dependent variables: are variables that are affected by independent variables
and will change as a result of independent variables (Cresswell, 2003). In this case of
Gerald experiment the dependent variables are: the diet coke with the peppermint
mentos because it depends on the mentos to have a chemical response.

Independent variables: it is changed or manipulated by the researcher to test the

effect change will have on dependent variable and outcome (Cresswell, 2003). In this
case of Gerald experiment the independent variables are: The pack of Peppermint
flavoured mentos because it could stand alone and it does not depend on.

Reference list

Du Plooy-Cilliers, F., Davis, C. and Bezuidenhout, R., 2014. Research matters.

Claremont: Juta and Company Ltd, pp.19- 20.
Porter, S., 2022. The null hypothesis in educational research. [online] Available at:
<https://stephenporter.org/the-null-hypothesis-in-education/> [Accessed 12 May 2022].

Cresswell, J.W. 2003. Research design: Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods
approaches. 2 nd edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.