Hong Kong residents are entitled to engage in ______________, literary and artistic creation, and other cultural activities.

The correct answer is tied to the rights and freedoms guaranteed to Hong Kong residents under the Basic Law, particularly in relation to cultural and educational activities. The phrase "engage in academic research" reflects the legal framework that emphasizes the importance of academic freedom and intellectual pursuits within Hong Kong's governance model.

Hong Kong's Basic Law provides for the protection of rights, including freedom of speech, which encompasses not only expression in the form of journalism and the arts but also the pursuit of academic research. Academic research is a significant form of intellectual activity that contributes to cultural and educational development and is recognized as a fundamental right that should be protected and promoted.

Other options, while relevant to forms of creative expression and social engagement, reflect narrower aspects. For instance, artistic creation and performance are certainly important cultural activities but may not encompass the full scope of academic inquiry, which is more comprehensive in nature. Hence, the emphasis on academic research signifies a broader commitment to education, scholarship, and the dissemination of knowledge, which aligns with the protections under the Basic Law.