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Research Methods Question Paper
Research Methods
Course:Bachelor Of Science In Computer Science
Institution: Chuka University question papers
Exam Year:2012
UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS
THIRD YEAR EXAMINATION FOR THE AWARD OF DEGREE OF
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (COMPUTER SCIENCE)
COMP 312: RESEARCH METHODS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
STREAMS: B.SC. (COMP. SCI.) Y3S2 TIME: 2 HOURS
DAY/DATE: WEDNESDAY 11/4/2012 8.30 A.M. – 10.30 A.M.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Answer Question One and any other TWO questions.
Question ONE (Compulsory) (30 Marks)
The Managing Director of an e-business company, established ten years ago is facing a problem. The company which was initially profitable and attracted very many graduates to work with is currently unprofitable. In the MD’s opinion, the sheer number of Web pages that have proliferated on the Internet, and the resulting competition for user visits, has made it increasingly difficult for their Web site to attract visitors. The company offers a wide range of online sales facilities in the country, region and world wide. Industry experts have observed that since the early 2000s, tremendous growth in the use of the Internet has occurred. The Internet has rapidly become one of the most powerful forms of information media within this period of time. In the next few years the World Wide Web is expected to grow 20-fold. Given this phenomenal growth, there is an emerging need to be sensitive to the needs and preferences of Web users, since Web sites are primary user interfaces for net-enabled businesses, information provision, and promotional activities.
As a research consultant, the MD has commissioned you to undertake a comprehensive study to determine possible strategies the company can undertake to face the existing problem.
Required:
(a) State an appropriate research title for the research. [2 marks]
(b) “A research problem exists only if some conditions are met”. With reference to the above, highlight the conditions. [4 marks]
(c) Formulate at least two possible research objectives for the proposed study. [3 marks]
(d) In formulating your objectives above, what factors did you take into consideration?
[2 marks]
(e) Develop a conceptual framework for the above problem, clearly indicating the various types of variables. [5 marks]
(f) Briefly describe how you would undertake the following:
(i) Selection of the sample [2 marks]
(ii) Collection of the data [2 marks]
(iii) Data analysis [2 marks]
(g) State the scope, limitation and assumption of your study. [8 marks]
Question Two (20 Marks)
(a) State five areas of research in Computer Science and give key issues to be discussed in these areas. [10 marks]
(b) Discuss the reasons why it is important to write a proposal before engaging in any field of research exercise. [10 marks]
Question Three (20 Marks)
(a) Briefly explain FOUR sources of inconsistencies in data collection. [5 marks]
(b) Discuss the factors that a researcher should consider in developing a sample design.
[5 marks]
(c) Discuss the importance of literature review in a research proposal. [10 marks]
Question Four (20 Marks)
(a) Describe SIX sources of research problems. [6 marks]
(b) Explain factors affecting the external validity of a research design. [4 marks]
(c) Explain how you would calculate the following statistical measures often used by researchers:
(i) Coefficient of variation
(ii) Mean
(iv) Standard deviation
(v) Pearson coefficient of correlation
(vi) Median [10 marks]
Question Five (20 Marks)
(a) Compare and contrast questionnaires and interviews as instruments of collecting primary data. [10 marks]
(b) Briefly explain the probabilistic sampling techniques that a researcher may use to select a sample from the population giving an advantage and disadvantage for each. [10 marks]
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