Research Methods Question Paper
Research Methods
Course:Bachelor Of Science In Information Technology
Institution: Kca University question papers
Exam Year:2011
UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS: 2010/2011
SECOND YEAR EXAMINATION FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF
SCIENCE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
BIT 2301: RESEARCH METHODS
DATE: APRIL 2011 TIME: 2 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer question ONE and any other TWO questions
QUESTION 1: 30 MARKS (COMPULSORY)
a) Define the following terms [4 Marks]
i. Research problem
ii. Research design
b) Describe the following documents [4 Marks]
i. Research proposal
ii. Research report
c) Explain why it is wrong to set out to prove or disapprove a hypothesis. [2 Marks]
d) The table below show the distribution of scores for the 2011 class Research method test. Read and
understand the table then answer the questions that follow.
Score (x) Frequency (f)
30 3
40 3
45 2
50 6
60 2
80 3
90 1
2
i. Complete the table so that you will be able to do part (ii) through (iv) [4 Marks]
ii. Calculate the mean [2 Marks]
iii. Calculate the variance [2 Marks]
iv. Calculate the standard deviation [2 Marks]
e) The following are marks attained in a research methods test.
31 21 34 32 50 31 22 44 47 76
56 76 72 80 93 66 64 60 65 23
45 56 77 66 55 37 87 92 37 44
33 47 58 64 48 88 82 85 33 51
67 95 55 54 39 77 82 36 44 27
Required:
i. Group the scores in classes of width 10. [2 Marks]
ii. Complete the table such that you will be able to draw the histogram and the frequency
polygon [8 Marks]
QUESTION 2: 20 MARKS
a) Describe five attributes of good research [5 Marks]
b) Discuss five purposes served by research [5 Marks]
c) Suppose you are having problems identifying a research problem. State and explain four areas
where you would look around to get started. [4 Marks]
d) Discuss six guidelines that you would follow when in order to come up with a legitimate research
problem. [6 Marks]
QUESTION 3:20 MARKS
No research effort is complete without a careful and exhaustive review of the material related to the
topic under study. With that fact in mind answer the following questions.
a) Define the term literature review [2 Marks]
b) State and explain five reasons why it is important to carry out the literature review. [5 Marks]
c) Discuss four indicators of an adequate scope of the reviewed materials. [8Marks]
3
d) Discuss five sources of literature that you are likely to contact when reviewing your literature.
[5 Marks]
QUESTION 4:20 MARKS
a) Define the following terms commonly used in the research design context. [4 Marks]
i. Population
ii. Sample
b) Describe the following sampling techniques, stating when each is applicable [4 Marks]
i. Random sampling
ii. Stratified sampling
c) Discuss the general criteria for any research design irrespective of the branch of research.[4 Marks]
d) Describe the various forms of validity of measuring tools [4 Marks]
e) Describe the various forms of reliability of measuring tools [4 Marks]
QUESTION 5:20 MARKS
a) Differentiate between the following types of research
i. Qualitative Vs quantitative research [2 Marks]
ii. Basic Vs Applied research [2 Marks]
b) Describe the main sections in research proposal [5 Marks]
c) Define the term data interpretation [2 Marks]
d) In your own view what do you think is the significance of interpreting data? [4 Marks]
e) Describe the interview method of data collection as well as the tools used in this method [5 Marks]
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