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Introduction To Research Methods Question Paper

Introduction To Research Methods

Course:Bachelor Of Economics And Statistics

Institution: University Of Nairobi question papers

Exam Year:2012

University Of Nairobi
First semester Examinations 2011/2012
Fourth Year Examinations for the Degree of Bachelors of Economics and Bachelor of Economics and Statistics
XEA 403: Introduction To Research Methods
Date: February 8, 2012 Time: 11.30.A.M.-1.30.P.M.

Instructions:
1. This paper consists of FIVE questions.
2. Answer Question one and any other TWO questions.

Question 1.
a) Explain why operationalization of theoretical concepts is important in economics research and describe the main sources of measurement error.
b) Why is ‘representativeness’ important to quantities research? What are the possible threats to representativeness?
c) A newly established company JAZIRA is seeking to introduce a course that will cover all cadres of staff in the company. You are the consultant hired to oversee the process. Explain how the following methods may be used to pick a sample of 284 respondents from a staff population of 1420.
i) Systematic random sampling
ii) Stratified random sampling
iii) Cluster sampling
iv) Random sampling

Question 2.
Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the following methods with special reference to possible sources of interviewer bias.
a) Focus group interview
b) Ethnography
c) Face to face interview
d) Telephone interview

Question 3

Apply the principles and ideas you have learnt research methods and address the problem of slums and crime in the city of Nairobi. You must include the following headings and a discussion.
a) Problem statement
b) A theory/conceptual framework
c) Hypothesis/identity at least three
d) Data needs and requirements
e) Your conclusions and recommendations assuming all your hypotheses are supported.

Question 4
a) What survey method and procedure would be appropriate for the following target populations?
i) Maximum security adults in a prison
ii) 18-24 year old college students
iii) Person dying of AIDS
Justify your answer in each case.
b) Design a questionnaire consisting 6-15 questions which induce respondents to answer some personal information about themselves.

Question 5
a) What is measurement in social research?
b) Distinguish between continuous and categorical variables
c) Why do researchers engage in statistical hypothesis testing?
d) Explain how program evaluation is different from field research?
e) Explain in the context of techniques used to counter measurement error in social research?

Introduction To Research Methods Question Paper

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