Get premium membership and access revision papers, questions with answers as well as video lessons.

Research Methods Question Paper

Research Methods

Course:Bachelor Of Science In Environmental Conservation

Institution: Kenyatta University question papers

Exam Year:

KENYATTA UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS 2011/2012
SECOND SEMESTER EXAMINATION FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT

EPM 391: RESEARCH METHODS

DATE:
Friday 30th March 2012

TIME:
11.00a.m – 1.00p.m
______________________________________________________________________________

INSTRUCTIONS
Answer question one and any other two questions.
Question 1
a) Explain the meaning of research and give four purposes for conducting research.

[6marks]
b) Distinguish between research methods and research methodology.
[5marks]
c) Discuss seven (7) principles on which scientific research may be based.
[14marks]
d) Using appropriate examples, outline factors that may affect the choice of a research topic.
[5marks]
Question 2
a) Describe the main features of quantitative research as compared to those of qualitative
research.

[10marks]
b) Explain the importance of combining both approaches in 2(a) in investigating
environmental planning and management problems.

[4marks]
c) During data collection, you realize that you have to facilitate a Focus Group Discussion
(FGD) with women on water and sanitation problems in a community. Describe the key
functions that you will undertake for successful completion of the assignment.

[6marks]

Page 1 of 2

Question 3
You have been awarded a constancy to conduct a soil conservation study among the farming
population in your district:
a) Explain why literature review will be necessary for your study.

[7marks]
b) Describe four data collection techniques you would use in carrying out the study.

[8marks]
c) Describe the steps you would go through in designing a good questionnaire for the study.
[5marks]
Question 4
You are the header of a multi-disciplinary team of researchers who have been asked by the
Ministry of Environment in your country to carry out a NEMA’s activities coverage survey in
the district of your work place.
a) Explain all that should be considered for inclusion in writing the “The Problem
Statement” of this study.

[8marks]
b) Describe the most suitable study design and justify your choice.

[4marks]
c) Describe two (2) sampling procedures that you would use in this study.
[8marks]

Question 5
a) Distinguish the following concepts as used in research:
i)
Research objectives and research premises/hypotheses.

[4marks]
ii)
Validity and reliability

[4marks]
iii)
Participant and non-participant observations.

[4marks]
b) Define plagiarism and describe three measures which you as a researcher would put in
place to avoid it.

[8marks]

Research Methods Question Paper

More Question Papers

Popular Exams