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Econ 440: Research Methodology Question Paper
Econ 440: Research Methodology
Course:Bachelor Of Economics And Statistics
Institution: Chuka University question papers
Exam Year:2013
CHUKA
UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS
FOURTH YEAR EXAMINATIONS FOR THE AWARD OF
DEGREE IN BACHELOR OF SCIENCE ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS
ECON 440: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
STREAMS: ECON & STAT Y4S1 TIME: 2 HOURS
DAY/DATE: TUESDAY 6/8/2013 11.30 AM- 1.30 PM
INSTRUCTIONS:
• Answer All Questions in SECTION A and any ONE Question in SECTION B
• Start each Question in a new page.
Question 1
A corporation executive believes that his inspiration messages in the company newsletter increase productivity, and the newsletter should therefore come out more often. The newsletter is published in February, April, June, August, October and December. The executive compares productivity in January (which does not have a newsletter) with productivity in February (which does have a newsletter), then compares March’s productivity with April’s, etc.
Required:
(i) What do you understand by the term research? Explain its significance in modern times. [4 Marks]
(ii) Come up with a possible title to this kind of research. [2 Marks]
(iii) Write a problem statement on the above issues. [4 Marks]
(iv) Which research design would be most appropriate for this study and why [4 Marks]
(v) Come up with at least two objectives [2 Marks]
(vi) Come up with the hypothesis to the problem [2 Marks]
(vii) Explain the sampling plan you would employ for this study [4 Marks]
(viii) What are the main characteristics of a good sampling design? [4 Marks]
(ix) How would you test for validity and reliability of your study? [4 Marks]
Question 2
Show your understanding of the use of the following concepts in research.
(i) Explain the phrase “correlation does not equal causation”. Why is the distinction so important [4 Marks]
(ii) Compare and contrast experimental and correlation research designs. What characteristics separate two three designs? [4 Marks]
(iii) Differentiate between literature review and referencing. [3 Marks]
(iv) Differentiate between validity and reliability [3 Marks]
(v) Differentiate between descriptive statistics and inferential statistics [3 Marks]
(vi) Quantitative approach and Qualitative approach to research [3 Marks]
SECTION B
Question 3
(i) Assume you are conducting a study of your own choice, while giving appropriate examples (relating to your study), explain the four levels of measurements clearly stating which statistic you would apply to analyze your data. [10 Marks]
(ii) Problem statement and the hypothesis are the foundation and focus of any research. They both contribute to the body of knowledge which supports or refutes an existing theory. Critically discuss the above statement. [10 Marks]
Question 4
Questionnaires are important and their design critical because research surveys depend on the comprehensiveness of the topics covered in questionnaires:
(i) Describe the typical sequence of activities involved in designing a questionnaire and indicate four instances when is it appropriate to use a questionnaire for research.
[10 Marks]
(ii) Showing your understanding of the many ways that sample size becomes a consideration in research design and interpretation of results; discuss the significance of sample size in research. In what ways does the size of your sample affect the nature of your study and/or the conclusions you can draw from it? Does a larger sample always mean a “better” study? [10 Marks]
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