Research Methods Question Paper

Research Methods

Course:Bachelor Of Education

Institution: Kenyatta University question papers

Exam Year:2008

KENYATTA UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS 2007/2008
INSTITUTIONAL BASED PROGRAM
EXAMINATION FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF EDUCATION
PSE 402: RESEARCH METHODS

DATE: WEDNESDAY, 27TH AUGUST 2008 TIME: 2.00 P.M. – 4.00 P.M.

INSTRUCTIONS
• Answer Q1 and any other TWO questions.
• In total answer THREE questions.
• Use of mobile phones in the exam room is prohibited.

Question One – Compulsory (30 marks)
a.
State and explain 3 sources of knowledge. [6 marks]
b.
Describe 3 characteristics of a scientific research. [6 marks]
c.
Differentiate between the following research types:
(i)
Basic and applied research.
(ii)
A survey and an experimental research.
(iii)
A pure laboratory experiment and Quasi experimental researches.
(iv)
A field experiment research and a naturalistic observation. [8 marks]
d.
(i)
Define the concept “hypothesis”. [1 mark]
(ii)
Describe any 2 functions of an hypothesis in research. [3 marks]
e.
(i)
What is meant by “Literature review”. [1 mark]
(ii)
Describe any 2 functions of literature review in research. [3 marks]

Question Two – (20 marks)
You have been called upon to conduct a Social Science research on “Factors sustaining drug use in schools X”.
a. Identify the population of your study – Justify. [2 marks]
b. Identify and describe two sampling techniques you would employ in this study. [3 marks]
c.
(i)
Describe one method of data collection you would employ in the above problem. [1 mark]
(ii)
Explain 2 merits and 2 demerits of the method chose in c(i) above. [4 marks]
d.
(i)
State one good research hypothesis that would be used in the study. [2 marks]
(ii)
For the hypothesis stated in d(i) identify the independent and dependant variable. [2 marks]
e.
(i)
Explain what is meant by “an extraneous variable” in research. [1 mark]
(ii)
In the above research. Identify any 2 extraneous variables. [2 marks]
(iii)
Explain how you would endeavour to take care of the extraneous variables mentioned in
e(ii). [3 marks]

Question Three – (2 marks)
a.
Make a clean distinction among the following using a relevant example.
(i)
The null hypothesis.
(ii)
The directional alternate hypothesis.
(iii)
The non-directional alternate hypothesis.
[6 marks]
b.
Among the three hypotheses stated in a, which one is statistically tested? [1 mark]
c.
Outline the steps to “hypothesis testing”. [6 marks]
d.
Explain using illustrations what is meant by the following:
(i)
Type I and Type II errors.
(ii)
Significance level.
(iii)
Power of a test.

Question 4 – 20 marks)
a.
What is meant by the terms “reliability” and “validity” in relation to research instruments? [4 marks]
b.
Explain what is meant by the following:
(i)
test-retest reliability
(ii)
split-half reliability
(iii)
construct validity
(iv)
ecological validity.
[8 marks]
c.
Explain what is meant by “Internal validity” and external validity of research. [4 marks]
d.
Discuss any two problems that researchers in Kenya are likely to encounter. [4 marks]

📘 Access 10,000+ CBC Exams With Marking Schemes

Research Methods Question Paper

More Question Papers

Exams With Marking Schemes

End Term 3 Exams

Mid Term Exams

End Term 1 Exams

Opener Exams

Full Set Exams