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Research Methods Examination Questions

The document outlines examination questions for Research Methods, covering various topics such as data analysis, research designs, ethical considerations, and sampling methods. It includes specific questions on calculating statistical measures, limitations of questionnaires, and the importance of literature reviews. The document is structured into sections with multiple questions aimed at assessing knowledge and understanding of research methodologies.

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Bernard Rusere
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19 views11 pages

Research Methods Examination Questions

The document outlines examination questions for Research Methods, covering various topics such as data analysis, research designs, ethical considerations, and sampling methods. It includes specific questions on calculating statistical measures, limitations of questionnaires, and the importance of literature reviews. The document is structured into sections with multiple questions aimed at assessing knowledge and understanding of research methodologies.

Uploaded by

Bernard Rusere
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2024 EXAMINATION

PAPER NO: 556/23/M05 – RESEARCH METHODS

Section A

QUESTION 1

a) Write brief notes on the following concepts:


i) Mean (3 marks)
ii) Median (3 marks)
iii) Mode (3 marks)

b) Using the below data set,


3, 11, 4, 6, 8, 9, 6

Calculate

i) Mean (3 marks)
ii) Median (3 marks)
iii) Mode (3 marks)
iv) Range (2 marks)

QUESTION 2

Outline any five (5) limitations of using questionnaires for data collection in research.
(20 marks)
PAPER NO: 556/23/M05 – RESEARCH METHODS

Section B

QUESTION 3

a) Highlight the sources of research problems (10 marks)


b) Explain the value of stating objectives in research study (10 marks)

QUESTION 4

Analyse the following research concepts:

a) Research proposal (8 marks)

b) Scales of measurement (12 marks)

QUESTION 5

a) Describe the characteristics of purposive/judgmental sampling


(4 marks)

b) Scrutinise the steps that help enhance validity and reliability in research.
(10 marks)

c) Spell out the importance of literature review in research (6 marks)

QUESTION 6

a) Explain the following as they relate to ethics

i) Right to privacy (4 marks)


ii) Right to confidentiality (4 marks)
iii) Protection from harm (4 marks)
iv) Informed consent (4 marks)

b) Give four(4) uses of statistics in research (4 marks)


PAPER NO: 556/23/M05 – RESEARCH METHODS

QUESTION 7

Write short notes on the research terms below

i) Problem identification (4 marks)


ii) Statement of the problem (4 marks)
iii) Hypothesis (4 marks)
iv) Focus group discussion (8 marks)
MARCH/APRIL 2025 EXAMINATION

PAPER NO: 549/15/S10 – RESEARCH METHODS

QUESTION 1

a) Explain any five (5) characteristics of a poor research topic. (10 marks)
b) Explain the process of a research process. (10 marks)

QUESTION 2

Examine ten (10) characteristics of a good literature review. (20 marks)

QUESTION 3

Analyse the following research designs:

a) Experimental research design (4 marks)


b) Descriptive research designs (4 marks)
c) Longitudinal research design (4 marks)
d) Case study research design (4 marks)
e) Cross sectional research design (4 marks)

QUESTION 4

a) Explain any five (5) types of validity in research. (10 marks)

b) Examine any five (5) differences between quantitative research and qualitative research. (10 marks)

QUESTION 5

a) Explain any four (4) ethical considerations in research and how they can be mitigated. (8 marks)

b) Explain action research and its value to the hospitality industry. (12 marks)

QUESTION 6

a) Explain the benefits of using the following methods of data collection:

i) Surveys and questionnaires (2 marks)


ii) Experiments (2 marks)
iii) Observation (2 marks)
iv) Interviews (2 marks)
v) Focus groups (2 marks)
b) Explain the following methods of sampling:

i) Simple random sampling (2 marks)


ii) Stratified sampling (2 marks)
iii) Systematic sampling (2 marks)
iv) Purposive/judgmental sampling (2 marks)
v) Quota sampling (2 marks)

QUESTION 7

a) Analyse the benefits of quantifying qualitative data (8 marks)


b) The following data is given:

x 3 6 9 12 13 15 21 22
Frequency 3 4 5 2 4 5 4 3

Calculate:

i) The mean (2 marks)


ii) The standard deviation (2 marks)
iii) The variance (2 marks)
iv) The range (2 marks)
v) The median (2 marks)
SAMPLE PAST EXAMINATION QUESTION PAPERS-Research Methods
ZIMBABWE
MINISTRY OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY EDUCATION
HIGHER EDUCATION EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL
(HEXCO)
NATIONAL DIPLOMA
IN
BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT AND SECRETARIAL STUDIES
SUBJECT: Research Methods PAPER NO: 500/S16
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010 EXAMINATION
REQUIREMENTS
[Link] Methods Formulas Lists and Tables
2. Non-programmable Calculators
[Link] paper
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE
Answer any FIVE(5) questions.
QUESTION 1
Define the following terms.
(a) Research
(b) Methodology
(c) Literature Review
(d) Quantitative research
(e) Discrete random variable
(f) A case study
(g) Research design
(h) Sampling
(i) Population
(j) Inferential statistics (20 marks)

QUESTION 2
(a) Define Primary Data. (1 marks)
(b) Identify at least four (4) sources of primary data. (4 marks)
(c) Explain five advantages and disadvantages of primary data. (15 marks)

QUESTION 3
The scores in the table below were made by a group of students on two (2) different tests. From the given
data calculate;
(a) The mean for each test
(b) Median for each test
(c) The range for each test
(d) The standard deviation for each test

Student Mid-year Test End of Year Test


Score score
A 60 70
B 40 80
C 65 10
D 80 30
E 20 60
F 70 25
G 90 50
H 30 15
I 70 90
J 60 40
(20 marks)
QUESTION 4
(a) What is questionnaire?( 2 marks)
(b) Explain any eight (8) characteristics of a good questionnaire.(12 marks)
(c) Give three advantages and three (3) disadvantages of a questionnaire.(6 marks)

QUESTION 5
(a) Explain the concept of ethical considerations in research.(4 marks)
(b) Explain any four (4) ethical consideration necessary in conducting research. (8 marks)
(c) Discuss the implications of violating any ethical provisions.(8 marks)

QUESTION 6
Measurement is comparison. It is a tool by which data may be inspected, analysed and interpreted so that
the research may probe meaning which lies below superficial fact.
Stevens SS (1946) suggest that there are four (4) levels or types of measurement.
Identify and explain these levels of measurement. Give examples. (20 marks)

QUESTION 7
(a) Outline and explain five (5) basic tools of research. (10 marks)
(b) Discuss any two of the basic tools of research and explain how they are used. (10 marks)

QUESTION 8
(a) Distinguish a researchable problem from a non-researchable problem. (5 marks)
(b) Outline and explain the key characteristics of a good research. (15 marks)
ZIMBABWE
MINISTRY OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY EDUCATION
HIGHER EDUCATION EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL
(HEXCO)
NATIONAL DIPLOMA
IN
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT STUDIES
SUBJECT: Research Methods PAPER NO: 500/S15
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013 EXAMINATION
REQUIREMENTS
Non-programmable Calculator.
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE
Answer any FIVE (5) questions.

QUESTION 1
Using practical examples explain any four (4) benefits (utility) of research in business.

QUESTION 2
Explain the differences between quantitative and qualitative research approaches.

QUESTION 3
a) Identify and describe any six (6) potential unethical practices in scientific research.
b) Define and explain the phrase ethical principles in research.

QUESTION 4
a) Examine the following types of validity
i) Construct validity
ii) Face validity
iii) Convergent validity
iv) Divergent validity
b) Identify and explain any four (4) types of primary data.

QUESTION 5
a) i) Explain what constitutes measures of dispersion.

ii) Explain two characteristics of variance.


b) Explain the following types of research designs
i) Exploratory
ii) Descriptive

QUESTION 6
a) Identify any four (4) competencies that must be possessed by an interviewer
b) Explain any six (6) practical issues relating to focus groups.
QUESTION 7
a) Compute variance from the following data set: 4, 2,5,8,6.
b) Identify and explain any four (4) potential errors in causal explanation.

ZIMBABWE
MINISTRY OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY EDUCATION,
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT.
HIGHER EDUCATION EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL
(HEXCO)
NATIONAL DIPLOMA
IN
BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT AND SECRETARIAL STUDIES
SUBJECT: Research Methods PAPER NO: 500/S15
MARCH/APRIL 2014 EXAMINATION
REQUIREMENTS
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE
1. Answer any FIVE (5) questions.
2. All questions carry equal marks.
QUESTION 1
Using practical examples, explain the benefits of research to human beings. (20 marks)

QUESTION 2
Justify why a researcher has to consult the works of other researchers and established writers when
conducting research. (20 marks)

QUESTION 3
“In planning research project involving human subjects, it is important to consider the ethical guidelines
designed to protect your study objects (Best and Kahn 1993 p43).Identify and explain any five ethical
guidelines that a researcher must consider. (20 marks)

QUESTION 4
For practical and cost reasons it is often not possible to collect information about the entire population in
which a researcher is interested. Explain the following sampling methods:
a) Stratified sampling (5 marks)
b) Simple random sampling (5 marks)
c) Purposive sampling (5 marks)
d) Snowball sampling (5 marks)

QUESTION 5
a) What is data analysis? (2 marks)
b) Design a plan that outlines the process required to identify the most efficient tests or test for
any research-denied quantitative data. (18 marks)

QUESTION 6
“Teach us to count our days that we learn to be wise” Psalms 90 v 12
a) Identify the rules for data coding that should be followed by a researcher. (10 marks)
b) With the aid of formulas, explain the following two measures of dispersion:
i) Variance (5 marks)
ii) Standard deviation (5 marks)

QUESTION 7
Justify the purpose and importance of written presentation of an investigation. (20 marks)

Common questions

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A robust research design provides a comprehensive blueprint, guiding efficient resource allocation, ensuring alignment with research objectives, minimizing bias, enhancing validity, offering clear pathways for data collection and analysis, and facilitating trustworthy results that can support or refute hypotheses effectively .

Questionnaires can have limitations such as limited depth of responses, the potential for low response rates, difficulty in capturing complex attitudes or behaviors, issues with interpretation of questions by respondents, and reduced flexibility compared to other methods like interviews .

Systematic sampling ensures fairness and representation by selecting every nth individual from a list, minimizing selection bias and ensuring that each part of the population is represented. It simplifies the process and is easier to implement once the starting point and interval are determined .

Stevens identified four levels of measurement: nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio. Nominal scales classify data without specific order; ordinal scales introduce order; interval scales offer meaningful distances without a true zero; ratio scales have all interval properties but with a true zero. These influence the choice of statistical analysis techniques available for interpreting the data .

Quantitative research focuses on numerical data, emphasizing measurement, data analysis, and often using structured instruments. It seeks to determine relationships or causal effects. Qualitative research, on the other hand, focuses on exploring phenomena in depth, often using interviews or observations, and seeks to understand meanings, experiences, and concepts from a subjective viewpoint .

Potential errors in causal explanations include ignoring confounding variables, overreliance on coincidence as causation, neglecting alternative explanations, and oversimplifying complex relationships. These errors can lead to incorrect conclusions, reducing the validity and applicability of the research findings .

Ethical considerations include ensuring informed consent, right to privacy and confidentiality, protection from harm, and ensuring voluntary participation. Mitigation involves developing clear consent forms, anonymizing data, following ethical protocols, and providing participants with all necessary information to make informed decisions about their participation .

Enhancing validity and reliability can be achieved by using well-validated instruments, conducting pilot studies, triangulating data sources, clear operational definitions, ensuring proper sampling methods, maintaining consistency in procedures, and employing statistical tests to determine reliability coefficients, among others .

Stating research objectives provides clarity and focus, ensures that the research is directed and manageable, facilitates measurement and assessment of outcomes, aligns purposes across stakeholders, and helps in organizing the methodology and overall design of the study .

A good literature review should be comprehensive, critically evaluate existing research, identify gaps in the literature, provide a coherent argument, offer a historical perspective, integrate different perspectives, be organized logically, and relate directly to the research question while identifying relevant theoretical frameworks and methodologies .

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