NAME: MACLEANS SEREDE

REG NO: 18/00016

TASK: CAT

1. Define the following terms (7 marks)

a. Research - An activity of systematic enquiry that seeks answers to a problem.
b. Hypothesis: A hypothesis is a statement that can be tested by scientific research.
If testing a relationship between two or more things, one needs to write hypothesis
before starting the experiment or data collection.
c. Research methodologies:  Are ways of collecting and analyzing data,
methodology explains what one did and how he/she did it, allowing readers to
evaluate the reliability and validity of the research.
d. Treatment: Refers to experimental research, especially when the data from that
research were analyzed via analysis of variance (ANOVA). In experimental
research, the researcher manipulates the independent or treatment variable(s) and
then observes whether the treatment groups differ on one or more dependent or
outcome variables.
e. Sample: A sample is the specific group that one will collect data from. The size of
the sample is always less than the total size of the population.
f. Literature review: A literature review is a survey of scholarly sources on a
specific topic. It provides an overview of current knowledge, allowing one to
identify relevant theories, methods, and gaps in the existing research.
g. Sample design: A sample design refers to the technique or the procedure the
researcher would adopt in selecting items for the sample.

2. Describe five source of primary data (5 marks)

a. Surveys: This is used to understand general characteristics of a population.
b. Observations: This is used understand how something occurs in its natural setting.
c. Experiments: Used to test cause-and-effect relationships.
d. Interview/focus group: To gain more in-depth understanding of a topic.
e. Case study: Used to gain an in-depth understanding of a specific group or context,
or when you don’t have the resources for a large study.

3. Differentiate between basic and applied research (2 marks)

a. Basic research aims to develop knowledge, theories and predictions while applied
research aims to develop techniques, products and procedures.

4. Describe six reasons why it is important to conduct literature review (6 marks)

a. Helps to familiarize oneself with the current state of knowledge on the topic.
b. Helps to ensure that you’re not just repeating what others have already done.
c. Aids to identify gaps in knowledge and unresolved problems that the research can
address.
d. To develop researchers’ theoretical framework and methodology.
e. To provide an overview of the key findings and debates on the topic.
5. Describe four probability sampling techniques used to select sample for the study (4
marks)
a. Simple Random Sampling: It is the most popular of the probability sampling
methods. The idea of randomization implies that sample selection is independent
of human judgment
b. Stratified Random Sampling: It combines randomization with stratification. Here,
the population is divided into strata, the population within each stratum is
homogeneous with respect to the characteristic based on which it is being
stratified and such characteristics must be identifiable in the study population.
c. Cluster Sampling: It is based on the ability of the researcher to divide the
sampling population into groups, called clusters and then to select elements within
each cluster, using the simple random sampling technique. It is appropriate when
the population is large.
d. Systematic sampling: It is similar to simple random sampling, but it is usually
slightly easier to conduct. Every member of the population is listed with a
number, but instead of randomly generating numbers, individuals are chosen at
regular intervals.

6. Describe six types of research (6 marks)

a. Basic: This research aims to develop knowledge, theories and predictions.
b. Applied: applied research aims to develop techniques, products and procedures.
c. Exploratory: This research aims to explore the main aspects of an under-
researched problem.
d. Explanatory: This research aims to explain the causes and consequences of a well-
defined problem.
e.  Inductive: Inductive research aims to develop a theory.
f. Deductive:  aims to test a theory.