RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT 1&2

QUESTION 1A
Q1. List the sections that constitute a typical research proposal.
Introduction 1.1
Problem statement 1.2
Research question 1.3
Research objectives 1.4
Significant of the study 1.5
Brief methodology 1.6
Expected outcomes 1.7
Plan of work 1.8
Budget 1.9
References

Q2. Explain the expected content of the Significance of the study, the brief
Methodology and the Problem statement?
Significant of the study is the important part of research synopsis in which research
points out the answers to the question or the solution to the problem may influence
educational theory or practices. You must tell us how relevant your work is on three
grounds. The relevance of your work is to improve socio economic status of the area.
Socio-economic significance, it must be relevant to policy formation and it must lead
to knowledge advancement. The implementation of the findings of the study helps to
give the project an urgency, justifying its worth.

Methodology outlines the structure of the research project and explains the motivating
factors behind the research itself. Your research methodology discusses and explains
the data collection and analysis methods you used in your research. A key part of your
thesis, dissertation, or research paper, the methodology chapter explains what you did
and how you did it, allowing readers to evaluate the reliability and validity of your
research and your dissertation topic.The methodology brief pulls all key stakeholders
onto the same level and explains why the research is being conducted. It describes just
what must be done, what it will be done, what data will be needed, what data-gathering
device will be employed how sources of data will be selected and how the data will be
analyzed and conclusion will be drawn.

A problem statement describes the specific issue that the research project aims to
address. A thesis statement is more focused on the final outcome of the research. While
a problem statement is focused on the current state of knowledge and the gap in
understanding that the research project aims to fill. It focuses on what is known and
what is unknown and create gaps.

Q3. What is a reference?

A reference is a statement that contains the minimum information one may require to
locate the source of your fact. The references in research papers are usually in the form
of a list at the end of the paper.

Q4. What referencing style is used in this reference: Sarpong, Smart A., et al. "The
Role of Commitment in the Relationship between Components of Organizational
Culture and Intention to Stay." Sustainability 13.9 (2021): 5151.

Modern Language Association (MLA)

Q5. Explain the following characteristics of a scientific research.

- Ethical
- Systematic
Ethical provides guidelines for the responsible conduct of research. Science is ethically
neutral. Science is a part of the human world, not a separate entity that lives in a vacuum.
Only the fundamentals of participant respect, secrecy, impartiality, etc. are used in the
pursuit of knowledge. In some ways, society's values, morality, and ethical standards
must therefore be taken into account for science to be truthful and acceptable. A study
project that threatens the sacredness of life, for example, will be vehemently opposed
and will typically lose its scientific ring. The sacredness of life is a key value in society.
The following is a general summary of some ethical principles.

Systematic this implies that the procedure adopted to undertake an investigation

follows a certain logical sequence. Systematic is a methodical strategy or design that
follows a specific order. Scientific research needs to be rigorous in its practices, which
is why it has become systematized. The research needs to be organized, and it needs to
follow a specific process or technique to obtain the data. The different steps cannot be
taken in a haphazard way. Some procedures must follow others.

Q6. Explain the three types of research problems

Theoretical research problem consists of the known, unknown and what is to be done.
are phenomenon or context that has not been closely studied. A contradiction between
two or more perspectives. A situation or relationship that is not well understood. A
troubling question that has yet to be resolved.

Policy Problem (intervention problem) is an act of conceptualizing collective

problems or challenges to be dealt with. It involves mobilizing others in a specific way
to look at problems and solutions.

Practical Problems are issues with performance or efficiency. Processes that could be
improved. Areas of concern among practitioners. Difficulties faced by specific groups
of people.
 QUESTION 1B
Q1. What is the full expression of APA & MLA referencing abbreviations?
APA: American Psychological Association
MLA: Modern Language Association

Q2. What referencing style is used in this reference: Sarpong, S. A., Akom, M. S.,
Kusi-Owusu, E., Ofosua-Adjei, I., & Lee, Y. (2021). The Role of Commitment in
the Relationship between Components ofOrganizational Culture and Intention to
Stay. Sustainability, 13(9), 5151.
APA: American Psychological Association

Q3. List the sections that constitute a typical research proposal.

Introduction 1.1
Problem statement 1.2
Research question 1.3
Research objectives 1.4
Significant of the study 1.5
Brief methodology 1.6
Expected outcomes 1.7
Plan of work 1.8
Budget 1.9
References

Q4. Explain the expected content of the Significance of the study, the brief
Methodology, and the Problem statement?
Significant of the study is the important part of research synopsis in which research
points out the answers to the question or the solution to the problem may influence
educational theory or practices. You must tell us how relevant your work is on three
grounds. The relevance of your work is to improve socio economic status of the area.
Socio-economic significance, it must be relevant to policy formation and it must lead
to knowledge advancement. The implementation of the findings of the study helps to
give the project an urgency, justifying its worth.
Methodology outlines the structure of the research project and explains the motivating
factors behind the research itself. Your research methodology discusses and explains
the data collection and analysis methods you used in your research. A key part of your
thesis, dissertation, or research paper, the methodology chapter explains what you did
and how you did it, allowing readers to evaluate the reliability and validity of your
research and your dissertation topic.The methodology brief pulls all key stakeholders
onto the same level and explains why the research is being conducted. It describes just
what must be done, what it will be done, what data will be needed, what data-gathering
device will be employed how sources of data will be selected and how the data will be
analyzed and conclusion will be drawn.

A problem statement describes the specific issue that the research project aims to
address. A thesis statement is more focused on the final outcome of the research. While
a problem statement is focused on the current state of knowledge and the gap in
understanding that the research project aims to fill. It focuses on what is known and
what is unknown and create gaps.

Question 5 Explain the following characteristics of a scientific research.

a. Logical
b. Controlled

c. Logical
Logic involves giving valid reasons before reaching a conclusion, so is essentially
about the order in which ideas are presented.

b. Controlled
All scientific study is typically evaluated in a controlled setting. This makes it possible
to identify particular factors because doing so makes it simple to repeat the relevant
study. It is necessary to disclose every controlled variable so that anyone wishing to
continue the research can do so and arrive at a very similar conclusion.
Logical if ideas are presented in a rational manner without jumping to unfounded
conclusions.
Q6. Explain the expected content of the background of the study
The background of a study is the first section of the paper and establishes the context
underlying the research. It contains the rationale, the key problem statement, and a brief
overview of research questions that are addressed in the rest of the paper.
Background of the study consist of four components,

1. Conceptual overview: thus, general overview of the on the central themes in

paragraphs. In this section you will explain the central themes of your topic for
those who do not have background in specialization in area of study to
understand it.
2. Empirical Overview (what is known), here you talk about what other
researchers has done
3. Gaps (what is unknown/yet to be known), here you will create gaps from what
other researchers has done. For instance, if the other researchers focus was on
Asia, you can also concentrate on Africa.
4. What is to be done.
The background forms the crux of the study because it introduces an unaware
audience to the research and its importance in a clear and logical manner. At times,
the background may even explore whether the study builds on or refutes findings
from previous studies. Any relevant information that the readers need to know
before delving into the paper should be made available to them in the background.
 QUESTION 1C
Q1. Differentiate between citation and reference?
A citation is an in-test reference. In your writing, you cite or refer to the source of
information. A reference gives the readers details about the source so that they have a
good understanding of what kind of source it is and could find the source themselves
if necessary.

Q2. What referencing style is used in this reference: Sarpong, Smart A., Mary
Safowah Akom, Emelia Kusi-Owusu, Irene Ofosua-Adjei, and Youngjo Lee. "The
Role of Commitment in the Relationship between Components of Organizational
Culture and Intention to Stay." Sustainability 13, no. 9 (2021): 5151
MLA: Modern Language Association

Q3. Explain the following characteristics of a scientific research.

a. Empirical

b. Verifiability

Empirical: An essential component of scientific study is empirical data. This just

means that it can be verified.
Therefore, in order for a piece of work to be considered scientific, other people must be
able to independently confirm the validity of the research in question. Therefore, any
third party with the necessary expertise should be able to verify the indicated research
effort with knowledge of the materials and tools utilized by the original research and a
comprehension of the research technique.

Verifiability: This implies that the theories and hypotheses must be testable. Checking
to see if they are more or less reliable is required. The evaluation is empirical and
observable. In other words, doing experiments is necessary to verify the theory. The
researcher must reach the same conclusion whether you use the standard process to
draw a certain conclusion and someone else uses it to verify it.
Q4. List the sections that constitute a typical research proposal.
Introduction 1.1
Problem statement 1.2
Research question 1.3
Research objectives 1.4
Significant of the study 1.5
Brief methodology 1.6
Expected outcomes 1.7
Plan of work 1.8
Budget 1.9
References

Q5. Explain the expected content of the Significance of the study, the brief
Methodology, and the Problem statement?

Significant of the study is the important part of research synopsis in which research
points out the answers to the question or the solution to the problem may influence
educational theory or practices. You must tell us how relevant your work is on three
grounds. The relevance of your work is to improve socio economic status of the area.
Socio-economic significance, it must be relevant to policy formation and it must leads
to knowledge advancement. The implementation of the findings of the study helps to
give the project an urgency, justifying its worth.

Methodology outlines the structure of the research project and explains the motivating
factors behind the research itself. Your research methodology discusses and explains
the data collection and analysis methods you used in your research. A key part of your
thesis, dissertation, or research paper, the methodology chapter explains what you did
and how you did it, allowing readers to evaluate the reliability and validity of your
research and your dissertation topic.The methodology brief pulls all key stakeholders
onto the same level and explains why the research is being conducted. It describes just
what must be done, what it will be done, what data will be needed, what data-gathering
device will be employed how sources of data will be selected and how the data will be
analyzed and conclusion will be drawn.
A problem statement describes the specific issue that the research project aims to
address. A thesis statement is more focused on the final outcome of the research. While
a problem statement is focused on the current state of knowledge and the gap in
understanding that the research project aims to fill. It focuses on what is known and
what is unknown and create gaps.

Q6. Explain the main aim of the theoretical stage of the research process

Theoretical research is the systematic examination of a set of beliefs and assumptions.

It aims to learn more about a subject and help us understand it better. The information
gathered in this way is not used for anything in particular because this kind of research
aims to learn more.
 QUESTION 2A
Q1. List and explain the possible research types we may get if we categorize
based on Objective of the study.
i. Exploratory Research
ii. Explanatory Research
iii. Correlational Research
iv. Descriptive Research

Explanatory research is a research method that explores why something occurs when
limited information is available. It can help you increase your understanding of a given
topic, ascertain how or why a particular phenomenon is occurring, and predict future
occurrences.

Exploratory research is defined as research used to investigate a problem which is not

clearly defined. It is conducted to have a better understanding of the existing problem,
but will not provide conclusive results.

A correlational research design investigates relationships between variables without

the researcher controlling or manipulating any of them. A correlation reflects the
strength and/or direction of the relationship between two (or more) variables. The
direction of a correlation can be either positive or negative.

Descriptive research is a research method describing the characteristics of the

population or phenomenon studied. This descriptive methodology focuses more on the
“what” of the research subject than the “why” of the research subject.

Q2. What two facts can you say about Cross-sectional study design

Cross-sectional study is a research tool used to capture information based on data

gathered for a specific point in time. The data gathered is from a pool of participants
with varied characteristics and demographics known as variables. Age, gender, income,
education, geographical locations, and ethnicity are all examples of variables. The
variables, or demographics, used in a single study are based on the type of research
being conducted and on what the study aims to prove or validate. The research findings
help remove assumptions and replace them with actual data on the specific variables
studied during the time period accounted for in the cross-sectional study.

Q3. Explain the focus of Critical and Longitudinal case study.

In a longitudinal study, researchers repeatedly examine the same individuals to detect

any changes that might occur over a period of time. Longitudinal studies are a type of
correlational research in which researchers observe and collect data on a number of
variables without trying to influence those variables.

In critical (or theoretical) case study the researcher deliberately selects, for detailed
empirical analysis, a case that provides a specific focus for analysis of myth or
contradiction.

Q4. What is the difference between Nominal scale and Ratio scale?

Nominal Scale means that the responses are no order implied.

Ordinal Scale means that the expected response in that attributes are ranked or order
implied.

Q5. Explain the following: Sampling, Law of Inertia of large samples, and sample
size.

Sampling is the process of selecting part out of a whole. Statisticians attempt to collect
samples that are representative of the population in question.

Law of Inertia large samples: It is of great significance in the theory of sampling. It

states that, other things being equal, larger the size of the sample, more accurate the
results are likely to be. This is because large numbers are more stable as compared to
small ones.

Sample size refers to the number of participants or observations included in a study.

This number is usually represented by n. The size of a sample influences two statistical
properties: 1) the precision of our estimates and 2) the power of the study to draw
conclusions.

Q6. Explain the following sampling techniques: Stratified Sampling and Snowball
sampling.
Stratified sampling is a method of sampling from a population which can be
partitioned into subpopulations. In statistical surveys, when subpopulations within an
overall population vary, it could be advantageous to sample each subpopulation
independently.

Snowball sampling is a recruitment technique in which research participants are asked

to assist researchers in identifying other potential subjects.

Q7. In an opinion poll, 750 prospective voters were sampled and interviewed. If
the expected voter population is 14.5 million,
a. Estimate the sampling factor and the elevation factor.
b. Explain your results.

A) SF= n/N X 100 N=14,500.000, n= 750

SF= 750/14,500,000 X 100
SF= 0.05%

EF= N/n
E = 45,500,000/750
E = 19333.33

B. Elevation Factor: when one person out the 750 sample selected votes, whatever
his vote is will represents 19,333 other views of the population.
 QUESTION 2B

Q1. List and explain the possible research types we may get if we categorize based
on Enquiry mode.
i. Quantitative Research
ii. Qualitative Research
iii. Mixed

Quantitative research is the process of collecting and analyzing numerical data. It can
be used to find patterns and averages, make predictions, test causal relationships, and
generalize results to wider populations.

Qualitative research can be defined as the study of the nature of phenomena and is
especially appropriate for answering questions of why something is (not) observed,
assessing complex multi-component interventions, and focusing on intervention
improvement.

Q2. What two facts can you say about Longitudinal study design
Under Longitudinal Study Design we have facts, thus; Perspective Longitudinal Studies
and Cohort Study.
Perspective Longitudinal; the research study that are initially designed to be
longitudinal.
Cohort Study; this is a type of longitudinal study which works at a group of people of
the same age and then gather data about a set point through their lives.

Q3. Explain the focus of Revelatory and Representative case study.

A revelatory case study is one in which researchers are able to observe a phenomenon
that had been previously inaccessible. One other type of single case is the longitudinal
case, meaning one in which researchers can examine the same entity over time to see
changes that occur.

The representative case study evaluation research was a deductive thematic analysis
research study. That is, this study examined specific aspects of the chosen clients'
experiences with the program. Clients were asked questions relevant to this specific
topic during their face-to-face interviews.

Q4. What is the difference between Ordinal scale and Interval scale?
Ordinal scale used to measure variables in a natural order, such as rating or ranking.
They provide meaningful insights into attitudes, preferences, and behaviors by
understanding the order of responses. Whiles Interval scale used to measure variables
with equal intervals between values. This type of measurement is often used for
temperature and time, allowing for precise comparisons and calculations.

Q5. Explain the following: Probability Sampling, Law of statistical regularity, and
population.
Probability sampling is the process of selecting a sample from a population when the
selection is founded on the randomization principle, also known as chance or random
selection. In general, probability sampling is more difficult, time-consuming, and
expensive than non-probability sampling. However, since units from the population are
chosen at random and the selection chance for each unit can be computed, accurate
estimates can be generated and statistical inferences about the population can be made.

The Law of Statistical Regularity: This law was derived from mathematical theory of
probability. This law refers to the selection of the items for a sample with this
assumption that if moderately large number of items of the universe are chosen at
random, the probability of these items to have the characteristics of the universe is fairly
high. According to this principle, when a large number of items are selected at random
from the universe, then it is likely to possess the same characteristics as that the entire
population. This principle asserts that the sample selection is random. That is. every
item has an equal and likely chance of being selected. It is believed that sample selected
randomly and not deliberately acts as a true representative of the population.

Population is the entire set of items from which you draw data for a statistical study.
It can be a group of individuals, a set of items, etc. It makes up the data pool for a study.
Generally, population refers to the people who live in a particular area at a specific time.
But in statistics, population refers to data on your study of interest. It can be a group of
individuals, objects, events, organizations, etc. You use populations to draw
conclusions.

Q6. Explain the following sampling techniques: Convenience Sampling and

Cluster sampling.

Convenience sampling is a non-probability sampling method where units are selected

for inclusion in the sample because they are the easiest for the researcher to access. This
can be due to geographical proximity, availability at a given time, or willingness to
participate in the research. Sometimes called accidental sampling, convenience
sampling is a type of non-random sampling.

Cluster sampling is a probability sampling method in which you divide a population

into clusters, such as districts or schools, and then randomly select some of these
clusters as your sample. The clusters should ideally each be mini-representations of the
population as a whole.

Q7. In an opinion poll, 1750 prospective voters were sampled and interviewed. If
the expected voter population is 14.5 million,
a. Estimate the sampling factor and the elevation factor.
b. Explain your results.

A. SF = n/NX 100 N=14,500,000, n= 1750

SF = 1750/14,500,000 X 100

SF = 0.0121

=1.2%

B. EF = N/n

EF = 14,500,000/1750

EF = 8285.71

B. Elevation Factor: when one person out the 1,750 sample selected votes,
whatever his vote is will represents 8,285.71 other views of the population.
 QUESTION 2C

Q1. List and explain the possible research types we may get if we categorize
based on Application of the study.
Pure Research
Applied Research
Pure Research (also known as basic research or fundamental research) is conducted
with the sole objective of contributing to existing knowledge by gathering information.

Applied Research is a type of examination looking to find practical solutions for

existing problems. These can include challenges in the workplace, education and
society. This research type uses empirical methodologies, such as experiments, to
collect further data in an area of study.

Q2. What two facts can you say about Experimental study design
Experimental study design has two facts, thus; experimental group and control group.
Experimental Group are materials that are manipulated or changed in some way.

Control Group are materials or conditions that are kept constant.

Q3. Explain the focus of Extreme and Typical case study.

Extreme or unique case, the focus is on a situation or a group that is perceived to be
different from any other and the focus is on its uniqueness.

Typical Case Study is a case that is chosen because it is seen to represent many other
similar groups.

Q4. What is the difference between Interval scale and Ratio scale?

The interval scale is when zero is absolute, it collects and measures data where
intervals between two points are of equal distance. The scale provides a degree of
difference along with the rank and order of the values as collected from a market
research or survey. An interval scale, however, has a zero point with an arbitrary
presence. This means that the value of zero has no real meaning.
The ratio scale when zero is arbitrary, on the other hand, has the characteristics of all
the levels of measurement as created by S.S. Stevens. It can rank and categorize the
data obtained through the scale. Moreover, the distance between two variables in a ratio
scale is also equal in distance. In addition, a ratio scale has a true zero point, meaning
the value of zero is not arbitrary.

Q5. Explain the following: Non-probability Sampling, Central limits theory, and
sample.

Non-probability sampling technique uses non-randomized methods to draw the

sample. Non-probability sampling method mostly involves judgment. Instead of
randomization, participants are selected because they are easy to access. For example;
your classmates and friends have a better chance to be part of your sample. Even though
in certain cases, non-probability sampling is a useful and convenient method of
selecting a sample, the method is appropriate and the only method available in certain
cases.

Sampling is the method of selecting a representative subset of the population called

Sample. Sampling makes research more accurate and economical. It’s the sampling
method which actually determines the generalizability of the research findings. In
simple words, the process of choosing a sample of the population to study is called
sampling.

Central limits theory the central limit theorem establishes that, in many situations, for
identically distributed independent samples, the standardized sample mean tends
towards the standard normal distribution even if the original variables themselves are
not normally distributed.

Q6. Explain the following sampling techniques: Simple random Sampling and
Purposive sampling.
Simple random sampling is a type of probability sampling in which the researcher
randomly selects a subset of participants from a population. Each member of the
population has an equal chance of being selected.
Purposive sampling, also known as judgmental, selective, or subjective sampling, is a
form of non-probability sampling in which researchers rely on their own judgment
when choosing members of the population to participate in their surveys.

Q7. In an opinion poll, 2750 prospective voters were sampled and interviewed. If
the expected voter population is 14.5 million,
a. Estimate the sampling factor and the elevation factor.
b. Explain your results.

a. SF = n/N X 100 N=14,500,000, n= 2750

S= 2750/14,500,000X 100

S = 0.0189

SF = 1.89%

b. EF = N/n

E= 14,500,000/2,750

E= 5272.73

C. Elevation Factor: when one person out the 2,750 sample selected votes,
whatever his vote is will represents 5,272.73 other views of the population.