Solutions

1a. Research

- it is defined as the creation of new knowledge and/or the use of existing knowledge in a new and
creative way so as to generate new concepts, methodologies and understandings. This could include
synthesis and analysis of previous research to the extent that it leads to new and creative outcomes.In
fact, research is an art of scientific investigation or technique.In other words, some people say that
research is a systematized effort to gain knowledge and it is a process of collecting, evaluating, and
interpreting information to answer questions.

b. Explain giving examples the significance of carrying out a research

- Research allows you to pursue your interests, to learn something new, to hone your problem-solving
skills and to challenge yourself in new ways. Working on a faculty-initiated research project gives you
the opportunity work closely with a mentor–a faculty member or other experienced researcher. With a
self-initiated research project, you leave Harare Polytechnic with a product that represents the
distillation of your interests and studies, and possibly, a real contribution to knowledge.

- it gives research legitimacy and provides scientifically sound findings. It also provides a detailed plan
that helps to keep researchers on track, making the process smooth, effective and manageable. It
allows the reader to understand the approach and methods used to reach conclusions.

- Exploratory: Exploratory research, it is the first research to be conducted around a problem that has
not yet been clearly defined. Exploration research therefore aims to gain a better understanding of the
exact nature of the problem and not to provide a conclusive answer to the problem itself. This enables
us to conduct more in-depth research later on.

- Descriptive: Descriptive research expands knowledge of a research problem or phenomenon by

describing it according to its characteristics and population. Descriptive research focuses on the ‘how’
and ‘what’, but not on the ‘why’.

- Explanatory: Explanatory research also referred to as casual research, is conducted to determine how
variables interact, i.e. to identify cause-and-effect relationships. Explanatory research deals with the
‘why’ of research questions and is therefore often based on experiments.

ci. Action research

- is a qualitative method that focuses on solving problems in social systems, such as schools and other
organizations. The emphasis is on solving the presenting problem by generating knowledge and taking
action within the social system in which the problem is located. For example of action research could be
a teacher-researcher studying how their teaching has changed in order to facilitate better discussions in
the classroom, and how these changes impact the students. Through better discussions, students can
develop a better understanding of the content being covered in class.
ii. Applied research

- it identifies the solutions to specific problems or find answers to particular questions. It is solution
based. An example of this would be a researcher who is tasked with finding ways to increase student
involvement in the classroom. Applied research requires practical solution for existing problems.

iii. Evaluation research

- is an appraisal of something to determine its worth or fitness. For example, before you start an
exercise program, get a medical evaluation, to make sure you're able to handle the activity. It is also a
technique used to measure the effectiveness of advertising and marketing strategies. An example of this
would be surveying a target audience before and after launching a paid social media campaign.

iv. Basic research

- advances fundamental knowledge about the world. It focuses on creating and refuting or supporting
theories that explain observed phenomena. For example, researchers might conduct basic research on
how stress levels impact students academically, emotionally, and socially.

v. Research and developments

- It is a term used to describe a variety of processes and activities aimed at gathering new knowledge,
developing new products or services, or improving existing ones.One example of R&D would be a
pharmaceutical company testing a new drug. The company would first conduct research to see if the
drug is effective and safe. If the research shows that the drug is effective and safe, the company would
then develop a plan to mass-produce and market the drug.

2a.i. The importance of primary data

Primary data is the data that is collected for the first time through personal experiences or evidence,
particularly for research. It is also described as raw data or first-hand information. The mode of
assembling the information is costly, as the analysis is done by an agency or an external organisation,
and needs human resources and investment. The investigator supervises and controls the data
collection process directly.The data is mostly collected through observations, physical testing, mailed
questionnaires, surveys, personal interviews, telephonic interviews, case studies, and focus groups.
Primary data is more accurate and reliable because it comes from a direct source. It’s faster and easier
to collect primary data than secondary data, which can take weeks or even months to collect. It can be
collected in real time, which makes it ideal for tracking events or monitoring processes. Itis less likely to
be contaminated with errors or inaccuracies.

ii. Five sources of primary data

·biography

· personal diary or letter(s)

· poem, novel, short story,

· play, film, television show

· speech given by a person

· research reports by researchers

· photographs

b) Explain the following methods of data collection

a. Observation

- is described as a method to observe and describe the behavior of a subject and it involves the basic
technique of simply watching the phenomena until some hunch or insight is gained. This research
technique is primarily used for qualitative research to gather data about people, objects, events,
behaviours, in their natural setting. Researchers watch, listen, take notes, and also record video/audio
in their surroundings to get first-hand information on the research topic. There are two approaches to
observation:Participant observation – Researchers become part of their research projects, take part in
the events, and may even interact with the other participants. It may alter the behaviour of participants
knowing that they are being observed (Hawthorne Effect).Non-participant observation – Researchers are
not involved with anything that happens around them. In this situation, people act more naturally as
they are unaware of being watched by someone.

b. Interview

An interview is a qualitative research method used to collect primary data. It involves asking one or
more people about their opinions on a company, a product, or a topic. This method allows researchers
to obtain detailed information that might not be available through other research methods.Interviews
can be used in a wide range of research fields, including social sciences, psychology, health sciences,
business, and education. The data collected from interviews is often transcribed, coded and analyzed to
identify patterns, themes, and trends that can inform research findings, theory development, and policy
recommendations.For example, a researcher is conducting a study on the effects of social media on
mental health. They want to interview people who use social media frequently to understand their
experiences. The researcher sets up a meeting with an interviewee and asks them a series of questions
about their social media usage, how it affects their mood, and if they have noticed any changes in their
mental health since using social media. The researcher records the interview and uses the responses to
gain insight into the relationship between social media and mental health.

c. The schedule

The schedule is also one of the methods of data collection. It will have a set of statements, questions
and space given to note down the answers. The Schedule method of data collection can be utilised
irrespective of the respondent’s literacy. It can be used when the respondents are literate and can be
used even when the respondents are illiterate. The possibility of receiving inaccurate answers or
incomplete answers due to difficulties in understanding the question can be ruled out in this method of
data collection as the enumerators will be present and they can resolve any doubts and queries of
respondents.In the Schedule method of data collection, there is scope for bias or the answers getting
influenced by the enumerator as the answers to the questions are filled by enumerators although the
answers are given by the respondents.

d. Questionnaire

A questionnaire is a list of questions or items used to gather data from respondents about their
attitudes, experiences, or opinions. Questionnaires can be used to collect quantitative and/or qualitative
information.Questionnaires are commonly used in market research as well as in the social and health
sciences. For example, a company may ask for feedback about a recent customer service experience, or
psychology researchers may investigate health risk perceptions using questionnaires. A questionnaire is
a very convenient way of collecting information from a large number of people within a period of time.
Hence, the design of the questionnaire is of utmost importance to ensure accurate data is collected so
that the results are interpretable and generalisable. Survey research a research method involving the
use of standardized questionnaires or interviews to collect data about people and their preferences,
thoughts, and behaviors in a systematic manner.