SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

NAME: HARRISON KAMAU

ADM NO: TLE/4921/21

CODE: ECE294

TITLE: TLE/4921/21 _ARUMA_ECE294 CAT

 Question 1
i.) Explain steps involved in research process
Step 1:
Identify a research problem This is the first and the most important step of the research
process. It identifies your destination. If one wants to solve the problem, then it must be
clear to him that what actually is the problem. It can be said that large part of the
problem lies in knowing what one trying to do. A research problem may take a number
of forms, from the very simple to the very complex one. The way you formulate the
problem determines every step that follows: • the type of study design that can be
used. • the type of sampling strategy. • research instrument that can be used or
developed. • the type of analysis that can be undertaken. Hence you should give it
considerable and careful thought at this stage. It is extremely important to evaluate
research problem in the light of the financial resources available, time available, you and
your research supervisor’s expertise and knowledge in the field of study. It is equally
important to identify any gaps in your knowledge of relevant disciplines, such as
statistics, required for analysis. If you have a plan to use computer software then you
must have sufficient knowledge of that.
Step 2:
Conceptualizing a research design An extremely important feature of research is the use
of scientific methods. Research process involves systematic, controlled, valid and
carefully established associations and causes that permit similar outcomes under the
given set of conditions.
Step 3:
Constructing a Research tool for data collection Research tool may be defined as:
Anything that becomes a means of collecting information for your study is called a
research tool or a research instrument. For example, observation forms, interview
schedules, questionnaires, and interview guides are all classified as research tools.
Constructing a research tool is the first practical step in carrying out research process.
You will need to decide how you will collect the data then you construct a research
instrument for this. If you are planning to collect data specifically for your research then
you have to develop a research instrument or select an already developed one. If you
are using a secondary data (information already collected for other purposes), develop a
form to extract required data. Field testing a research tool is an important part. But as a
rule, field testing should not be carried out on the sample of your study but on a similar
population.
Step 4:
Selecting a Sample The accuracy of your estimates largely rests on the way you select
your sample. The basic objective of any sampling design is to minimize the gap between
the values obtained from your sample and those prevalent or dominant in the
population. The underlying theory in sampling is that, if a relatively small number of
units is scientifically selected, it can provide a fairly true reflection of the sampling
population being studied. Step 5: Writing a research proposal The main function of
research proposal is to detail the operational plan for obtaining answers to your
research questions. It ensures readers of the validity of methodology adopted to obtain
answers. Universities and other institutions may have different requirements about the
contents of research proposal. Requirements may also vary within an institution, from
discipline to discipline or from supervisor to supervisor.
Step 6:
Collection of Data Having formulated a research problem, developed a study design,
constructed a research instrument and selected a sample now you collect the data from
which you will draw influences and conclusions for your study. Many methods could be
used to gather the required information. As a part of research design, you will decide
the procedure through which you want to collect the data.
Step 7:
Processing of data Data processing in research is the collection and translation of a data
set into valuable, usable information. Through this process, a researcher, data engineer
or data scientist takes raw data and converts it into a more readable format, such as a
graph, report or chart, either manually or through an automated tool. The researcher
will then use this information to gain insights, solve problems, make improvements and
ultimately generate better results.
Step 8:
Writing a research report Writing the report is the last step of the research process.
This report informs the world of • what you have done. • what you have discovered. •
and what conclusions you have drawn from your findings.

ii.) Differentiate Research methods and Research methodology Research methods are
the methods used by researchers to collect data to conduct research on a particular
research topic whereas a Research methodology is systematic approach to solve the
research problem and to reach a new conclusion. Research methods are the ways you
choose to obtain data for your research. Research Methodology is the way you conclude
if the method you used to carry out your research was good or not.

iii.) Factors considered in research design for a particular research problem Your overall
research objectives and approach The type of research design you’ll use Your sampling
methods or criteria for selecting subjects Your data collection methods The procedures
you’ll follow to collect data Your data analysis methods

iv.) Necessity of describing a research problem It helps the researcher place the
problem in a specific context to properly define the parameters of the investigation. It
provides a framework that can help in presenting the results in the future
. v.) Importance of Literature Review when doing research Literature Review Helps In
Development Of New Research Methods Literature Review Helps In The Design Of New
Studies Literature Review Enables Researchers Save Time Literature Review Helps To
Identify Problems Literature Review Provides A Map For Future Research Literature
Review Gives Context To The Research Study Literature Review Helps Comparing
Different Studies Literature Review Helps Clarify Research Questions Literature Review
Helps In Realizing Importance Of Validity And Reliability Literature Review Increases
Understanding Of Cross-Sectional And Longitudinal Studies Literature Review Helps
Identify The Theoretical Framework

Question 2

vi.) Explain why probability sampling is generally preferred in comparison to

nonprobability sampling when undertaking research Probabilistic sampling techniques
are employed to generate a formal or statistically representative sample. This technique
is utilized when the researcher has a well-defined population to draw a sample from, as
is often the case in quantitative research. On the other hand, a non-probabilistic
sampling technique is the method of choice when the population is not created equal
and some participants are more desirable in advancing the research project´s objectives.
Generally, nonprobability sampling is a bit rough, with a biased and subjective process.
This sampling is used to generate a hypothesis. Conversely, probability sampling is more
precise, objective and unbiased, which makes it a good fit for testing a hypothesis.

vii.) Distinguish between Simple hypothesis and composite hypothesis Simple

hypothesis - It refers to the one in which all parameters associated with the distribution
are stated Composite hypothesis, on the other hand, refers to the hypothesis that does
not stand to be simple

viii.) Distinguish between null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis. A null hypothesis
is a statement, in which there is no relationship between two variables whereas an
alternative hypothesis is statement in which there is some statistical significance
between two measured phenomenon.

ix.) Distinguish between Type I Error and Type II error A type I error (false-positive)
occurs if an investigator rejects a null hypothesis that is actually true in the population; a
type II error (false-negative) occurs if the investigator fails to reject a null hypothesis
that is actually false in the population.

x.) Describe the key sections of a concept note/paper using your chosen project as an
example
 The following is the structure of a concept note
1. The title
An unstructured concept note should ideally have a title, submitted by, date of
submission as the primary information in the header section. Preferably, the title should
be short but make sure it reflects the overall idea of the project that resonates with the
donor’s objectives.

2.introduction or background
The first section of the project should be an ‘introduction’ or ‘background’ of the project
where you can state the problem you are trying address and also explain what are the
root causes of this problem. You can conclude this section with the ‘opportunity’
available for you to make the intervention and address the problem. Usually, the
‘opportunity’ can be in form of your own skills that can used to reduce the problem or a
government policy.
Remember to give references in your narrative so that you can establish authority to the
facts given. For example, if you explain that there is extensive poverty in the region, you
need to supply some data and a reference. Also, try to give numbers in terms of men,
women and children getting affected from the overall situation. In this way, you can
ensure that gender has been integrated from the planning stage itself.

3.goals and objectives

List out the goal and objectives in this section. The goal is usually the long-term impact
like ‘reduction in poverty’ or ‘improved living conditions of the people.’ It may not
necessarily be achieved.
Objectives have to be specific and if provide numbers, it will be more helpful. For
example, 100 women will have access to newer sources of livelihood’. Also limit your
objectives to 3 or 5 – the lesser number of objective, the more practical the approach
will be.

4. expected results

This section briefly analyzes the result of your project. You can list out the results that
the project will achieve during the project period. For example, 100 households have
increased income from agriculture.’ Again, numbers can be very important while
narrating expected results.

5.Innovation
A separate section explaining the uniqueness of your project will be very useful. As
donors are interested to see what new value you are going add to this project, this
section will quickly introduce them to the innovative approach you will use to address
this problem. Although most concept notes may not have this section, but if you include
it, it will create a positive effect to the donor agency.

6.badget

The last section of the concept note will be the budget. Although detailed analysis is not
required, you would still need to submit a reasonable sense of how much money you
are seeking from the donor to execute the project. You can also give a quick breakup of
the main items (not more than 5-6). Any matching contribution from you or any other
agency can also be mentioned here.

References

www.fundsforngos.org
https://proposalsforngos.com
https://www.advance-africa.com