MACHAKOS UNIVERSITY
University Examinations for 2018/2019
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
THIRD YEAR SUPPLIMENTARY EXAMINATION FOR
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY)
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (OMPUTER SCIENCE)
SCO 309: RESEARCH METHODS
DATE: TIME:
INSTRUCTIONS
i) Answer question ONE and other TWO questions
ii) Write on both sides of the answer sheet
QUESTION ONE (COMPULSORY) (30 MARKS)
a) Define the following terms:
i) Research (2 marks)
ii) Universe (2 marks)
iii) Hypothesis (2 marks)
iv) Experiment (2 marks)
b) Use an example to explain what you understand by the following expressions as used
in research?
i) Ex post facto research (3 marks)
ii) Extraneous variable (3 marks)
iii) Control (3 marks)
iv) Treatment (3 marks)
v) Research question (3 marks)
c) Describe briefly the phases of the scientific research process (7 marks)
QUESTION TWO (20 MARKS)
a) Describe the following types of research
i) Descriptive research (5 marks)
ii) Fundamental research (5 marks)
iii) Empirical research (5 marks)
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b) How does Quantitative enquiry differ from Qualitative enquiry? (5 marks)
QUESTION THREE (20 marks)
a) Describe in details what you understand by the following sampling methods:
i) Probability sampling (8 marks)
ii) Non-probability sampling (6 marks)
b) Explain the purpose of carrying out research (6 marks)
QUESTION FOUR (20 MARKS)
a) What is the purpose of sampling in research? (3 marks)
b) Describe the steps used in computerized data analysis (6 marks)
c) Differentiate between Univariate analysis and Inferential analysis (5 marks)
d) What are the characteristics of the following:
i) A good questionnaire (3 marks)
ii) A good measurement scale (3 marks)
QUESTION FIVE (20 MARKS)
a) What is the purpose of currying out data analysis in research? (6 marks)
b) Distinguish between inductive and deductive research giving examples where it is
applied (5 marks)
c) For each of the following scenarios, choose an appropriate measurement scale and
justify your choice
i) A researcher wants to determine whether the circadian temperature cycle is less
stable for older compared to middle aged adults. Body temperature in degrees
Fahrenheit is measured every 15 minutes over a period of 3 days. (3 marks)
ii) As part of a test preparation course, students are asked to take a practice version of
the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). This is a standardized test. Scores can
range from 200 to 800 with a population mean of 500 and a population standard
deviation of 100. (3 marks)
iii) Children in elementary school are evaluated and classified as non-readers (0),
beginning readers (1), grade level readers (2), or advanced readers (3). The
classification is done in order to place them in reading groups. (3 marks)
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