1.

What is research methodology, and why is it important in

conducting research?

Answer:
Research methodology refers to the systematic process used to
collect, analyse, and interpret data for a research study. It
encompasses a set of procedures and techniques that guide how the
research is conducted, ensuring that the findings are valid, reliable,
and objective. Research methodology is crucial because it:
- Ensures consistency in the research process.
- Helps in determining the research design, data collection, and
analysis techniques.
- Provides clarity on the research purpose and the path to achieving it.
- Guarantees the credibility and reproducibility of the results.

2. Differentiate between qualitative and quantitative

research methods. Provide examples of when each method is
appropriate.

Answer:
- Qualitative Research: Focuses on understanding concepts,
experiences, or social phenomena through non-numeric data such as
interviews, observations, and text analysis. It is appropriate for
exploratory research, such as understanding customer behaviour or
cultural practices.
 Example: Studying how people experience stress in the
workplace through interviews.

- Quantitative Research: Involves the collection and analysis

of numerical data using statistical methods. It is suitable for research
that seeks to quantify variables, test hypotheses, and establish
patterns or relationships.

Example: Analysing the correlation between hours studied

and exam performance using surveys.

3. Explain the significance of research design in a research

study. Name different types of research designs.

Answer:
Research design is the blueprint for conducting a research study. It
outlines how data will be collected, analyzed, and interpreted. The
significance lies in its ability to ensure that the study answers the
research question effectively while minimizing bias and errors. The
design sets the structure for the entire research process, ensuring
clarity and direction.

Types of research designs include:

- Descriptive Research: Describes characteristics of a
population (e.g., case studies, surveys).
- Exploratory Research: Investigates a problem that is not
well understood (e.g., pilot studies).
- Explanatory Research: Examines cause-and-effect
relationships (e.g., experiments).
- Experimental Research: Tests hypotheses under controlled
conditions.

4. What is the difference between primary and secondary

data? Provide examples of each.

Answer:
- Primary Data: Data collected firsthand by the researcher
directly from original sources for the specific purpose of the study.
This type of data is unique to the research problem.

Example: Conducting surveys, interviews, or experiments

to gather information from participants.

- Secondary Data: Data that has already been collected,

processed, and made available by others. It is often used to
supplement primary data or to provide a foundation for further
research.

Example: Using census data, reports, academic articles, or

government publications.

5. Describe the key differences between probability and non-

probability sampling techniques. Provide examples of each.
 Answer:
- Probability Sampling: Every member of the population has
an equal chance of being selected. This method is used to obtain a
sample that is representative of the entire population, reducing bias.

Example: Simple random sampling, where names are

randomly selected from a list.

- Non-Probability Sampling: Not every member of the

population has an equal chance of being selected. This method is
often used when representativeness is not as critical, or the
population is difficult to access.

Example: Convenience sampling, where the sample

consists of individuals who are easily accessible, such as students on
a campus.

6. What is purposive sampling, and in which types of research

is it most useful?

Answer:
Purposive Sampling is a non-probability sampling technique
where the researcher selects participants based on specific
characteristics or criteria. It is used when the research requires in-
depth understanding of a particular group or phenomenon, making it
suitable for qualitative research.
 Example: If a study aims to explore the experiences of
people with a rare disease, purposive sampling can be used to select
only those individuals who meet the criteria of having the disease.

7. Explain different methods of data collection in research.

How do you choose which method to use?

Answer:
Methods of data collection include:
- Surveys/Questionnaires: Structured tools used to gather
information from a large number of participants quickly.
- Interviews: In-depth conversations used to explore
complex issues or experiences.
- Observations: Recording behaviours or phenomena as they
naturally occur.
- Experiments: Manipulating variables under controlled
conditions to observe effects.

The choice of method depends on:

- Research Goals: Whether the study seeks quantitative,
qualitative, or mixed data.
- Resources Available: Time, cost, and availability of
participants.
- Nature of the Research: For sensitive topics, interviews
may be better than surveys.
 8. Discuss the importance of sample size in research. How
can the size of the sample affect the results of a study?

Answer:
Sample size plays a critical role in the accuracy and reliability of
research findings. A sample that is too small may not adequately
represent the population, leading to biased or invalid results.
Conversely, a sample that is too large can be unnecessarily costly and
time-consuming.

A well-chosen sample size ensures:

- Generalizability: Results are more likely to apply to the
broader population.
- Statistical Significance: Adequate sample size increases the
likelihood of detecting real effects in quantitative research.

9. What are the steps involved in qualitative data analysis?

Answer:
The steps involved in qualitative data analysis include:
1. Data Preparation: Organizing raw data, such as interview
transcripts or observation notes.
2. Familiarization: Thoroughly reading the data to
understand key themes and patterns.
3. Coding: Labelling data segments with codes that
represent recurring themes or concepts.
4. Categorization: Grouping related codes into broader
categories.
5. Interpretation: Drawing conclusions from the patterns
and themes identified, often linking them to the research question or
theoretical framework.

10. How is hypothesis testing used in quantitative research?

Provide an example of a hypothesis and explain how you would test
it.

Answer:
Hypothesis testing is a statistical method used to determine whether
there is enough evidence in a sample to support or reject a
hypothesis about a population parameter.

Example: Hypothesis: "Students who study for more than 5

hours per week will score higher on exams than those who study
less."

Steps to test:
1. Collect data on study hours and exam scores from a sample of
students.
2. Perform statistical analysis (e.g., t-test) to compare the exam
scores between the two groups.
3. Determine if the difference in scores is statistically significant.
 11. Define the terms mean, median, and mode. Why are they
important in statistical analysis?

Answer:
- Mean: The average value of a data set, calculated by
summing all values and dividing by the number of values.
- Median: The middle value in a data set when arranged in
ascending or descending order.
- Mode: The most frequently occurring value in a data set.

These measures of central tendency are crucial in summarizing large

data sets and providing insight into the distribution and typical value
of the data.

12. Explain the role of software tools (e.g., SPSS, R) in data

analysis. How do these tools assist researchers in handling large
data sets?

Answer:
Software tools like SPSS , R and Excel are used for data analysis
because they allow researchers to:
- Handle large and complex data sets efficiently.
- Perform a wide range of statistical tests (e.g., regression, ANOVA)
with ease.
- Visualize data through graphs and charts.
- Automate repetitive tasks, reducing human error.
These tools enhance the accuracy, speed, and reliability of data
analysis in research.

13. Why is ethical consideration important in research?

Provide examples of ethical issues that can arise during research.

Answer:
Ethical considerations ensure that research is conducted in a
responsible and moral manner, protecting participants' rights and
maintaining the integrity of the research process. Common ethical
issues include:
- Informed Consent: Participants must be fully aware of the
study’s purpose and risks before participating.
- Confidentiality: Researchers must protect participants'
personal information.
- Deception: Avoid misleading participants unless justified,
and always debrief them afterward.

14. What are informed consent and confidentiality in

research, and why are they necessary?

Answer:
- Informed Consent: The process of obtaining voluntary
agreement from participants after fully explaining the nature,
purpose, risks, and benefits of the research.
- Confidentiality: Ensuring that participants' private
information is not disclosed without their consent.

Both are necessary to respect participants' rights, maintain trust, and

adhere to ethical standards in research.

15. Explain the difference between reliability and validity in

research. Why are these concepts crucial in ensuring the quality of
a study?

Answer:
- Reliability: Refers to the consistency or repeatability of the
research results. If the study is repeated under the same conditions,
it should yield the same results.
- Validity: Refers to the accuracy of the research in
measuring what it claims to measure.

Both are crucial because reliable and valid results ensure the
credibility and generalizability of the research findings.

16. Design a research study to evaluate the impact of social

media usage on college students' academic performance. Outline
the research methodology you would use.

Answer:
1. Research Design: Correlational study to assess the
relationship
between social media usage and academic performance.
2. Sampling: Probability sampling using a simple random
sample of 200 college students.
3. Data Collection: Survey to gather data on hours of social
media use and GPA.
4. Data Analysis: Pearson correlation to determine if there is
a significant relationship between the two variables.
5. Ethical Consideration: Informed consent, ensuring data
confidentiality.

17. What are the common limitations in research? How can

researchers mitigate the effects of these limitations?

Answer:
Common limitations include:
- Sample Size: Small sample sizes can reduce the
representativeness of results.
- Bias: Researcher or participant bias can skew findings.
- Time and Resources: Limited time or funding can restrict
the depth of the study.

Researchers can mitigate these limitations by carefully designing

their studies, using robust sampling techniques, and acknowledging
the limitations in their reports.
 18. What is a literature review, and why is it important in
research methodology?

Answer:
A literature review is a comprehensive survey of existing
research on a specific topic. It is important because it:
- Identifies gaps in current knowledge.
- Helps refine the research question.
- Provides a theoretical foundation for the study.
- Ensures that the research builds on or challenges existing findings.

19. Explain the concept of "bias" in research. What are some

strategies researchers can use to reduce bias?

Answer:
Bias refers to any systematic error in research that leads to
incorrect conclusions. It can arise from researcher influence,
sampling methods, or participant responses.

Strategies to reduce bias include:

- Using random sampling to increase representativeness.
- Blinding participants and researchers to treatment conditions (in
experiments).
- Standardizing data collection methods.
 20. Discuss mixed-method research. What are its advantages
and disadvantages compared to using a single method?

Answer:
Mixed-method research combines both qualitative and
quantitative approaches.

Advantages:
- Provides a more comprehensive understanding of the research
problem.
- Allows for triangulation of data to increase validity.

Disadvantages:
- Can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.
- Requires expertise in both methods, which can complicate the
analysis.

21. What is experimental research? Describe its key features

and provide an example where experimental design would be
appropriate.

Answer:
Experimental research involves manipulating one or more
independent variables to observe the effect on dependent variables
while controlling other factors.
 Key Features:
- Controlled Conditions: Researchers maintain control over
variables to minimize bias.
- Random Assignment: Participants are randomly assigned
to experimental or control groups.
- Causality: Allows for testing cause-and-effect relationships.

Example: Testing the effectiveness of a new drug on patients

by comparing the results between the treatment group and the
placebo group.

22. How do longitudinal studies differ from cross-sectional

studies? Give an example of when each type of study would be
used.
Answer:
- Longitudinal Study: Follows the same group of participants over
an extended period to observe changes over time. It is useful for
studying long-term effects or developmental trends.
Example: Tracking the academic progress of students over
10 years.
- Cross-Sectional Study: Collects data at a single point in time
from different groups. It is useful for comparing variables across
different populations or demographics.
Example: Examining the dietary habits of people from various
age groups at one point in time.