Research Methods

Course main Aim/Goal: This course is designed to equip the students with ability to state research problem, design research project, and successfully carry out research projects using standardized measuring instrument.

General Objectives:

1.0 Understand the importance of research.

2.0 Understand how to identify and state a research problem.

3.0 How to identify and state purpose of study.

4.0 Understand how to state research question/hypothesis.

5.0 Know purpose of Literature review and how this is achieved.

6.0 Know how to design a study.

7.0 Understand the various methods of gathering data.

8.0 Understand how to analyse, present data and discuss finding.

9.0 Know how to arrive at valid conclusions.

10. Know how to write a research report.

1.1 Define research. Give various definition of research.

1.2 List uses of research. Explain the role of research in national development

2.1 Define research problems. Explain research problem.

2.2 List criteria for good problem statement. Explain the criteria for good problem statements.

2.3 List different types of studies. Explain different types of studies.

2.4 Classify variable. Explain how to classify variables.

3.1 Note the significance and need of study. Explain the need and significance of study.

3.2 Differentiate between limitation and delimitation. Explain the limitations and delimitations of study.

4.1 Note how to formulate research questions/hypothesis. Explain how to formulate research questions/hypothesis.

4.2 Note how to test research questions/hypothesis. Explain how to test the research questions and hypothesis.

5.1 List purposes of literature review. Explain and list the purpose of literature review.

5.2 List sources of Literature. Explain the sources of literature.

6.1 Define population and sample. Define and differentiate between population and sample.

6.2 Note the different sampling techniques. Explain different sampling methods eg. Systematic, etc Group class data

7.1 Note the various data gathering methods. Explain the various data gathering methods e.g Questionnaires, Interview, etc.

8.1 Note the methods of data analysis. Explain methods of data analysis.

8.2 Note how to construct the tables. Explain how to construct frequency and cumulative frequency distribution tables.

8.3 Note how to calculate mean, mode, percentage, etc. Explain how to calculate mean, mode, percentage etc.

9.1 Note how to arrive at summary, conclusions and recommendations. Explain how to arrive at the summary, conclusions, and recommendations.

10.1 Note the content and style of chapter (1-5). Explain the content and style of production of chapters (1-5)

10.2 Note the different methods of presenting references and how to arrange appendices. Explain the different methods of presenting references and how to arrange appendices.

10.3 Note the content of the preliminary pages. Explain the content of the preliminary pages.