QUESTION 1 (A) IS THE TITLE APPROPRIATE AND IF SO WHY (5 MARKS)

The above title is appropriate for the reason it has the qualities of a good research topic which
includes:
Clarity.

The topic is clear and any researcher reading it can easily understand the nature of the

research.
The research topic have a single interpretation and thus people cannot get distracted.
The topic should have to be very clear in mind so that it can be properly undertaken.
The research topic is also free of any ambiguity.
Clarity also means that the research topic should have a concise statement of the main

topic and should identify the variables.

Well-defined and well-phrased research topic
The research topic is well-defined and well-phrased and it is easy to understand.
It has a single meaning.
In other words it is fully explanatory when standing alone.
The language of the research topic should have to be simple.

The proposed topic does not use any unnecessary technical terms only.
It uses simple words so that everyone can understand it.
It follows ethics as no unethical terms or sentences are used.
The research topic does not introduce any sort of bias directly or indirectly.

The titling of the research problem follows the rules of titling as provided by Moi University.
It is a reflection of the contents of the document.
Current importance. The proposed study will be beneficial as it seeks to understand current
problems

QUESTION 1 (B) HAVE THE SALIENT FEATURES OF GOOD PROBLEM STATEMENT

FOLLOWED? (8 MARKS)
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It is written clearly and the readers interest is captured immediately.

The specific problem identified in the problem statement is objectively researchable
The scope of the specific research problem should be indicated the scope in this case is

Kisumu city
The importance of the study in adding new knowledge is stated clearly
The problem statement has given the purpose of the research.

QUESTION 1 (c) possible research design (6 MARKS)

There are three possible research designs appropriate to this stud y
i.

Descriptive research
It is the process of collecting data in order to test hypotheses or to answer questions
concerning the current status of the subjects in the study. It determines and reports the
way things are. It attempts to describe such things as possible behaviour, attitudes, values
and characteristics.

ii.

Survey Research
A survey is an attempt to collect data from members of a population in order to determine
the current status of that population with respect to one or more variables. Survey study is
therefore a self-report study, which requires the collection of quantifiable information
from the sample. It is a form of descriptive research.

iii.

Case studies
A case study is an in-depth investigation of an individual, group, institution or
phenomenon. It aims to determine factors and relationships among the factors that have
resulted in the behavioural under study

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QUESTION 1 (d) possible research objectives and questions (6 MARKS)

Research objectives
To determine whether absence of collateral is a challenge to credit access by women
small micro entrepreneurs in Kisumu city.
To investigate whether training is a challenge to credit access by women small micro
entrepreneurs in Kisumu city.
To establish whether legislation is a challenge to credit access by women small micro
entrepreneurs in Kisumu city.

Research questions
Is absence of collateral is a challenge to credit access by women small micro
entrepreneurs in Kisumu city?
Is training is a challenge to credit access by women small micro entrepreneurs in Kisumu
city?
Is legislation is a challenge to credit access by women small micro entrepreneurs in
Kisumu city?
QUESTION 1 (e ) Schematic diagram (5MARKS)
Lack of Collateral

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Training

Credit Acess

Legislation

independent variables

Dependent variable

QUESTION TWO A Need/purpose for Research (12 marks)

To
To
To
To
To

measurement of a given phenomenon.

To enable theory development and validation of existing theories. Theory

discover new knowledge

describe a phenomenon
enable prediction.
enable control i.e. the ability to regulate the phenomenon under study.
enable explanation of a phenomenon i.e. accurate observation and

development involves formulating concepts, laws and generalizations

about a given phenomenon.

Research provides one with the knowledge and skills needed for the fastpaced decision-making environment

QUESTION TWO B COMPARE AND CONTRAST BETWEEN

i.

Basic / Pure / Fundamental Research and applied research ( 6 marks)

Basic researchers are interested in deriving scientific knowledge i.e. they are motivated
by intellectual curiosity and need to come up with a particular solution. It focuses on
generating new knowledge in order to refine or expand existing theories. It does not
consider the practical application of the findings to actual problems or situations.

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Applied research is conducted for the purpose of applying or testing theory and
evaluating its usefulness in solving problems. It provides data to support a theory, guide
theory revision or suggest the development of a new theory.
ii.

Qualitative and quantitative research( 6 marks )

Qualitative Research is primarily exploratory research.

It is used to gain an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations.
It provides insights into the problem or helps to develop ideas or hypotheses for potential
quantitative research.
Qualitative Research is also used to uncover trends in thought and opinions, and dive deeper into
the problem.
Qualitative data collection methods vary using unstructured or semi-structured techniques. Some
common methods include focus groups (group discussions), individual interviews, and
participation/observations. The sample size is typically small, and respondents are selected to
fulfill a given quota.
Quantitative Research is used to quantify the problem by way of generating numerical data or
data that can be transformed into useable statistics.
It is used to quantify attitudes, opinions, behaviors, and other defined variables and generalize
results from a larger sample population.

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Quantitative Research uses measurable data to formulate facts and uncover patterns in research.
Quantitative data collection methods are much more structured than Qualitative data collection
methods.

Question Three
Benefits of reviewing literature
1. Allows researcher not to miss out on the important dimensions of the problem by
ignoring the works of others
o One might discover that the planned study has already been carried out by others
o This revelation may result into re-orientation of the topic to be investigated or a
complete abandonment of the study
o One may reshape the study in a way that fills the gaps earlier studies have over
looked.
2. Avoids duplicating a study unintentionally.
3. Helps in the refinement of methodological and procedural matters by familiarizing
oneself with methodological issues of what already exists
4. Allows one to assess the importance, or otherwise of completed studies through critical
determination of the soundness and validity of existing data.

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5. Replicating an earlier study if a good case for doing so is made. For example, challenging
or verifying some doubtful findings of an earlier study which justifies a re-visit of the
subject matter.
Purpose of hypothesis

It provides direction by bridging the gap between the problem and the evidence

needed for its solution.

It ensures collection of the evidence necessary to answer the question posed in the

statement of the problem.

It enables the investigator to assess the information he or she has collected from the

standpoint of both relevance and organisation.

It sensitizes the investigator to certain aspects of the situation that are relevant

regarding the problem at hand.

It permits the researcher to understand the problem with greater clarity and use the

data to find solutions to problems.

It guides the collection of data and provides the structure for their meaningful

interpretation in relation to the problem under investigation.

It forms the framework for the ultimate conclusions as solutions.

QUESTION THREE B. The need and content of research proposal

A proposal is a document, which details an intended activity. Generally, a research proposal

should include the following prefatory items; the title page, declaration, table of contents, list of
figures and tables, list of acronyms and abbreviations and an abstract. It will also have chapter
one: Introduction, Chapter Two: Literature review and Chapter Three: Methodology. In addition
it will also have the references, time schedule, budget and any appendices.

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Question Four
Primary vs. secondary Data
Primary Data are collected by the organization itself for a particular purpose. The benefits of
primary data are that they fit the needs exactly, are up to date, and reliable.
Advantages of using Primary data:
1.

The investigator collects data specific to the problem under study.

2.

There is no doubt about the quality of the data collected (for the investigator).

3.

If required, it may be possible to obtain additional data during the study period.

Examples: Data collected by a student for his/her thesis or research project.

Secondary Data are collected by other organizations or for other purposes. Any data, which are
not collected by the organization for the specified purpose, are secondary data. These may be
published by other organizations, available from research studies, published by the government,
and so on. Secondary data have the advantages of being much cheaper and faster to collect. They
also have the benefit of using sources, which are not generally available.
Examples: Census data being used to analyze the impact of education on career choice and
earning.
Advantages of using Secondary data:
1.

The datas already there- no hassles of data collection

2.

It is less expensive

3.

The investigator is not personally responsible for the quality of data (I didnt do it)

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Essentials of good questionnaire

Objectives- a good questionnaire must be based on a set of objectives of what the researcher
wants to know. When a questionnaire relates back to a set of objectives, it establishes a
framework that keeps the questions focused on the specific issue.
Directions-Questionnaires should contain directions to the respondents, so that people who take
the questionnaire understand what to do and how their answers are scored. Here it should also be
included in the questionnaire that the answer and names of respondents are confidential.
Measurability- A good questionnaire means that the questions are formatted in such a way that
the answers are measurable. The answers must be easily calculated to provide the researchers
with information they need.
Question sequence- for a questionnaire to be good it must have questions that flow in a logical
order to avoid confusion. Questionnaires should start off with some simple or generic questions
that give respondents time to warm up and feel comfortable answering. Questions of a more
sensitive

nature

should

be

positioned

in

the

middle

and

end

of

the

survey

Technicalities-Certain technicalities come into play when developing good questionnaires. One
of the things to keep in mind is that you should avoid using industry jargon or slang.
Ambiguous- the questionnaire must contain question that are easy to interpret. These questions
should not leave room for being misinterpreted because since the survey outcome will depend on
the answer that were given in case questions are misinterpreted the survey will not be totally
accurate.

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Q 4 B ETHICS IN RESEARCH
1.

Ethical treatment of participants

In general, the research must be designed in such a manner that the respondent does not suffer
physical harm, discomfort, pain, embarrassment or loss to privacy. To safeguard against these,
the researcher should follow the following guidelines:

Explain the study benefits

Obtain informed consent
Explain respondents rights and protection

2 Ethical treatment of Sponsors

Sponsors have a right to several types of confidentiality including sponsor nondisclosure,

purpose nondisclosure and findings nondisclosure.

An important ethical consideration for the researcher and the sponsor is the sponsors

right to quality research.

Occasionally, research specialists may be asked by sponsors to participate in unethical
behaviour. Compliance by the researcher would be a breach of ethical standards.

Researchers and team members

Researchers have an ethical responsibility to their teams safety as well as their own and also
protecting the anonymity of both the sponsor and the respondent.

Safety It is the researchers responsibility to design a project so the safety of all

interviewers, surveyors, experimenters, or observers is protected.

Ethical behaviour of assistants Researchers should require ethical compliance from

team members just as sponsors expect ethical behaviour from the researcher.

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Protection of anonymityResearchers and assistants protect the confidentiality of the

sponsors information and the anonymity of the respondents. Each researcher
handling data should be required to sign a confidentiality and nondisclosure
statement.

Question Five
(a)Need for and approaches to data analysis
NEED FOR DATA ANLYSIS

The data can show whether there was any significant change in the dependent
variable(s) you hoped to influence. Collecting and analyzing data helps you see whether
your intervention brought about the desired results

They can uncover factors that may be associated with changes in the dependent
variable(s). Data analyses may help discover unexpected influences; for instance, that
the effort was twice as large for those participants who also were a part of a support
group. This can be used to identify key aspects of implementation.

They can show connections between or among various factors that may have an
effect on the results of your evaluation. Some types of statistical procedures look for
connections (correlations is the research term) among variables. Certain dependent
variables may change when others do. These changes may be similar i.e., both
variables increase or decrease (e.g., as childrens proficiency at reading increases, the
amount of reading they do also increases). Or the opposite may be observed i.e. the

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two variables change in opposite directions (as the amount of exercise they engage in
increases, peoples weight decreases). Correlations dont mean that one variable causes
another, or that they both have the same cause, but they can provide valuable information
about associations to expect in an evaluation.

They can help shed light on the reasons that your work was effective or, perhaps,
less effective than youd hoped. By combining quantitative and qualitative analysis,
you can often determine not only what worked or didnt, but why. The effect of cultural
issues, how well methods are used, the appropriateness of your approach for the
population these as well as other factors that influence success can be highlighted by
careful data collection and analysis. This knowledge gives you a basis for adapting and
changing what you do to make it more likely youll achieve the desired outcomes in the
future.

They can provide you with credible evidence to show stakeholders that your
program is successful, or that youve uncovered, and are addressing limitations.
Stakeholders, such as funders and community boards, want to know their investments are
well spent. Showing evidence of intermediate outcomes (e.g. new programs and policies)
and longer-term outcomes (e.g., improvements in education or health indicators) is
becoming increasingly important to receiving and retaining funding.

Their use shows that youre serious about evaluation and about improving your
work. Being a good trustee or steward of community investment includes regular review
of data regarding progress and improvement.

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They can show the field what youre learning, and thus pave the way for others to
implement successful methods and approaches. In that way, youll be helping to
improve community efforts and, ultimately, quality of life for people who benefit.

Approaches to data analysis

The approach to data analysis depends on the data used is primary or secondary. Some of the
data analysis methods includes:

Statistical analysis

Simple counting, graphing and visual inspection of frequency or rates of behavior,

events, etc., over time.

Using visual inspection of patterns over time to identify discontinuities (marked

increases, decreases) in the measures over time (sessions, weeks, months).

Calculating the mean (average), median (midpoint), and/or mode (most frequent) of
a series of measurements or observations. What was the average blood pressure, for
instance, of people who exercised 30 minutes a day at least five days a week, as opposed
to that of people who exercised two days a week or less?

Using qualitative interviews, conversations, and participant observation to observe

(and track changes in) the people or situation. Journals can be particularly revealing
in this area because they record peoples experiences and reflections over time.

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Finding patterns in qualitative data. If many people refer to similar problems or

barriers, these may be important in understanding the issue, determining what works or
doesnt work and why, or more.

Comparing actual results to previously determined goals or benchmarks. One

measure of success might be meeting a goal for planning or program implementation, for
example.

(b) Need for sampling and essential features of a good sample

. Sampling is a method of selecting units of analysis such as households, people, consumers,

companies etc from a population (universe) of interest to a researcher. By analyzing the data
collected from the sample, you draw inferences about the population parameters. In other words,
sampling is employed to throw light on the population parameter.
FEATURES OF A GOOD SAMPLE

Goal-oriented: A sample design should be goal oriented. It is means and should be

oriented to the research objectives and fitted to the survey conditions.

Accurate representative of the universe: A sample should be an accurate representative

of the universe from which it is taken.

Proportional: A sample should be proportional. It should be large enough to represent
the universe properly. The sample size should be sufficiently large to provide statistical

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stability or reliability. The sample size should give accuracy required for the purpose of
particular study.

Random selection: This means that any item in the group has a full and equal chance of
being selected and included in the sample. This makes the selected sample truly

representative in character.
Economical: A sample should be economical. The objectives of the survey should be

achieved with minimum cost and effort.

Practical: A sample design should be practical. The sample design should be simple i.e.

it should be capable of being understood and followed in the fieldwork.

Actual information provider: A sample should be designed so as to provide actual
information required for the study and also provide an adequate basis for the

measurement of its own reliability.

(c) Probabilistic and non-probabilistic sampling techniques
A probability sampling is a method of sampling that ensures that every unit in the population
has a known non-zero chance of being selected. Every potential sample need not have the same
chance of selection.
Simple Random Sampling It is a special case of probability sampling in which every unit in the
population has the same chance of being selected.
Stratified Random Sampling Stratified Random Sampling involves dividing the population into
a number of groups called strata in such a manner that the units within a stratum are homogenous
and the units between the strata are heterogeneous. Having divided the population into a number
of strata, now select a simple random sample of appropriate size from each stratum.
Systematic Sampling In systematic random sampling, the units are drawn from the population at
regular intervals clearly defined.
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The fundamental difference between non-probability sampling and probability sampling is that
in non-probability sampling procedure, the selection of the sample units does not ensure a known
chance to the units being selected. In other words, the units are selected without using the
principle of probability.
Systematic Sampling
In systematic random sampling, the units are drawn from the population at regular intervals
clearly defined.
non-probability sampling techniques includes:
Convenience Sampling In many research projects, you simply look for volunteers to participate.
This is how the convenience sampling is done.
Expert Opinion Sampling Expert Opinion Sampling involves gathering a set of people who
have the knowledge and expertise in certain key areas that are crucial to decision making.
Quota Sampling is stratified random sampling without probability principle being applied to the
selection of without probability principle being applied to the selection of the sample units.

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