MAASAI MARA UNIVERSITY
REGULAR UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS 2013/2014 ACADEMIC YEAR
THIRD YEAR FIRST SEMESTER
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
COURSE CODE: BBM 351
COURSE TITLE: RESEARCH METHODS
DATE:14TH APRIL 2014 TIME: 9.00AM – 12.00PM
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
Question ONE is compulsory
Answer any other THREE questions
This paper consists of 5 printed pages. Please turn over.
QUESTION 1: COMPULSORY 30 MARKS
i) Identify a topic in your area of interest that could be focus of a research study and;
a) Write two specific objectives for the study ( 2 marks)
b) Write two research questions for the study ( 2 marks)
c) What is the significance of your study? ( 2 marks)
d) State the target population for the study ( 2 marks)
e) How will you collect data relevant to your study? ( 2 marks)
ii) Why is it necessary to conduct literature review? ( 5 marks)
iii) Highlight the advantages of preparing a research design. (4marks)
iv) Explain the major characteristics of a good sample. (5marks)
v) Explain the characteristics of a good research hypothesis. (6 marks)
QUESTION 2
i) Distinguish between the null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis (6marks)
ii) Describe the types of errors associated with decision making when using hypothesis ( 4marks)
iii) Briefly discuss any five types of research. (10 marks)
QUESTION 3
i) Explain the qualities of a good questionnaire (7 marks)
ii) Explain the main contents of the literature review in a research plan. (8 marks)
iii) Highlight the benefits of using secondary data ( 5 marks)
QUESTION 4
i) Define the following terms as used in research:
a) Hypothesis. (2marks)
b) Scope (2marks)
c) Research design ( 2 marks)
d) Sampling frame ( 2marks)
ii) Highlight the qualities of a good research ( 6 marks)
iii) Distinguish between
a) Conceptual framework and theoretical framework ( 2 marks)
b) A parameter and a statistic ( 2 marks)
c) Qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis ( 2 marks)
