ZAMZAM R.M CAT
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Nov 24, 2024
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HASSAN YUSUF ZAMZAM
DBM/2023/55256
RESEARCH METHOS
CAT 1&2
a) Outline the reasons for reviewing literature and explain why literature review is
viewed as a challenge for many researchers. (8marks)
Reasons for Reviewing Literature
Contextualizing the research
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literature review helps researchers understand the existing
body of knowledge on a particular topic. It provides context for the research and ensures that
the study is relevant and contributes to the field.
Identifying gaps - it helps identify gaps in the current literature, which can guide the research
by highlighting areas that need further exploration or clarification.
Establishing theoretical framework - researchers can use the literature review to establish the
theoretical framework for their study. It allows them to build on existing theories and models.
Methodological guidance - literature reviews often highlight the methodologies used in
previous studies, offering guidance on the most appropriate methods for the current research.
Citing relevant studies - it is important for researchers to cite relevant studies in their work,
and a literature review helps in finding and citing the most important and influential sources.
Challenges in Conducting a Literature Review
Vast amount of information - with the proliferation of academic journals, books, and online
sources, there is an overwhelming amount of information to sift through. Researchers must
carefully select and prioritize what to include in their review.
Keeping up to date - staying current with the latest research is a challenge. New studies are
published regularly, and researchers must constantly update their literature reviews to include
the most recent findings.
Quality control - ensuring the quality and reliability of the sources used in the review can be
difficult. Not all published work is of the same standard, and researchers must critically
evaluate the credibility of sources.
Time-consuming – a thorough literature review can be time-consuming, especially when
searching for and summarizing a large number of sources. This can delay the research
process.
Avoiding bias - researchers need to be aware of their own biases and avoid cherry-picking
sources that support their preconceived notions. Objectivity and fairness in the selection of
sources are essential.
Synthesizing information - it can be challenging to synthesize the information from various
sources into a coherent and structured narrative that makes sense to the reader.
Managing citations - keeping track of citations and references can be cumbersome, especially
when citing numerous sources. Proper citation is essential to avoid plagiarism and give credit
to the original authors.
b) Discuss the following sampling techniques
i. Cluster sampling. (2marks)
ii. Purposive sampling. (2marks)
iii. Snow ball sampling. (2marks)
i. Cluster Sampling
Cluster sampling is a method where the population is divided into clusters or groups, and a
random sample of clusters is selected for analysis. Within each selected cluster, all
individuals or a random sample of individuals are included in the study. This method is
particularly useful when it is difficult or expensive to collect data from every individual in a
large and geographically dispersed population.
Advantages of cluster sampling
-
It can be cost-effective and time-efficient.
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It provides a natural way to sample large populations, especially when a complete list
of the population is not available.
-
Disadvantages of cluster sampling
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It introduces a risk of variability within clusters, as individuals within a cluster may
be more similar to each other than to individuals in other clusters.
-
It may lead to less precise estimates compared to simple random sampling if clusters
vary significantly.
ii. Purposive Sampling
Purposive sampling, also known as judgmental or selective sampling, is a non-probability
sampling technique where the researcher intentionally selects specific individuals or elements
for the sample based on predefined criteria. This method is often used when the researcher
seeks to include participants who possess certain characteristics or knowledge relevant to the
research.
Advantages of purposive sampling
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It is useful for studying specific populations or experts in a particular field.
-
It allows researchers to select participants with the most relevant information or
characteristics for the research.
Disadvantages of purposive sampling
-
It may introduce bias, as the researcher's judgment and subjectivity play a significant
role in selecting participants.
-
The results may not be generalizable to the broader population, as the sample is not
randomly selected.
iii. Snowball Sampling
Snowball sampling is a non-probability sampling technique primarily used for hard-to-reach
or hidden populations, such as marginalized groups or individuals engaged in stigmatized
behavior. It involves identifying an initial participant or "seed" and then relying on that
participant to refer or recruit others for the study. The process continues like a snowball, with
each participant referring more participants.
Advantages of snowball sampling
-
It is useful for studying populations that are difficult to access through traditional
methods.
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-
It can be an effective way to reach hidden or sensitive groups.
Disadvantages of snowball sampling
c) Discuss the factors that a researcher can put into consideration while selecting a
research topic. (6 marks)
i) Personal Interest and Passion
- Choose a topic that genuinely interests you and aligns with your passion. You are more
likely to stay motivated and committed throughout the research process if you are personally
invested in the topic.
ii) Relevance and Significance
- Select a topic that is relevant to your field of study and has practical or theoretical
significance. Consider how your research can contribute to existing knowledge or address
important issues.
iii) Feasibility
- Assess the feasibility of your research topic in terms of available resources, time, and access
to data or subjects. Ensure that you can realistically conduct the research within the
constraints of your project.
iv) Originality and Innovation
- Consider whether your research topic offers the potential for originality and innovation.
Research that explores new perspectives, theories, or methods is often more appealing to both
researchers and readers.
v) Research Scope and Manageability
- Define the scope of your research to make it manageable. Avoid overly broad or vague
topics, and focus on a specific research question or problem that you can address effectively.
vi) Access to Data and Resources
- Evaluate your access to necessary data, archives, libraries, equipment, and funding. Ensure
that you can obtain the resources needed for your research.
vii) Ethical Considerations
- Assess the ethical implications of your research topic. Ensure that your research adheres to
ethical standards, including issues related to human subjects, privacy, and consent.
viii) Research Trends and Gaps
- Review the current literature in your field to identify research trends and gaps. Your topic
should either build upon existing research or address a gap in the knowledge base.
ix) Practical Application
- Consider the practical applications of your research. Will the findings have real-world
implications or contribute to solving practical problems?
x) Audience and Impact
Think about your target audience. Consider who your research will benefit, whether it's other
researchers, policymakers, industry professionals, or the general public. Understand the
potential impact of your research on your chosen audience.
d) Discuss TWO test that you can use to measure reliability of your research
instrument. (8mks)
i) Test-Retest Reliability
Test-retest reliability assesses the consistency of a research instrument over time. It involves
administering the same instrument to the same group of participants on two separate
occasions and then comparing the results. The time interval between the two administrations
should be long enough to prevent participants from remembering their initial responses but
short enough to assume that the construct being measured has not changed.
Calculation - to calculate test-retest reliability, you typically use a correlation coefficient,
such as Pearson's correlation or the intraclass correlation coefficient. A high correlation
coefficient indicates strong reliability.
Considerations - this test is suitable for stable constructs that are not expected to change over
a short period. However, it may not be appropriate for instruments measuring variables that
can fluctuate or change rapidly.
ii) Cronbach's Alpha (Coefficient Alpha)
Cronbach's Alpha is a widely used test for assessing the internal consistency of a research
instrument, especially when the instrument consists of multiple items (questions or
statements). It measures how closely related the items within the instrument are to each other,
with higher values indicating greater internal consistency.
Calculation - Cronbach's Alpha ranges from 0 to 1, with values closer to 1 indicating higher
internal consistency. It is calculated based on the average inter-item correlation. An Alpha
value above 0.70 is often considered acceptable for most research purposes.
Considerations - this test is appropriate for instruments with multiple items that are expected
to measure the same underlying construct. It helps evaluate whether the items in a scale or
questionnaire are coherent and consistently measure the same concept.
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