Questions.

1.(a) Research is a systematic inquiry to discover facts and generate new knowledge. It is an inquiry or
a critical examination of a given phenomenon. In light of this statement, discuss five main purposes
for which researchers undertake research .(5mks)

Researchers undertake research for various purposes;1. Advancing knowledge: One of the primary
purposes of research is to expand our understanding of the world. Researchers engage in studies to
generate new knowledge, discover theories, and explore new frontiers in fields such as science,
medicine, technology, social sciences, and more. By advancing knowledge, research helps us build upon
existing findings and create a foundation for further discoveries.

2. Solving problems: Research is often conducted to address specific problems or challenges in various
domains. It could be finding solutions to global issues like climate change, poverty, or healthcare
disparities, or even solving common everyday problems faced by individuals or organizations. Through
rigorous investigation, research can identify causes, underlying factors, and viable solutions to these
problems.

3. Improving practices and policies: Research is frequently carried out to assess and improve existing
practices or policies. Researchers evaluate current methods, systems, approaches, or interventions to
determine their effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. This type of research helps inform
decision-making processes in fields such as education, public policy, healthcare, and business.

4. Innovating and developing new ideas: Research is the bedrock of innovation. It is through research
that groundbreaking ideas, inventions, and technologies emerge. Researchers often embark on studies
to explore new possibilities, develop novel concepts, and push the boundaries of what is currently
known. This type of research is crucial in driving progress and fostering creativity in fields like
engineering, computer science, and design.

5. Informing evidence-based practice: Research plays a significant role in informing evidence-based

The following are the purposes of review of literature; To avoid duplication of research work, in case an
almost similar work as the present one has already been done by some one

•To adopt an alternative method of study in case an almost similar work as already done has to be for
some reason carried out.

•To fill up gaps in research by incorporating objectives not thoroughly probed by earlier researchers.

•To effectively, formulate hypotheses in the light of findings of earlier research works or policy
pronouncement of governments or statutory development.To test the efficacy of suggested courses of
action in earlier works

•To ward off methodological problems or troubles that might have been suffered by earlier researchers.

•To refine the methodology of research in the light of suggested improvement by or for earlier works.

•To add new dimensions of research in a study based on recommendations of earlier research works or
scholarly research papers or legal pronouncements or investigations or other reports.

•To have an idea of the diverse tools of analysis used by others and that could be used for the present
research.To build a theory, review of literature is needed. Fitting the findings of the present work with
the findings of earlier work, and on that basis evolving a theory becomes possible.

2. A research problem is an issue that is being investigated or where an inquiry is done to gather
relevant information. Discuss any five ways of identifying a research problem.(10mks)

1. Observation and Curiosity: Start by paying attention to the world around you. Observe any gaps in
knowledge or areas where a problem exists. Explore your own curiosity and ask questions that haven't
been answered yet.

2. Literature Review: Conduct a thorough review of existing literature on your chosen topic. Identify the
gaps or unanswered questions that you come across. This will help you identify the research problem
that needs to be addressed.

3. Discussions and Collaborations: Engage in discussions with colleagues, experts, or researchers working
in related fields. Talk to them about their work and see if there are any areas of overlap or unexplored
directions that could be potential research problems.

4. Practical Significance: Look for real-world problems or issues that need to be addressed. Consider the
practical significance and potential impact your research could have on society, industries, or specific
communities. This can help you identify a research problem that is both relevant and meaningful.
5. Personal Experience: Reflect on your own experiences, both academic and personal, to identify areas
that require further investigation. This could be motivated by gaps in knowledge, unresolved issues, or
problems you have encountered yourself.

3. Define sampling and briefly explain any four methods of probability sampling
(10 marks) .

Sampling is the process of selecting units (e.g., people, organizations) from a population of interest so
that by studying the sample we may fairly generalize the results 

•Simple random sampling. In this technique, all possible subsets of a population (more accurately, of a
sampling frame) are given an equal probability of being selected.

Simple random sampling involves randomly selecting respondents from a sampling frame

•Stratified sampling. In stratified sampling, the sampling frame is divided into homogeneous and non-
overlapping subgroups (called “strata”), and a simple random sample is drawn within each subgroup. 

•Systematic sampling. In this technique, the sampling frame is ordered according to some criteria and
elements are selected at regular intervals through that ordered list

4. (a)Define hypothesis and briefly describe the two common types of hypothesis used in research(5
marks)

Hypothesis is an assumption about the relation between two or more variables. This assumption may
relate to the cause and effect relationship between variables.

1. Null hypothesis - It assumes that there is no relationship between two or more variables. If there is a
relationship between them then it's insignificant and can be ignored . It shows that the mean scores that
is the average between two variables are insignificant.

2. Alternative hypothesis - This hypothesis states that there is a relationship between two or more
variables. This relationship maybe known, significant or unknown. This suggests that a focus should be
on the significance of this relationship that is Effects of the factors cannot be ignored. This shows that
there is a significant relationship between the mean scores of two variables.

(b).Assuming that you have been appointed an officer in charge of research in a County Hospital,
discuss what would consider as qualities of a good research report .(5mks)

1. Clarity: A good research report should be clear and understandable to a broad audience. It should
present the research topic, objectives, methodology, findings, and conclusions in a concise and precise
manner. The report should use plain language, avoid jargon, and provide a logical flow of information.
2. Accuracy: Research reports should be accurate and based on reliable data. The data collection
methods and analysis should be rigorous, transparent, and verifiable. It is crucial to ensure that the
results and conclusions reflect the actual findings and that any limitations or assumptions are clearly
stated.

3. Objectivity: A good research report should strive to be unbiased and objective. It should present the
research findings and interpretations without any personal or institutional bias. The report should also
disclose any conflicts of interest or potential sources of bias to maintain its integrity.

4. Relevance: The report should demonstrate the relevance of the research findings to the County
Hospital and its stakeholders. It should address a significant research question or problem that is of
value to the hospital community. The report should highlight the implications and potential applications
of the research findings for decision-making and future research.

5. Impact: Lastly, a good research report should have the potential to make a meaningful impact. It
should provide actionable recommendations or suggest areas for further investigation that can improve
patient care, healthcare policies, or operational processes. The report should be accessible to
stakeholders and promote the dissemination of knowledge within the hospital and beyond.