Form Four Geography topical papers
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Topical Exam: Introduction to Research
Multiple choice · True/False · Matching · Short notes
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SECTION A — Multiple Choice
(i) Sampling in field research is a:
(ii) One of the types of sampling is:
(iii) Interview as used in research is a:
(iv) One importance of literature review is:
(v) A method of data collection that involves watching and recording events is called:
SECTION B — True / False
Write TRUE or FALSE for each statement.
- Basic research aims at finding solutions to particular problems.
- Qualitative research is interested in qualitative values.
- One of the objectives of research is to gain new knowledge.
- Literature review helps the researcher to identify theories and ideas.
- In the research process, a hypothesis is required to be tested.
- Textbooks are a source of literature review.
- Research should be conducted by highly skilled people only.
- Structured interview is one in which questions are prepared before the research.
- A good sample must have a wide range of types of elements to reduce bias.
- Primary data are the ones collected directly from the library.
Answers:
- a) FALSE — Basic (pure) research advances scientific knowledge; applied research finds solutions to particular problems.
- b) TRUE
- c) TRUE
- d) TRUE
- e) TRUE
- f) TRUE
- g) FALSE — Research can be conducted by students and others with appropriate guidance; it is not restricted to highly skilled professionals only.
- h) TRUE
- i) TRUE
- j) FALSE — Primary data are collected directly from the field; data from libraries are secondary.
SECTION C — Matching
Match List A with the correct items in List B.
| List A |
|---|
| Table of contents |
| Literature review |
| Data coding |
| Non-probability sampling |
| Research design |
List B includes: Preliminary page · Brings out other researchers’ work · Assigning numerals to classes · Selection of elements is not done randomly · Specific plan showing how data will be collected efficiently · etc.
- Table of contents → Preliminary page (shows the stages/structure of the report)
- Literature review → Brings out other researchers’ work
- Data coding → Assigning numerals to the classes
- Non-probability sampling → Selection of elements is not done randomly (e.g. purposive, accidental)
- Research design → Specific plan which shows how data will be collected efficiently
SECTION D — Short Notes & Structured Questions
3. Write short notes on how you would prepare yourself for a field research.
Possible points: identify the research problem; review literature; formulate hypothesis; design the study and choose sampling technique; prepare data-collection tools (questionnaires, interview guides); obtain permission / make contact with the study area; plan transport, time and budget; conduct a pre-survey/reconnaissance; ensure ethical considerations (consent, confidentiality).
4. Explain briefly: (i) Field excursion (ii) Applied research (iii) Data analysis (iv) Interview.
- Field excursion: A planned visit to a study area to observe geographical phenomena and collect primary data.
- Applied research: Research aimed at finding specific knowledge to solve a practical problem in society.
- Data analysis: Converting collected data into meaningful information (sorting, coding, statistical treatment, interpretation) so that conclusions can be drawn.
- Interview: A verbal interaction between researcher and respondent designed to obtain information, opinions or feelings.
5. State the differences between: (i) Discrete and continuous data (ii) Single and grouped data.
(i) Discrete data take whole-number values only (e.g. number of students); continuous data can take any value within a range (e.g. height, temperature).
(ii) Single (ungrouped) data are listed individually; grouped data are organised into class intervals or frequency tables.
6. (a) What is a research design? (b) Briefly explain any four types of research design.
(a) Research design is the overall plan or arrangement of conditions for collecting and analysing data so that the research purpose is achieved efficiently.
(b) Examples: descriptive design, experimental design, survey design, case-study design, correlational design, exploratory design (any four with brief explanation).
7. Examine the problems facing hypothesis formulation.
Possible problems: unclear or too broad research problem; lack of sufficient literature; difficulty stating testable relationships; bias of the researcher; limited time or resources; complex social phenomena that are hard to operationalise.
8. (a) What is a research problem? (b) Name four sources of a research problem. (c) Explain four characteristics of a research problem.
(a) A research problem is a question or issue of interest that the researcher seeks to answer through systematic data collection and analysis.
(b) Sources: personal experience, literature review, existing theories, social problems, previous research recommendations, government or organisational needs.
(c) Characteristics: clear and specific; researchable (can be investigated); significant / relevant; feasible within available resources and time; ethical.
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