UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA

2019/2020 TEST 1

SEMESTER 2

SUBJECT: SOCIOLOGY
COURSE: GEC 330 [Basic Social Science Research Methods]
DATE: March 12, 2020
TOTAL POSSIBLE SCORE: 50 POINTS

201502660
ID NO:

Maboko D. B.
Surname and Initials

Instructions: Answer as follows:

1. Section A: Answer question one and any five (5) questions of your choice
2. Section B: Answer question 1 and any two of your choice.

1
SECTION A [20 points]

Question 1 (10 points)

1. What is research? In your explanation focus on the following:

a. Definition of research
Research is defined as the creation of new knowledge and/or the use of existing
knowledge in a new and creative way so as to generate new concepts,
methodologies and understandings. This could include synthesis and analysis of
previous research to the extent that it leads to new and creative outcomes.

b. Why we do/conduct research

We do research to discover new inter relations, new knowledge, new facts and
also to verify old ones. That is we try to find explanations to unexplained
phenomena, to clarify the doubtful and correct the misconceived facts about
objects/population under study. For example, we research a disease in order to
learn how it is transmitted and spread, so that we can find treatments to cure and
prevent the spread of disease. Conducting research is vital in expanding human
knowledge of the world. It allows us to advance as a civilization, and discover
truths about the world, so we can better understand how to interact with people
and the Earth. It also allows us to improve our healthcare. Conducting research
leads to medical discoveries that save lives.

c. Different sources of knowledge

 Intuitive knowledge takes forms such as belief, faith, intuition, etc.
 Authoritative knowledge is based on information received from people,
books, etc.
 Logical knowledge is arrived at by reasoning from “point A” (which is
generally accepted) to “point B” (the new knowledge).
 Empirical knowledge is based on actual experience (“relying or based on
observation or experience”). Empirical knowledge is what most modern
research aims at establishing.

Question 2 (10 points) (Answer all Questions)

Briefly explain the following (each question is 2 points):

a. Evaluation Research: refers to research purpose instead of a specific method as the

systematic assessment of the worth or merit of time, money, effort and resources
spent in order to achieve a goal.

b. Variable: anything that has a quantity or quality that varies. There are two types of
variables: dependent variable is the variable a researcher is interested in;
independent variable is a variable believed to affect the dependent variable.

2
 c. Descriptive research: research method that describes the characteristics of the
population or phenomenon that is being studied.

d. Basic research: also called pure research or fundamental research, utilizes the
scientific research aim to advance scientific theories for improved understanding.

e. Action research: a wide variety of evaluative, investigative, and analytical research

methods designed to diagnose problems or weaknesses.

SECTION B (30 points)

Answer Question 1 and any two (2) questions below

Question 1 (10 points)

What is Social Research? Explain the different steps (at least 5 of them) in social research
process
Social research is defined as a systematic method of exploring, analyzing and
conceptualizing human life in order to extend, correct or verify knowledge of
human behavior and social life.

Basic steps of Social Research Process

1. Select a topic: the researcher must choose a topic that is researchable. The topic/title
of research must address the questions: what; who; where; how and when. For
example, “the influence of education on mobility between employment and
unemployment of undergraduates with bachelor’s degree in Gaborone in the years
2002 to 2020.”

2. Define the problem: the statement of the problem establishes the direction of the
research. It gives an explanation about the issue that is being addressed. It should be
written or stated in such a way that it addresses the gap between the ideal and the reality
and the consequences that occur. The identified research problem needs to be defined
according to related literature and research. It is very critical that one gives evidence to
what one is writing in form of other research or existing literature. Include statement of
purpose highlighting the main purpose of your study.

3. Literature review: review of the literature demonstrates the researchers

understanding of previous research and related material up to and including their
limitations. In the analysis of the literature the researcher must summarize the key
points and relevant details in their reading relating to the subject they have selected.
In addition, the researcher must use the literature review to explain the value of
work on their topic by showing what is already known, what is not yet known, and
how it is relevant

3
 4. Formulate a hypothesis: these are statements that introduce a research question and
propose an expected result. One must make sure that the hypothesis clearly defines
the topic and the focus of the experiment.

5. Choose a research method

6. Collecting the data

7. Analyze the results

8. Conclusions and recommendations: here the researcher summarizes the findings

indicating whether the aims or objectives were answered /achieved. Indicate
whether or not the study hypotheses are confirmed. Conclusions should be drawn
logically from results and discussions and backed by relevant issues in the study. If
applicable, provide recommendations for policy making purposes or further study.

Question 3 (10 points)

a. Explain what is qualitative research design (2 points)

A systematic subjective approach used to describe life experiences and give them
meaning. A qualitative research design aims to gain insight; explore the depth, richness,
and complexity inherent in the phenomenon.

b. Explain what is quantitative research? (2 points)

This is a formal, objective, systematic process for obtaining information about the world.
A method used to describe, test relationships, and examine cause and effect
relationships. A quantitative research design aims to test relationships, describe, examine
cause and effect relations.

c. What are the main differences between them, state also the type of data the two designs
address (6 points)

QUALITATIVE QUANTITATIVE
subjective objective
basis of knowing: meaning & discover Basis of knowing: cause & effect, relationships
Develops theory Tests theory
Basic element of analysis: words Statistical analysis
Method of information gathering: Method of information gathering: Instruments
Communication & observation e.g. questionnaires
Holistic Reductionistic

4
Question 4 (10 points)
State and explain the different elements of a social research proposal.

Statement of the problem: this section establishes the direction of the research. The Problem
Statement gives an explanation about the issue that is being addressed. It is very critical that one
gives evidence to what one is writing in form of other research or existing literature.

Rationale/justification: Study rationale answers the question ‘why’ the project was undertaken
or why the report is important and relevant.

Hypotheses: These are statements which paint the relationship between two or more variables
of interest to the research.

Methodology: explains how the methodology you are going to choose relates to the study aim
and objectives. You need to explain why the methods chosen are appropriate for the study.
Explain the research design, methods of data collection, sampling strategy, sample size and
choice of data analysis techniques.
.
Analysis: here the researcher must demonstrate their knowledge and skills in using various
techniques of data analysis. The method/techniques of analysis is done should be stated clearly
and in what way they will be applied when analyzing data.