ALL NATIONS UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF BIOMEDICAL AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING

END OF FIRST SEMESTER EXAMINATIONS 2023/2024

ACADEMIC YEAR
COURSE CODE: NUR316

COURSE TITLE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

MARKING SCHEME

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 SECTION A (40 MARKS)

1A 11 C 21 B 31 C
2C 12 D 22 C 32 C
3D 13 D 23 D 33 B
4B 14 D 24 B 34 B
5D 15 A 25 A 35 A
6A 16 C 26 A 36 B
7D 17 B 27 D 37 B
8D 18 D 28 B 38 B
9B 19 A 29 D 39 B
10 A 20 D 30 D 40 D
1 mark each (1 X 40= 40 marks)

SECTION B (60 MARKS)

QUESTION 1 (20 MARKS)

a. i. Explain what is meant by research 3 marks
It is a systematic investigation in the gathering and analysis of information designed to develop
or contribute to general knowledge. 3 marks for correct explanation/definition

i. Write FOUR (4) characteristics of research. 4 marks

1. It demands a clear statement of the problem
2. It requires a plan (it is not aimlessly “looking” for something in the hope that you will come
across a solution)
3. It builds on existing data, using both positive and negative findings
4. New data should be collected as required and be organized in such a way that they answer the
research question(s)
5. Empirical – based on observations and experimentation
6. It is Systematic – follows orderly and sequential procedure.
7. it is Objective, Unbiased, and Logical
1 mark for each correct point (1x4=4 marks)

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b. i. A hospital administrator wishes to know what proportion of discharged patients are unhappy
with the care received during hospitalization. If 95% Confidence interval is desired to estimate
the proportion within 5%, how large a sample should be drawn? 5 marks
n = z2 p (1 - p) / e2 ………………………1 mark
n = (1.96)2(1-0.5) ………………………..1 mark
(0.05)2
n= 1.9208 ……………………………….1 mark
0.0025
n= 768.32 ………………………………. 1 mark
n=768 ………………………………….. 1 mark
(1+1+1+1+1=5 marks)

ii. The administrator after determining his sample size decided to collect data from the patients
for his research. Write THREE (3) data collection methods that can be employed in his research.
3 marks
1. The use of documented sources (Clinical records and other personal records of the
patients)
2. Interviews
3. Focus group discussion
4. The use of questionnaire
1 mark for each correct point (1x3=3 marks)

c. State FIVE (5) reasons why research utilization is important in nursing practice. 5 marks
1. To facilitate an innovative change that leads to improved client outcomes
2. To validate existing nursing knowledge, procedures or interventions
3. Promote critical thinking and reflective practice
4. Enhances professional self-concept
5. Ensures provision of safe and effective care
6. Ensures that nursing practice is based on current and scientifically sound knowledge
7. Self-confidence of the nurse is enhanced

1 mark for each correct point (1x5= marks)

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QUESTION 2 (20 MARKS)
a. Explain the following as applied in research:
i. Exclusion criteria 2 marks
1. They are a set of predefined definitions that is used to identify subjects who will not be
included or who will have to withdraw from a research study after being included.
2. Exclusion criteria concern properties of the study sample, defining reasons for which subjects
from the target population are to be excluded from the study.

ii. Population 2 marks

A research population is generally a large collection of individuals or objects that is the main
focus of the research.

iii. Dependent variable 2 marks

The variable that is used to describe or measure the problem under study. That is, the variable
that is being measured or tested in an experiment.

iv. Confounding variable 2 marks

1. They are the variables that affect other variables in a way that produces spurious or distorted
associations between two variables.
2. A variable that influences both the independent and dependent variables such that it may either
strengthen or weaken the apparent relationship between the problem and a possible cause.
2 marks for each correct explanation/definition

b. The development of a research project goes through a number of stages. List the stages
of a typical research project. 7 marks
1. Identification of a research problem

2. Formulation of Hypothesis

3. Review of Related Literature

4. Preparation of Research Design

5. Actual experimentation

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6. Results and Discussion

7. Formulation of Conclusions and Recommendations

1 mark for each correct point (1x7= 7marks)

c. i. What is meant by a questionnaire as applied in research? 2 marks

A questionnaire is a research instrument that consists of a set of questions for the purpose of
gathering information from respondents through survey or statistical study.
2 marks for correct explanation/definition

ii. State THREE (3) characteristics of a good questionnaire. 3 marks

1. It should be of uniform design and standardization.
2. It should be exploratory to collect qualitative data.
3. Questions should be clearly worded and response options clearly identified.
4. Prescribed definitions and explanations should be provided.
5. Questions should flow in some kind of structured order
6. The questionnaire should be as short as possible.
7. It typically follows a structured flow of questions to increase the number of responses.
1 mark for each correct point (1x3= 3marks)

QUESTION 3 (20 MARKS)

a. i. What is meant by literature review as applied in research? 2 marks

1. A literature review is a search and evaluation of the available literature in your given subject
or chosen topic area.

2. It can also be explained as an overview of the previously published works on a specific topic.

2 marks for correct explanation/definition

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 ii. State TWO (2) reasons why it is important to review the literature in your research
project 2 marks

1. It prevents you from duplicating work that has been done before.
2. It increases your knowledge on the problem you want to study and this may assist you in
refining your "statement of the problem".
3. It gives you confidence why your particular research project is needed.
4. To be familiar with different research methods
1 mark for each correct point (1x2= 2marks)

iii. Write THREE (3) sources of information for literature review 3 marks

1. books
2. Organizations (institutions)
3. Published information (books, journals, etc.)
4. Unpublished documents (studies in related fields, reports, etc.)
5. Computer based literature searches such as Medline
6. Opinions, beliefs of key persons
7. Clinic and hospital-based data from routine activity statistics
8. Local surveys, annual reports
9. Scientific conferences
10. Statistics issued at region and district levels
11. Articles from national and international
12. Internet
13. Documentation, reports, and raw data from the Ministry of Health, Central Statistical
Offices, Nongovernmental organizations, etc.
1 mark for each correct point (1x3= 3marks)

b. i. What is a research hypothesis? 2 marks

1. A research hypothesis is a statement about the expected outcome of a study or research
2. A research hypothesis is an assumption or a tentative explanation for a specific process
observed during research.
3. Research hypothesis is a statement that introduces a research question and proposes an
expected result.

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4. A research hypothesis is a statement about an expected relationship between variables, or
explanation of an occurrence.
5. A research hypothesis is a statement of expectation or prediction that will be tested by
research.
6. A hypothesis is a prediction of a relationship between one or more variables and the problem
under study.
2 marks for correct explanation/definition

ii. Write THREE (3) characteristics/attributes of a good hypothesis. 3 marks

1.It is never formulated in the form of a question.
2.It should be empirically testable, whether it is right or wrong.
3.It should be specific and precise.
4.It should specify variables between which the relationship is to be established.
5.It should describe one issue only. A hypothesis can be formed either in descriptive or
relational form.
6.It should not conflict with any law of nature which is known to be true. guarantees that
available tools and techniques will be effectively used for the purpose of verification.
7. It should be stated as far as possible in most simple terms so that the same is easily
understandable by all concerned.
8. It must explain the facts that gave rise to the need for explanation.
9.It should be amenable to testing within a reasonable time.
10. It should not be contradictory
1 mark for each correct point (1x3= 3marks)

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c. Explain the following as used in the context of research:
i. Study design 2 marks
1. A study design is the process that guides researchers on how to collect, analyze and interpret
observations.
2. It is a logical model that guides the investigator in the various stages of the research.

ii. Exploratory studies 2 marks

An exploratory study is a small-scale study of relatively short duration, which is carried out
when little is known about a situation or a problem.

iii. Data Analysis 2 marks

Data Analysis is the process of systematically applying statistical and/or logical techniques to
describe, illustrate, and evaluate research data.

iv. Qualitative research 2 marks

Qualitative research is concerned with developing explanations of social phenomena. That is to
say, it aims to help us to understand the world in which we live and why things are the way they
are.

2 marks for each correct explanation/definition