Topic 12 Type of Data & Example Questions

Topic 13
Two methods of interview and its (1) advantage & (1) disadvantage. (10 marks)

Introduction
Interview is one of the data collection methods. Interviews are categorised into 3 parts which
are structured, semi-structured and unstructured.

Face to face interview

-Also known as a personal interview.

-Face-to-face interviews are structured interviews conducted by trained interviewers who

standardized a set of responses for recording participants' responses.

-Advantage – Rich data can be obtained, can clarify the questions, clear doubts, add new
questions.

-Disadvantage – Take personal time, Interviewers need to be trained, cost more if wide
region is covered

Computing assisted interviews

-Questions are flashed onto the computer screen and the interviewer can enter the answers
of the respondents directly onto the screen. (Prevent asking wrong question)

-2 types (Computer assisted telephone interviewing and computer assisted personal

interviewing)

-Advantage – Fast and easy way of analysis data, Efficient in cost and time

-Disadvantage – Computer literacy is a must, respondents must have access to it

Conclusion
There are two methods of interview as stated in above, both of them have its advantages and
disadvantages. After conducting the interview, the information gained should be tabulated
and the data is analyzed.
Q2(b) Three types of Probability Sampling (15 marks)

Introduction
Probability sampling is the element in the population that has some known chance of being
selected as sample subjects.

Simple random sampling

-Simple random sampling gathers a random selection from the entire population, where
each unit has an equal chance of selection.

-This is the most common way to select a random sample.

-To compile a list of the units in your research population, consider using a random number
generator.

Example: Writing down the names of all 4,000 inhabitants by hand to randomly draw 100
of them would be impractical and time-consuming, as well as questionable for ethical
reasons. Instead, you decide to use a random number generator to draw a simple random
sample.

Systematic sampling

-Systematic sampling draws a random sample from the target population by selecting
units at regular intervals starting from a random point.

-This method is useful in situations where records of your target population already
exist, such as records of an agency’s clients, enrollment lists of university students, or
a company’s employment records.

-To start your systematic sample, you first need to divide your sampling frame into a
number of segments, called intervals.

-Then, from the first interval, you select one unit using simple random sampling. The
selection of the next units from other intervals depends upon the position of the unit
selected in the first interval.

-Example:

1. Determine your interval: 4,000 / 100 = 40. This means that you must select 1
inhabitant from every 40 in the record.
2. Using simple random sampling (e.g., a random number generator), you select 1
inhabitant.
3. Let’s say you select the 11th person on the list. In every subsequent interval,
you need to select the 11th person in that interval, until you have a sample of
 100 people.

Cluster sampling

-Cluster sampling is the process of dividing the target population into groups, called
clusters or regions.

-A randomly selected subsection of these groups then forms your sample.

-Cluster sampling is an efficient approach when you want to study large, geographically
dispersed populations.

-It usually involves existing groups that are similar to each other in some way (e.g., classes
in a school)

-Two types of cluster sampling:

● Single (or one-stage) cluster sampling, when you divide the entire population into
clusters
● Multistage cluster sampling, when you divide the cluster further into more clusters,
in order to narrow down the sample size

Conclusion
There are 3 types of probability of sampling as stated above, It is used when the
representativeness of the sample is of importance in the interests of wider generalizability.
Discuss 4 aspects in historical method in relation to legal research (16m)

1. Understanding the evolution of legal rules

- understand how and why legal rules have evolved over time and taken their
modern form. By examining historical legal sources, researchers can trace the
development of specific legal principles or branches of law.
2. Uncovering the origin and development of legal principles
- The historical method seeks to find the origins of legal principles and trace
their development over time. Researchers can gain a deeper understanding of
how legal principles have evolved
3. Utilizing the past to predict and explain the future
- Legal scholars can benefit from past experiences and use them to predict
future developments or explain present legal circumstances. Understanding
historical patterns in legal decision-making can provide valuable insights into
potential future trends.
4. Formulating new legal doctrines and theories
- Identify various factors that have influenced the evolution and development of
particular legal rules, principles, or theories. By analyzing past legal cases,
researchers can formulate new legal doctrines and provide evidence to support
or challenge existing legal presumptions.

4 goals of literature review (13m)

1. To provide clarity and focus on the research problem: The process of reviewing the
literature helps researchers understand the subject area better, enabling them to
conceptualize their research problem more clearly and precisely.
2. To situate the current research within the context of previous studies: A literature
review demonstrates how the current research project is connected to and builds upon
existing knowledge, showing the relevance and contribution of the new research.
3. To integrate and summarize existing knowledge: A comprehensive literature review
synthesizes and summarizes what is already known in the research area, highlighting
areas of agreement, disagreement, and gaps in the literature.
4. To learn from others, improve methodology, and stimulate new ideas: By analyzing
and critically evaluating previous studies, researchers can identify strengths and
weaknesses in methodologies, draw inspiration for their own research methods, and
generate new ideas for further investigation
3 characteristics for each structured and unstructured interview (12.5m)

Structure
- Those conducted when it is known at the outset what information is needed
- The interviewer has a list of predetermined questions to be asked either personally,
through the phone or PC
- The questions are predetermined and the same questions are posed to every
respondent.

Unstructure
- The interviewer does not enter the interview setting with a planned sequence of
questions to be asked
- Its objective is to bring some preliminary issues to the surface so that the researcher
can determine what variables need further in-depth investigation
- Open ended questions would be asked and the replies to them would inform the
researcher of the perceptions of the individuals
6 integral parts of a research report (12.5m)
1. Title and Abstract
The title should succinctly reflect the main focus of the research study. The abstract is a brief
summary of the entire research report, highlighting the research problem, objectives,
methodology, key findings, and conclusions. It provides readers with a quick overview of the
study, helping them decide whether to read the full report.
2. Introduction
The introduction sets the context for the research and outlines the research problem or
question being investigated. It provides the rationale for the study, explains its significance,
and presents the research objectives and hypotheses, if applicable. The introduction should
also include a concise review of relevant literature to demonstrate the study's originality and
relevance.

3. Methodology
The methodology section describes the research design, data collection methods, and data
analysis techniques employed in the study. It explains how the research was conducted to
achieve the research objectives. Details about the study's participants or sample, data sources,
and any tools or instruments used for data collection should be included in this section. The
methodology should be clear and comprehensive to ensure the study's validity and
replicability.

4. Results
The results section presents the findings of the research, often using tables, charts, graphs, or
statistical analyses. It should be objective and concise, focusing on the key results that
address the research objectives. When necessary, the results may be accompanied by
explanations or interpretations to aid readers' understanding.

5. Discussion
The discussion section interprets and analyzes the research findings in the context of the
study's objectives and the existing literature. It explains the implications of the results,
identifies patterns or trends, and compares them with previous research. This section provides
a critical analysis of the study's outcomes and may address any limitations or constraints of
the research.

6. Conclusion and Recommendations

The conclusion summarizes the key findings and their significance in relation to the research
objectives. It should restate the research problem and answer any research questions or
hypotheses. Additionally, based on the study's results, the conclusion may offer insights or
suggestions for future research or practical implications. Recommendations should be
specific, feasible, and supported by the research findings.
Discuss the differences between primary and secondary sources of data (15m)

SOURCES OF DATA

PRIMARY SECONDARY

➔ Sources which are direct, authoritative ➔ Sources which are not of a primary
and not influenced by anybody’s nature - reference material
opinion. ➔ provide analysis, commentary, and
➔ The documents must be original and interpretation of the law based on
prepared as of necessity. primary sources. They do not have the
➔ Statutes, Cases, Treaties force of law themselves but serve as
➔ Act 101: This is the primary statute valuable resources to help understand,
passed by the Parliament, making dog explain, and apply primary sources.
owners responsible for injuries caused ➔ Articles from journals, Books, Report
by their dogs not kept on a leash. ➔ the law review article written by the
➔ Sintok Valley City Council regulation: law professor is an example of a
This is another primary source that secondary source.
interprets Act 101 and requires the use
of leather or metal chain leashes and
collars on dogs.
1. Doctrinal Research
- involve examination of the legal texts, statutes, and judicial decisions in both Malaysian
contract law and English contract law concerning the doctrine of 'consideration.'
- analyze how courts have interpreted and applied the concept of consideration in different
contractual scenarios
- changes or developments in the legal principles over time.

2. Comparative Research
- involves analysing and comparing legal systems, principles, or practices of two or more
countries
- identify similarities and differences in how the doctrine is understood, interpreted, and
applied in both legal systems.
- how cultural, historical, and legislative factors might have influenced the development and
application of the consideration doctrine
- strengths and weaknesses of each system and jurisdictions.

3. Historical Research
- study past events, developments, and trends to understand the evolution of legal principles
over time
- historical legal texts, landmark court decisions, and relevant legal commentary to trace the
evolution of the concept and its significance in shaping modern contract law.

Three types of research question

Originating question
– a statement of what one wants to know, normally consistent with the research title

The question of rationale

– states why the originating questions is worth asking and what will happen to other parts of
knowledge or practice as a result of answering the question

Specifying questions
– concerned with specifying the conditions that point toward possible answers to the
originating questions in terms that satisfy the rationale
6 basic rules which a researcher must follow in conducting an interview. (6m)

1. Practice active listening: Actively listening to the interviewee's responses is crucial for
understanding their perspective fully. Listen attentively, avoid interrupting, and show
genuine interest in what the participant has to say. This fosters a positive and engaging
atmosphere during the interview.
2. Remain flexible and adaptive: Every interview is unique, and unexpected situations may
arise. Be flexible in your approach, adapting your questioning style and flow to the
interviewee's communication style and preferences. Flexibility allows you to gather more
insightful information.
3. Avoid leading questions: Leading questions can unintentionally influence the
interviewee's responses and bias the data. Instead, use neutral and open-ended questions
that give the participant the freedom to express their thoughts without any predetermined
direction.
4. Use probing questions strategically: Probing questions help clarify responses and delve
deeper into specific topics. Know when and how to use probing questions to explore
relevant aspects further without being intrusive or disruptive to the flow of the
conversation.
5. Practice empathy and rapport-building: Show empathy and understanding towards the
interviewee's experiences and emotions. Building rapport and trust is essential for eliciting
more candid and detailed responses, creating a conducive environment for open
communication.
6. Respect the interviewee's time and boundaries: Be mindful of the interviewee's time
constraints and respect their boundaries. Start and finish the interview as scheduled, and
avoid prying into personal matters that the participant might be uncomfortable discussing.
4 techniques for non-probability sampling. (8m)

(a) Convenience/Haphazard Sampling – logistic/cost

- approach individuals who are conveniently located or easily accessible
- simplicity, speed, and cost-effectiveness
- may lead to a biased sample since it does not represent the entire population
- Example: Interviewing people in a shopping mall about their preferences for a new
product

(b) Judgmental/Purposive sampling – blind/deaf

- selects participants based on their specific characteristics or expertise relevant to the
research study
- researcher uses their judgment to handpick participants they believe will provide
valuable insights or represent a particular segment of the population
- commonly used in qualitative research or when studying specialized groups
- Example: Interviewing blind or deaf individuals to understand their experiences with
assistive technologies

(c) Quota sampling – predetermined numb/quota

- dividing the population into subgroups based on certain characteristics
- selecting participants from each subgroup in proportion to their occurrence in the
population
- set predetermined quotas for each subgroup, and keep selecting participants until the
quotas are met
- non-random sampling method but aims to ensure diversity in the sample
- Example: Surveying a certain number of males and females from different age groups
to represent the overall demographic distribution in a city.

(d) Snowball sampling - referral

- used when studying hard-to-reach or hidden populations.
- researchers start with a small number of initial participants who meet certain criteria.
After the interview or data collection, these participants are asked to refer other
eligible individuals from their social network
- The process continues, and the sample size grows like a snowball rolling downhill.
- Example: Researching the experiences of illicit drug users by starting with a few
known users who then refer to other drug users they know.
Q4(ii)(b) 3 essential elements need to be considered before utilizing a questionnaire as a
data collection method. (11m)

1. Research Objectives and Questions

- Clearly define the research objectives and the specific information you want to gather
through the questionnaire.
- Having well-defined research objectives will guide the formulation of appropriate
questions and ensure that the data collected aligns with the research goals.

- Determine the scope of the research: Identify the boundaries and limitations of
the study to focus the questionnaire on relevant topics and avoid unnecessary
questions.
- Prioritize information needs: Rank the research questions based on importance,
relevance, and feasibility to ensure the questionnaire efficiently collects
essential data.
- Ensure clarity and specificity: Phrase questions precisely to avoid ambiguity and
confusion among respondents, enhancing the reliability of the data.

2. Target Population and Sampling

- The target population is the group of individuals that the researcher aims to generalize
the findings to.
- Selecting the right sample is crucial for the questionnaire's success, as it directly
affects the external validity of the results.

- Define the target population: Clearly specify the characteristics and

demographics of the individuals the research aims to represent.
- Choose the appropriate sampling method: Depending on the research objectives
and available resources, decide between probability sampling (random
sampling) or non-probability sampling (convenience, purposive, etc.).
- Sample size determination: Calculate the necessary sample size to achieve
adequate statistical power and representativeness, minimizing the risk of bias.

3. Questionnaire Design and Structure

- A well-designed questionnaire maximizes response rates, minimizes respondent
burden, and ensures the accuracy of the data collected.
- Considerations should be made for question types, order, layout, and response
options.
- Clear and Concise Language: Use simple and unambiguous language in the
questions to ensure that respondents understand them easily.
 - Appropriate Question Types: Choose the right question types based on the
information you want to collect. Common question types include multiple-
choice, open-ended, Likert scale, and ranking questions.
- Logical Flow: Organize the questions in a logical order, starting with general
and easy-to-answer questions and progressing to more complex or sensitive
topics.
- Avoid Leading or Biased Questions: Formulate questions in a neutral and
unbiased manner to prevent influencing respondents' answers.
- Pre-Testing: Before administering the questionnaire, pre-test it with a small
sample of the target population to identify any issues with clarity, relevance, or
formatting.

Doctrinal research (Research into pure law)

- Takes one or more legal prepositions (rule, principles, doctrine, maxim, concepts, terms) as
a starting point and focus on the study

- Traditional, most common research

- Analyse, interpret statutes, case law, identify legal precedents

- Focus on primary legal conclusions, e.g. court judgements

- Research takes place in the law library – reading and analyzing al materials

- Aim to derive legal conclusions based on application of legal rules

- Write up a report which may offer a new formulation in the preposition or a new model
statute been proposed

Mono Discipline Research

- Confined only to a specific legal discipline, e.g. contract law

- Revolve within a fixed scope, but deepen the understanding within the field

- Addressed to limited audience

- Researcher explains the relevant juridical concepts, analyses statutory provisions,

formulates principles deductible from judicial decisions and arranges the whole material in
some logical order

Library Sourced Research

- One’s concern may primarily be with case law and statute
- Use library ( either physical/digital) as a primary source of info

- Study published materials, e.g. statutes, journal articles, case law

- Examine legal texts, further understanding of the legal issues

- One’s studies may relate to the literature on law of foreign countries that is comparative

law

Analytical

- The researcher will break down the problem situation and ascertain what elements
compose it and what rules are applicable to each part of the subject and its problems

- Also known as interpretive methods

- The researcher will intrepret the existing formal legal fact

- Usually done by combining the researcher’s logic with corroborative evidence of

authoritative opinion on the point

- Statutes, texts and judicial decisions are the subject matter of the research.

- Usually follow the rules on interpretation of statutes; literal rule, mischief rule, golden rule
& purposive approach.

- Involves analytical comments on decision of judges in cases decided by courts; doctrine of

judicial precedent

Historical

- It is the systematic and objective location, evaluation of evidence in order to establish

facts and draw conclusions about past events

- To ascertain how and why the rules have come to be accepted and to take their modern
form

- Seeks to find the origin and to trace the development of a given principle of law or a
branch of laws.

- Lead to new understanding of the past and its relevance to the future.

- To benefit from the past experience – it displays the ability of history to employ the past to
predict the future or to use the present to explain the past
- Helps to identify various factors affecting the evolution and development of particular rule,
principle or theory

- Enable the researcher to formulate a new doctrine or theory or to find evidence that
support/destroy some old legal presumptions.
Philosophical

- Concerned with legal philosophy, general legal theory and jurisprudential aspects of legal
studies

- Concerned with issues such as the nature of law, the historical origins and development…
of legal institutions and ideas generally, relationship with social phenomenon, the
relationship of law and justice, significance and use of such fundamental legal conceptions

Comparative

- It is the systematic quest for further knowledge regarding a particular legal issue or
problem in two or more different legal systems.

Functions:

(i) To ascertain principles common to all civilised system of law

(ii) To discover the causes which underlie the development and extinction of legal institutions

(iii)To promote the unification of legal rules followed in civilised communities

(iv) Enrich legal system with new ideas, principles, legal perspective, experience and other
possible solutions to enable them to overcome some of their difficulties

(v) Helps to highlight unseen advantages and disadvantages in some rules and principles of
the newly established legal systems, especially if the comparison is between an old and well
established legal system and a newly developed legal system

(vi)To identify similarities and dissimilarities of various legal system. Three traditions of
law: civil law, common law and Islamic law.
Four objectives of literature review? (8M)

1.To bring clarity and focus of the research problem

-LR helps us to understand the subject area better.
-LR conceptualises research problems more clearly.
-Through systematically examining existing research, theories, papers.
-Identify gaps in the research field, point out areas that need further exploration.
-Identifying areas where there is no clear consensus on the findings.

2.To show paths of previous research, and how the current research project links to it
-Establish the link between the present and past research.
-Highlight how current studies contribute to the existing literature and the field of study.
-Make connections within a body of knowledge, demonstrate the relevance of our research
project with current issues.

3.Integrate,sum up and broaden the existing knowledge in an area

-Gain a wider understanding through:
-Sum up findings of past research, analyse key results, derive conclusions from multiple
sources.
-Helps researchers become well-informed and updated about the subject matter.
-Allow us to identify gaps in the current study after summarising the knowledge.
-Point out unresolved questions which need further investigation.

4.To learn for from others,improve our methodology and stimulate new ideas
-LR enables us to learn from successes and limitations of past studies.
-Improve on our own research methodology
-Avoid common pitfalls and mistakes based on the experience of pioneers.
-Can spark new ideas, lead to innovative research questions.
(b)Three component of literature review? (7M)

Introduction: The introduction should provide a brief overview of the topic, including the
research questions that will be addressed in the review. It should also define the scope of the
review and explain the criteria used to select the sources.

Body: The body of the review should discuss the main findings of the selected sources. This
discussion should be organized in a logical way, and should highlight the key points of each
source. The review should also critically evaluate the sources, and discuss the strengths and
weaknesses of the research.

Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the main findings of the review, and discuss
the implications of these findings for future research. It should also highlight the limitations
of the review, and suggest areas for further research.

Content analysis is a research method that involves the systematic analysis of text. It can be
used to analyze a variety of legal texts, such as case law, statutes, regulations, and legal
scholarship. In doctrinal legal research, content analysis can be used to:

● Identify the key themes and concepts in a body of legal text. This can be done by
identifying the most frequently used words and phrases, as well as the patterns of
association between different words and phrases.
● Track the evolution of legal thought over time. This can be done by comparing the use
of different words and phrases in different legal texts from different time periods.
● Identify the relationship between legal texts and social, political, or economic factors.
This can be done by examining the context in which legal texts are produced and
interpreted.
● Evaluate the persuasiveness of legal arguments. This can be done by examining the
use of evidence, logic, and rhetoric in legal texts.

Content analysis is a versatile research method that can be used to answer a variety of
research questions in doctrinal legal research. It is a systematic and objective method that can
provide insights into the meaning and significance of legal texts.
Data collection method: advantages & disadvantages? (15M)
Interviews
● Advantages:
○ Interviews allow for more in-depth and nuanced data collection than
questionnaires.
○ Interviews can be used to explore sensitive topics that respondents may be
reluctant to discuss in a questionnaire.
○ Interviews can be used to build rapport with respondents and gain their trust.
○ Interviews enables clarification of the questions to be done, respondent can
voice out any confusions on the point.
● Disadvantages:
○ Interviews can be time-consuming and expensive to conduct.
○ Interviews can be biased due to interviewer’s personal experience and values.
○ Interviews can be difficult to transcribe and analyze.
○ Interviews need specially trained personnels to conduct.

Questionnaires

● Advantages:
○ Questionnaires are relatively easy to administer and collect data from a large
number of respondents.
○ Questionnaires can be standardized, which makes it easier to compare
responses across respondents.
○ Questionnaires can be anonymous, which can encourage respondents to be
more honest.
○ Questionnaires of the same set can be posted to a large group of respondents,
more efficient.
● Disadvantages:
○ Questionnaires can be limited in their ability to collect in-depth or nuanced
data.
○ Questionnaires can be biased if the questions are not well-written or if the
respondents do not understand the questions.
○ Questionnaires can be difficult to get respondents to complete.
○ Questionnaires may be inefficient if respondents are reluctant to give response

In general, interviews are better for collecting in-depth data on a small number of
respondents, while questionnaires are better for collecting standardized data on a large
number of respondents. The best method to use will depend on the specific research question
and the resources available.
ii)

Jerry has committed overlapping publications.

- This practice could artificially enlarge one’s scientific work, distorting apparent
productivity.
- It may give an undue advantage when competing for research funding or career
advancement.
- He sent the same articles that he has written earlier in 2 different journals without
telling the editors.
- He should not duplicate publications in two different journals as a ethical researcher.

Jerry also committed fraud in research and publication.

- He generalize from the 50 completed results to produce the remaining of 10

uncompleted tests.
- The manipulation of data and denovo data invention (fabrication) constitute serious
scientific misconduct of Jerry.
- The action of Jerry declaring that all the required procedures pertaining to the tests
have been fully followed without fail is deemed incorrect reporting.
- This violated the principle of justice, as there are time and resources wastage for
research sponsors, researchers and subjects, and undermine the societal trust on
scientific enquiry.
iii)

The best way of Doody collecting data is by observation.

- Observation techniques are methods by which an individual or individuals gather first

hand data on programs, processes, or behaviour being studied.
- They provide evaluators with an opportunity to collect data on a wide range of
behaviours, to capture a great variety of interactions, and to openly explore the
evaluation of topic.
- It is important to take not that the children are autistic.
- Interviews and questionnaires are not suitable
- Delivering questions to them directly might hinder the progress of data collection.
- Besides that, observation, in an unstructured form, helps Doody directly observe the
character of the children which is more reliable and free from respondents bias
- It is also easier to note the effects of environmental influence on specific outcomes.

3 aspects of comparison in comparative method [9M]

- involves analysing and comparing legal systems, principles, or practices of two or more
countries

- identify similarities and differences in how the doctrine is understood, interpreted, and
applied in both legal systems.

- how cultural, historical, and legislative factors might have influenced the development and
application of the consideration doctrine

- strengths and weaknesses of each system and jurisdiction.

4 reasons why ethics in research are very important to be adhered to [4M]

- Prevents harm to research participants

- Ensures accuracy and reliability of research results

- Maintains trust and credibility in the research community

- Upholds ethical principles and values in society.

Elsa plans to interview police officers involved in handling cases of abandoned children
via telephone iv. Advise her 3 advantages and 2 advantages of such iv. [10M]

ADVANTAGE DISADVANTAGE

Less costly and speedier than personal Interviews will have to be kept short.
interviews. Can reach to police officers Polices might not be free for a long time
through phone and do not have to spend and telephone service fees might be
transportation cost to such office. incurred and tedious if kept for a long time.

Interviewer and respondent might

experience fatigue if the interview session
is too long.

Can reach a wide geographic area. No Non-verbal cues cannot be read. Without
physical barrier. Can approach polices all being able to see these non-verbal cues,
over Malaysia for research purposes with interviewers may miss important aspects of
ease. the interviewee's communication,
potentially leading to misunderstandings or
misinterpretations.

Can be done using computer-assisted

telephone interview. This approach allows
for the standardization of the interview
process, ensuring that all respondents are
asked the same questions in the same
manner. This helps to eliminate biases that
may arise from differences in interviewer
behaviour or questioning style.

Greater anonymity compared to personal

interviews. Police will be more willing to
take part in telephone interviews for
privacy purposes.
Christoff drafted survey questionnaires with regard to the behaviour and life of
abandoned children at welfare homes and sent them out through electronic means to six
welfare homes in Kedah. Advise him on 2 basic strategies for drafting survey
questionnaires. [6M]

- Keep the questions clear and concise, making sure they are easy to understand for the
respondents.

- Avoid leading questions, which might influence the answers of the respondents.
Instead, try to keep the questions neutral and objective. These strategies can help ensure
that the survey results are accurate and reliable.
Differences between library-based and non library-based research. (10M)

Library based Non-library based

1.Source of information 1.Source of information

-from books, statutes, law reports, and other -from a wide range of sources beyond
published materials available in libraries, traditional library resources.
physical or digital.
exp:online databases, websites, interviews,
surveys.
2.Interdisciplinary Approach
-mono-disciplinary approach, staying within 2.Interdisciplinary Approach:
the boundaries of a specific academic
discipline. -transdisciplinary approach, integrating
insights and knowledge from multiple fields
to address complex issues that require
diverse perspectives.
3.Methodology
- relies on the critical review, analysis, and
synthesis of existing literature. 3.Methodology
-examine the ideas and arguments put -uses various data collection methods, such
forward by various authors and build upon as surveys, case studies, and observations, to
or challenge them to contribute to the body gather original data.
of knowledge.
-analyze this data to draw conclusions and
make new contributions to their field.
4.Time and Resource Requirements
-more time-efficient and cost-effective, as it
relies on previously published materials, 4.Time and Resource Requirements
which are readily available. -need more time and resources, as it
involves data collection and analysis from
the ground up.
-researchers need to design surveys, conduct
experiments, or travel to gather field data.
Elaborate 3 characteristics of a good literature review. (15M)

1.Demonstrates Familiarity with Existing Knowledge

-showcases the researcher is very familiar with the existing body of knowledge related to the
research topic.
-to show that the researcher has conducted an in-depth review of relevant literature
-for example: legal cases, statutes and other authoritative sources.
-researchers must give credit to the cited sources and show that they have a good
understanding of the current state of the chosen field of research.
-Hence, the research can make a valuable contribution to society.

2.Indicates Information Availability and Possibilities for Future Research

-point out the information available up to the point of time when the review was conducted.
-the review must consist of the most recent and relevant sources.
-helps readers understand the foundations and latest advancements in the topic up to the date
of the review.
-identify new issues in the current research.
-highlight areas where it needs further investigation.
-Hence, allows scholars to identify areas where their work can make a significant impact.

3.Identifies Previous Studies and Research Gaps

-identify the types of studies that have previously been conducted on the research topic.
-categorize the relevant literature into different themes, methodologies used, and key
findings.
-highlight areas that have been extensively covered and areas that have received limited
attention in the past.
-identifying research gaps, informs the direction of the current research project.
-elaborate how the current project will contribute to the existing field of knowledge.
-Hence, can establish the significance of the research and its potential impact on the field.
(extra)
4.Having a clear organizational structure and presentation
-Intro should give a quick idea of the topic of review such as the central theme/
organizational pattern of review.
-Having a suitable organizational method of the main body, either chronologically,
thematically or methodologically.
-Main body should apply the major findings and respectfully critique and evaluate the
studies.
-Conclusion should have a strong connection between the research topic and some larger area
of study such as the discipline.
-Point out what is missing, what is controversial, or what needs to be resolved in the
discussion.

Differentiate primary & secondary data of research. Provide ONE example for each
type of data. (6M)

Primary data Secondary data

-Information obtained firsthand by the -Information gathered from sources already

researcher existing
-Obtained from sources which are direct, -Obtained from sources which are not of a
authoritative and not influenced by primary nature, such as reference materials
anybody’s opinion

Example

-spoken words of interview participants -audio/video downloaded from the internet

-images captured on your cameras -journal articles
-research reports by scholars
(ii)Elaborate 3 disadvantages of conducting observation. (9M)

1.Necessary for the observer to be physically present

-Impractical especially when the subjects are located in remote areas.
-Some situations may involve sensitive or private spaces.
-Where the presence of an observer could influence the behaviour of the individuals being
observed, leading to skewed data.
-Subjects may change their behaviour simply because they are aware of being observed.

2.Slow, tedious and expensive methods of collecting data

-Observers need to spend significant amounts of time in the field, patiently waiting for
relevant events or behaviours to occur.
-Depending on the research question, this process could take weeks, months, or even years.
-Recording observations with professional video/audio equipment can be tedious and
expensive, especially when dealing with large datasets.
-The need for skilled and trained observers increases the cost of collecting data.
-We need skilled, trained observers to avoid misinterpretation of collected data.

3.Observer fatigue and bias

-Long periods of observation lead to fatigue
-the observer becomes less attentive, less accurate from the research process.
-Observer fatigue may decrease the quality of data collected
-as important details may be missed, or errors may be introduced into the observations.
-observer's personal biases and interpretations could influence the recording of data.
-leading to subjectivity in the observations.
(iii)Elaborate probability sampling and provide ONE example. (10M)

Elaboration

-The elements in the population have some known chance or non-zero probability of being
selected as sample subjects.

-It allows researchers to prevent bias and helps to generalize inferences about the entire
population based on the characteristics observed in the sample.

-Probability sampling methods are important for ensuring the representativeness of the
sample

-It also helps minimizing selection bias in the process of data collection.

Simple random sampling (example)

-The researcher randomly selects a subset of participants from a population.

-Each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.

-Ensures that the sample is representative of the entire population.

-Reduces the potential for bias, a powerful method to generalize research findings.
Analyse 4 strategies in dealing with questions during a report presentation. (16M)

1.Controlled Interaction:
Inviting questions during pauses in your talk serves a dual purpose. It allows you to control
when questions are asked, which can prevent interruptions at critical points. It also gives your
audience time to formulate thoughtful questions, enhancing the quality of the interaction.
These strategic pauses provide natural breaks where questions can be inserted without
disrupting the overall flow of your presentation.

2.Time Management:
While engaging with questions is important, it's crucial to allocate a specific amount of time
for the Q&A session to avoid going off track. Set a designated portion of your presentation
for questions, and keep track of time to ensure you can cover all planned content. This
ensures that your presentation maintains a coherent structure and doesn't exceed the allotted
time, keeping your audience engaged and satisfied.

3.Brief and Focused Answers:

When addressing questions, aim for concise responses that directly answer the question
without going off on tangents. Long-winded answers can risk losing the audience's attention
and derail your presentation. If a question is complex and requires an in-depth response, let
the questioner know that you'll provide a more detailed answer at the end of your
presentation. This approach allows you to continue with your planned content without
sacrificing the quality of your response.

4.Seamless Transition:
After you've fielded questions, it's essential to transition back to your presentation smoothly.
You can use phrases like "Thank you for your questions" or "Now, moving forward" to signal
the resumption of your planned content. Having a clear mental outline of your presentation
helps you easily pick up where you left off. This seamless transition reinforces your control
over the flow of the presentation and ensures that the audience remains engaged.
Four purposes of conducting literature review? (10M)

1. To bring clarity and focus on our research problem.

– The process of reviewing the literature helps us to understand the subject area better and
thus enables us to conceptualise our research problem more clearly and precisely
-help us understand subject area better
-LR conceptualize the research problem more clearly, reader can grasp the main idea easily
-systematically examining the existing research, theories, and papers
-point out gaps and areas which needs further explorations

2. To show (and understand) the path of the previous research and how the current research
project is linked to it.
– A good literature review then would place a research project in a context, and it would
demonstrate the relevance of the project by making connections to a body of knowledge
-demonstrate the link between the present research and the past research
-trace the development of the knowledge, doctrines within the field of study
-make comparisons, show how the present research can contribute to the development

3. To integrate and summarize what is known in an area and therefore it broadens the
researcher’s knowledge base in the area.
– A good review in this case will highlight areas where previous studies agree, where they
disagree and major questions remain unanswered.
-allow us to identify gaps of the existing field of study
-point out unresolved questions, fields of studies which needs further explorations

4. To learn from others, improve our methodology and stimulate new ideas.
-learn from the successes and limitations from the pioneers
-improve our own methodology
-using others as a role model, an avoid falling into common pitfalls/mistake
-exposed to diverse perspectives of research, exchange of opinions
-can spark new ideas, lead to innovative research questions
Three considerations when selecting a research topic? (9M)

a)The topic should be of genuine interest to the researcher

-to maintain motivation & enthusiasm
-keep the researcher moving forward throughout the whole research process
-more likely to put in effort & time on interested research topics
-motivated to explore the research topic thoroughly, deeper research
-brings deeper understanding of the field of study
-produce more valuable insights, contribute more to the academic world

b)The topic should involve researchable questions / problems

-formulate a specific research questions which needs thorough investigation and anlalysis
-clear, relevant problem, should be a topic of broad and current interest
-research problem must be up-to-date
-a good research question guides the whole research process, determines the flow and
composition of the research
-helps to keep focused on a specific scope of study, more specialized
-provide a basis to draw a conclusion at the end of the research

c)The topic should be feasible

-before starting research process, examine whether the topic is practically achievable
-consider various factors, e.g. time constraint, capitals, available resources, expertise
-avoid choosing topics that are too broad/narrow, difficulty too high

d)The research should have academic / social value

-choose a topic that can contribute to the current existing body of knowledge
-aim to point out gaps in the field of study
-challenges existing theories through research results, provide new insights
-give different perspectives / alternatives when resolving the same problem
-hence, the research topic can gain interest and support from the academic community
Advantages and disadvantage of mailed questionnaire (7M)
Advantages
• Anonymity is high
• A wide geographical area can be covered
• Respondents can take more time to respond at their convenience
• Token gifts can be enclosed to seek compliance
Disadvantages
• Return rate are low – 30% is considered acceptable
• The doubts the respondents might have cannot be clarified
• Follow-up procedures for nonresponses are necessary

State six techniques for probability sampling and four techniques for non-probability
sampling? (10M)

Six
(a) simple random sampling
(b) Systematic sampling
(c) Stratified random sampling
Can be divided into two:
(i) Proportionate stratified random sampling
(ii) Disproportionate stratified random sampling
(d) Cluster sampling
(e) Area sampling
(f) Double sampling

Four
(a) Convenience/haphazard sampling
(b) Judgment sampling
(c) Quota sampling
(d) Snowball sampling
Question Four

i) Deductive and inductive approaches in data analysis process

Deductive Approach:
In the deductive approach, researchers start with a general theory, hypothesis, or existing
framework and then test it against specific observations or data. They begin with a broad
statement and then narrow it down to specific predictions or conclusions based on the
available evidence. The deductive approach is often associated with quantitative research
methods and hypothesis testing.
Example Research question: "Does regular exercise improve academic performance in
college students?"

Inductive Approach :
In the inductive approach, researchers start with specific observations or data and then work
towards developing general conclusions or theories based on patterns and trends found in the
data. They gather information, identify recurring themes, and look for commonalities to draw
broader insights and hypotheses. The inductive approach is often associated with qualitative
research methods, such as content analysis or thematic analysis.
Example Research question: "How do individuals experience job satisfaction in a particular
organization?"

ii) Four tips to handle questions during a report presentation? (10M)

-control questions better if you leave pauses during your talk and ask questions.
-not to let question and answer sessions during the talk go on too long
-answer briefly or say you will deal with the question at the end.
-make sure you are ready to go on with your talk when questions have finished.
Classify doctrinal research & socio-legal research (12M)

Doctrinal research

- Also referred to as theoretical research, pure legal, academic, traditional,

conventional, armchair research
- Library-based study
- Basic aim is to discover, explain, examine, analyse and present in a systematic form,
facts, principles, provisions, concepts, theories or the working
- Aim is to stating, interpreting or clarifying existing law
- Can be categorised into 4, which is historical, philosophical, comparative and
analytical & critical method
- Historical: evaluation of establish facts and draw conclusions about past event
- Philosophy: concerned with legal philosophy, general legal theory and jurisprudence
aspects of legal studies
- Comparative: quest for further legal knowledge in two or more legal systems
- A&C : involve literal rule, mischief rule, golden rule and purposive approach

Socio-legal research

- Also term as non-legal doctrinal, field study and empirical research

- Study of the aspect of ‘law in operation’, ‘law in context’, ‘law in action’
- A study of how law operates in social context or how law deal with social problem
- Combination of legal research and investigation of problem of data collection in
social science research
- Aim of study is to determine the nature and extent of the adequacy or inadequacy of
the law
- Aim of study is to ascertain the efficacious use of law
- Aim of study is to explore, analyse and conceptual certain facts of social life and
contribute to legal knowledge
- Aim of study is to search for the implication and effect of legal rules and principles on
the individual and society
- Aim of study is to search for the implication and effect of social orders and believe on
the law
- Involves collection of factual data, designing questionnaires, interviewing people,
conduct survey and analysing statistic
Question 2 (ii)

- Alisya’s action is against the ethics of honesty

- She deliberately misinformed the readers by providing inaccurate data
- She did not collect information for the research by dishonest means
- She also lies on the declaration that she had fully fulfil the experimental procedures
- The action on preparing the experimental report in advanced before the result come
out is is wholly discouraging
- The result is inaccurate until it can’t be considered for the interference
- Her action is against ethics of integrity
- She does not follow the experimental procedure for the remaining 10 mice
- She even provide the fake report by generalise the result with the illegal method
- The consequence is the experiment is considered failed and invalid
- The report may misled the team and readers in drawing conclusion
- Her conduct is in bad faith and she might be unemployed with her bad work ethics
- The personal interest to go for vacation should not bring to the work as it seriously
affected the work ethics
- Alisya should think and act in mature by conduct the experiment will full and
complete procedure
- Alisya should prioritise the work and her responsibility as a researcher
- Alisya did not show responsible publication
- Alisya send the same article she wrote before therefore no useful input provided
- Alisya did not show animal care
- The 10 remaining experimental mice did not undergo the correct procedure as stated
before and they sacrifice with no contribution to the experiment result

Differentiate between probability sampling and non-probability sampling. Provide

TWO examples of each type of sampling. (9m)

Probability sampling: The elements in the population have some known chance or
probability of being selected as sample subjects. It is used when the representativeness of the
sample is of importance in the interests of wider generalizability.

Non-probability sampling: The elements do not have a known or other factors

predetermined chance of being selected as subjects. It is generally used when time or other
factors rather than generalizability become critical.
Elaborate TWO (2) advantages and TWO (2) disadvantages of each approach of
administering surveys on the respondents as proposed by Siti and Khadijah. (16m)
Advantages of Personally Administering the Survey (Siti's approach):
1. Can establish rapport and motivate respondents. Respondents may be more willing to
participate and provide accurate answers when they feel a personal connection with the
interviewer.

2. Can clarify the questions, clear doubts, add new questions. If respondents have any doubts
or questions regarding the survey, Siti can provide immediate clarification. This reduces the
risk of misunderstandings and ensures that respondents understand the questions correctly,
leading to more reliable data.

Disadvantages of Personally Administering the Survey:

1. Takes personal time. Conducting face-to-face interviews can be time-consuming and
requires a significant amount of time for data collection.
2. Costs more when a wide geographic region is discovered as it may involve travel expenses.
3. Need specialised & well-trained personnels.
4. Respondents may be influenced due to the presence of the interviewer. This will affect the
accuracy of data, leading to skewed data.

Advantages of Electronically Administering the Survey (Khadijah's approach):

1. Less costly and speedier than personal interviews. No physical barriers and limitations.
Electronic surveys are generally quicker and more cost-effective to administer compared to
in-person interviews.
2. Greater anonymity then personal interviews. Respondents may feel more comfortable
providing honest answers in an electronic survey as it offers a level of anonymity. They are
more likely to express their true opinions without fear of judgement or repercussions.
Disadvantages of Electronically Administering the Survey:
1. Non-verbal cues cannot be read. In an electronic survey, respondents do not have the
opportunity to seek immediate clarification on confusing or unclear questions. This may lead
to incomplete or inaccurate responses, affecting the quality of data collected.
2. Interviews will have to be kept short. When conducting surveys electronically, particularly
through online platforms, researchers may face limitations in the length of the survey
questions or the overall survey duration.
3. Data connection is a huge factor. Both interviewer and respondent are heavily dependent
on the stability of the internet. Only practicable at places with good and wide internet
coverage.
4. Need computer-savvy personnels. Acquires professional knowledge and techniques to
utilise the electronic gadgets while conducting interview.

Deductive Approach to Coding the data:

1. Begin with Themes: By starting with predetermined themes or codes, the analysis can
focus on specific aspects or concepts of interest right from the beginning. This structured
approach ensures that relevant data is captured within the predefined categories.

2. Clear Picture of the Constructs: The deductive coding process allows researchers to get a
clear picture of how the data aligns with the predefined constructs and themes. This approach
aims to validate or refine existing theories through the analysis.

3. Determine the Codes: Using the pre-established coding framework, researchers assign
codes to the identified data segments. These codes represent predefined categories or themes
based on the theoretical framework or research questions.

4. Look for Data Segments: Researchers identify specific data segments or passages that are
relevant to the research objectives and align with the predetermined coding framework
derived from existing theories or literature.

5. Entire Texts: Researchers examining the entire texts or data such as interviews, focus
group transcripts or documents to gain a comprehensive understanding of the content.

Inductive Approach to Coding the data:

1. Read One Time: In the inductive approach, researchers initially read the data without
preconceived categories or codes. The goal is to gain a sense of the content and identify any
emerging patterns or themes.

2. Break into Data Segments: After an initial reading, the researchers break the data into
smaller segments or units that represent discrete ideas or responses. These segments could be
individual statements, paragraphs or sections.

3. Give Label or Tag or Code Name to the Data Segments: Researchers assign codes or labels
to each data segment based on the unique concepts or themes found within them. This
process generates initial codes directly from the data itself, without relying on predetermined
categories.

4. Revisit List of Codes to Reduce Redundancy or Overlapping: Once all data segments are
coded, researchers revisit the list of codes to identify redundancies or overlapping themes.
They may merge similar codes or refine the code definitions to ensure clarity and
consistency.

5. Merge Codes into Themes: In the final step, researchers group similar codes together to
form broader categories or themes. These themes emerge directly from the data and are not
predetermined. They represent the key findings and insights that emerged during the analysis.
Discuss FIVE characteristics of a good research report. (15m)

1. Charity

- Clear, coherence and not ambiguous.

- If different people read the same report and come up with different interpretations, the
report is not clear.

2. Conciseness

- Using words economically and omitting words that do not add value.

3. Factual

- An inference becomes believable if supported by facts and evidence.

- Do not include an opinion unless it is identified.

4. Accurate

- Provide a comprehensive overview of the research study, including the research question,
objectives, data collection methods, analysis techniques, and results. It should accurately
present the findings and interpretations without misrepresenting or omitting any critical
information.

5. Complete

- Contain all the necessary s to present a well-rounded study. It must cover all the essential
aspects of the research, leaving no gaps or missing information. Completeness ensures that
readers have a clear understanding of the research question, methodology, results, analysis,
and conclusions.