Methodology example
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
This chapter outlines the methodology employed in the study, covering key elements such as research design, target population, sample size determination, data collection methods and instruments, data management and analysis procedures, as well as the study’s limitations.
3.2 Research Design
A cross-sectional research design will be employed, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative approaches to ensure a thorough understanding of the topic. This combination will facilitate a more detailed analysis, allowing for a comparison of insights gained from both methods while addressing any potential limitations of each.
3.3 Study Population
The study population consists of 630 respondents, representing different departments of the MRRH hospital staff, all of whom have participated in a training program on basic care management in emergency medical services. The qualitative interviews will involve key personnel, such as the hospital director, principal hospital administrator, senior principal nursing officer, and department heads. The population distribution is structured as follows:
| Category | Population Size | Sample Size | Sampling Technique |
|---|---|---|---|
| Administrative employees | 85 | 69 | Simple Random Sampling |
| Health/Medical | 549 | 71 | Simple Random Sampling |
| Total | 634 | 140 |
Table 1: Sample Selection Techniques
3.4 Sample Size Determination
The sample size will be determined using the Krejcie and Morgan formula (1970), calculated as follows:
- ss = required sample size
- X2X^2 = chi-square value for 1 degree of freedom at the desired confidence level (3.841)
- NN = population size
- PP = population proportion (set at 0.50 for maximum sample size)
- dd = margin of error (0.05)
The sample size will be 140 respondents, with an additional 10% non-response rate, leading to an adjusted total of 154 respondents.
3.5 Sampling Methods
3.5.1 Stratified Sampling
Since the population is heterogeneous, stratified sampling will be applied, dividing the population into distinct strata based on department.
3.5.2 Simple Random Sampling
Simple random sampling will be employed by assigning numbers to participants, folding them on paper, and allowing respondents to pick randomly from a box without replacement until the desired sample size is reached.
3.5.3 Purposive Sampling
For qualitative interviews, purposive sampling will be utilized to target key informants with expertise in handling emergency medical cases.
3.6 Data Collection
3.6.1 Survey Questionnaire Approach
A questionnaire will be used to collect quantitative data, designed to capture relevant themes and distributed in English to healthcare and administrative staff at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital. It is chosen for its efficiency in gathering detailed information within a short timeframe.
3.6.2 Interviews
Qualitative data will be gathered through interviews with key hospital personnel, including the director, administrator, senior nursing officer, and department heads. Interviews will be both audio-recorded and transcribed for accuracy.
3.6.3 Document Review
A document review checklist will be used to gather secondary data from sources such as newspapers, reports from development partners, Ministry of Health documents, and prior research findings.
3.7 Data Collection Instruments
3.7.1 Questionnaire
This instrument will gather quantitative data from respondents.
3.7.2 Interview Guide
An interview guide will be used to collect qualitative data from key informants.
3.7.3 Document Review Checklist
The checklist will guide the review of documents for secondary data collection.
3.8 Data Quality Control
3.8.1 Validity
Expert opinions from the field of emergency medical services will be sought to ensure the validity of the data collection instruments.
3.8.2 Reliability
Cronbach’s alpha will be used to assess the reliability and internal consistency of the questionnaire items, with values above 0.7 considered acceptable.
3.9 Data Collection Procedure
The data collection process will begin with obtaining a letter from the university, followed by permission from district authorities and the hospital director. Once approvals are granted, data collection will proceed.
3.10 Data Analysis
3.10.1 Quantitative Data Analysis
Data will be cleaned and coded in Excel before being analyzed in SPSS. Univariate analysis will be performed using frequency tables, and bivariate analysis will use correlation to explore relationships between variables.
3.10.2 Qualitative Data Analysis
Qualitative data will be analyzed thematically, organizing the information into key themes.
3.11 Measurement of Variables
Both nominal and ordinal scales will be employed, with nominal scales used for attributes like gender, and ordinal scales for age, education, and work experience. A five-point Likert scale will assess both dependent and independent variables.
3.12 Ethical Considerations
Ethical standards will be strictly adhered to, including obtaining clearance from relevant authorities, ensuring confidentiality, obtaining informed consent, and responsibly reporting findings.
