Methodology in research
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
This chapter outlines the methods and procedures to be utilized in data collection and analysis, focusing on gathering data from the field. The fieldwork will involve conducting a pavement condition survey through visual inspections and field sampling by interviewing various key stakeholders. The goal is to identify the causes of flexible pavement failures on the Kabale – Kisoro road and develop recommendations to restore its design life.
3.2 Research Design
The research design selected for this study is critical, as it dictates the overall strategy and approach for investigating the recurring pavement failures. A mixed-methods research design has been chosen to address the complexity of the issue. This design integrates both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, offering a comprehensive understanding of the causes and contributing factors. The quantitative approach will involve objective measurement and assessment of pavement distress using established rating systems, while the qualitative approach will explore the insights and perspectives of key stakeholders.
3.3 Data Collection
The data collection process is essential to ensuring the reliability and validity of the study’s findings. For the quantitative aspect, detailed pavement surveys will be carried out along the Kabale-Kisoro road. Trained surveyors will visually inspect the road to identify and record various forms of distress, such as cracks, rutting, and surface deformations, following established guidelines (Cheng & Chen, 2019). These assessments will be conducted systematically to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Simultaneously, the qualitative data collection will involve engaging with stakeholders who have valuable insights into the pavement failures. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with road users, engineers, maintenance personnel, and relevant authorities. These interviews will explore their experiences, observations, and perceptions of the pavement’s condition, providing a deeper understanding of operational factors contributing to the failures.
According to Schaefer (1996), questionnaires are one of the most practical and effective tools for survey and statistical research. Therefore, this study will employ various data sources, including record files, observations, journals, and online resources.
3.4 Data Analysis
Data analysis is a crucial step in transforming raw information into meaningful insights. For the quantitative data, the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) and Visual Condition Rating (VCR) scores obtained from the surveys will undergo statistical analysis. This will involve calculating averages, standard deviations, and other relevant measures to assess the overall condition of the pavement and the frequency of different types of distress. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology will be used to spatially map and visualize the distribution of pavement distress along the road.
The qualitative data gathered from interviews will undergo thematic analysis. The transcribed interviews will be reviewed and coded to identify recurring themes, patterns, and insights regarding the causes of pavement failures. This inductive approach ensures that the findings are grounded in the participants’ perspectives.
3.5 Validation
Ensuring the validity and reliability of the study’s findings is of utmost importance. For the quantitative data, inter-rater reliability tests will be conducted to assess the consistency of distress assessments among surveyors, which will strengthen the credibility and accuracy of the data.
For the qualitative data, member checking will be employed as a validation strategy. This involves sharing the transcribed interviews and preliminary findings with participants to confirm the accuracy of the researcher’s interpretation. This process enhances the credibility and authenticity of the qualitative findings by allowing participants to verify the researcher’s understanding.
3.6 Ethical Considerations
Ethical considerations are an integral part of the research process. Informed consent will be obtained from all interview participants, ensuring they are fully aware of the study’s purpose and their participation’s implications. The research will adhere to strict ethical guidelines, guaranteeing the confidentiality and anonymity of participants. Additionally, measures will be taken to protect participants’ privacy and securely store all collected data.
3.7 Description of the Research Area
The Kabale – Kisoro Road traverses the central region of Uganda, connecting the capital city, Kampala, with the southwestern districts and cities. It is fully paved and consists of a single carriageway. As one of the busiest routes from Kampala to southwestern towns such as Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, and Kisoro, as well as the Rwanda border, the road experiences heavy traffic. This high traffic volume is largely due to the presence of numerous social and commercial facilities, such as trading centers, along the road. The research will focus on a 5-kilometer stretch of the Kabale-Kisoro Road.
