CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

3.0 INTRODUCTION

This chapter presents the methodology which consists of the research design, area of study, study population, sample population and selection, sampling technique, data collection method, data quality control, data collection procedures and limitations of the study.

3.1 Research design

A descriptive research design will be presented; emphasizing both what is raised in the literature and the opinions of respondents about the causes of poor performance in mathematics, the study will include both qualitative and quantitative designs. Qualitative approach: this approach gathers information based on an in depth understanding of human behaviour and the resources that govern the behaviour depending on the why and how of decisions making based on theoretical analysis and assumptions of the respondents.

3.2       Area of the study

The study will be carried out at Busana Sub County, Kayunga district.

3.2       Study Population and Sample Size

The study will target school administrators, Teachers, Head teachers and pupils.

  Table: Sample size of the respondents

Source: Primary data

3.3       SAMPLING TECHNIQUES

According to (Amin, 2005) sampling involves selecting a sample of the population in such a way that samples of the same size have equal chances of being selected.

The respondents will be selected using purposive sampling techniques. Berg (2006) purposive sampling, the researcher chooses the sample based on where they think would be appropriate for the study. A Purposive sampling technique will be used because it’s cheap.

3.4 DATA SOURCES

Source of data will be from both primary and primary sources.

• Primary data

Primary data will be obtained from the questionnaires administered on the target respondents to gain opinions and practices on Causes of poor performance in mathematics in primary schools in Busana Sub County.

• Primary sources

Primary data is data which has been collected by individuals or agencies for purposes other than those of a particular research study. It is data developed for some purpose other than for helping to solve the research problem at hand (Bell, 1997). This will comprise of literature related to factors affecting performance in mathematics in relation to the case study. Primary data will be sourced because it yields more accurate information than obtained through primary data, and it is also cheaper

3.5 Data Collection methods and instruments

The major instruments for data collection will be questionnaires and interview guide. Surveys will be just one part of a complete data collection and evaluation strategy. The major method of data collection for the study will be the survey, which will be done using selected instruments like questionnaires. The questionnaire will provide respondents with ample time to comprehend the questions raised and hence, they will be able to answer factually.

3.5.1 Questionnaires

The questionnaire will be used to collect quantitative data. The researcher will administer the questionnaires to different respondents; Respondents will read and write the questionnaires themselves. The questionnaires will be close ended and will be considered convenient because they will be administered to the literate and its anonymous nature will fetch unhindered responses.

3.5.2 Interviews

Qualitative data will be collected from the informants using interviews. The interview guide will be structured. The interviews will be held with school Head teachers, and will take approximately thirty to sixty minutes. This will be used since it’s the best tool for getting first-hand information /views, perceptions, feelings and attitudes of respondents. Both formal and informal interviews will be used to get maximum information from the different respondents to participate in the research.

3.6 RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS

The instrument will be taken to the supervisor to check its correctness there after pretesting study will be carried out to find out if it measures what it is meant to for.

3.7 DATA PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS

The raw data will be coded, edited, and arranged ready for analyzing only completed raw data will be analyzed using statistical tables and graphs.

3.8 ANTICIPATED LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

Financial constraint, cash flow may not flow as   expected but this will not affect the study. Respondents may delay in filling the questionnaire and fear to give information, but they will be persuaded that the information will be kept secret.