research examples
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.1 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.
3.2 Research design
The research design refers to the overall strategy that a researcher chooses to integrate the different components of the study in a coherent and logical way, thereby, ensuring that he will effectively address the research problem, (Trochin, 2001).
Across sectional research design was used with a blend of qualitative and quantitative approaches. Qualitative approach: this approach gathers information based on an in depth understanding of human behavior and the resources that govern the behavior depending on the why and how. This is used because it deals with smaller population and it puts emphasis on uncovering more about people’s experiences.
Quantitative approach: this is the approach that deals with numerical expression in figures in terms of quantity which involves measurement of quantity and amounts.
3.3 Data type and sources
3.3.1 Sources of data
Source of data was both primary and secondary sources.
Primary sources of data
Data from primary sources was obtained by the questionnaires administered on the target respondents to gain opinions and practices on the influence of ICT on the growth and development of banking sector at Head office Centenary Bank.
Secondary sources of data
Data from secondary sources was collected from text books, news papers, journals, and government reports; this helped in building the literature and comparison with the primary sources of data. Secondary 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).
3.3.2 Data types
Quantitative data are anything that can be expressed as a number, or quantified. Examples of quantitative data are scores on achievement tests, number of hours of study, or weight of a subject. These data may be represented by ordinal, interval or ratio scales and lend themselves to most statistical manipulation.
The study collected quantitative data using the questionnaire; this was used because quantitative data easily present information which can easily be understood.
Qualitative data is data that cannot be expressed as a number. Data that represent nominal scales such as gender, socio economic status, religious preference are usually considered to be qualitative data.
The research used qualitative data to fill up the gap that the quantitative data may not be able to present , this is mainly because qualitative data helps to collect data regarding the feeling and attitudes of people in a given.
3.4 Area and study population
The study was carried out in centenary bank Mapeera house located plot 44-46 Kampala road
The study targeted centenary bank officials (administration), the procurement staffs of centenary bank, accounting officers of the bank, tellers of the bank, and cashiers.
3.5 Sample size and Sampling Selection
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 study used solvin’s formula
It is computed as n = N / (1+Ne2).
Whereas:
n = no. of samples
N = total population
e = error margin / margin of error, e=0.05
Centenary Bank Mapera has got about 75 employees using solvin’s formula,
n= 75/(1+175(0.05)2
n = 75/1.1875
n = 63
The sample comprised of 63 respondents that was selected in a way that 15 respondents was from the information technology department, 10 from administration, 6 from finance, Tellers 10, 7 marketing and retail sales 15 respondents. While carrying out research, purposive sampling was applied to the above different categories of respondents.
The study used purposive sampling because the respondents are known , and therefore using this technique it helped in time saving and reduction of costs.
3.6 Data Collection methods
The major instruments for data collection were questionnaires and interview guide. Surveys was just one part of a complete data collection and evaluation strategy. The major method of data collection for the study was the survey, which was done using selected instruments like questionnaires. The questionnaire provided respondents with ample time to comprehend the questions raised and hence, they were able to answer factually.
3.6.1 Questionnaires
The questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data. The researcher administered the questionnaires to respondents in different departments including, finance, information technology department, administration, which was designed basing on study objectives and questions. Respondents read and wrote the questionnaires themselves. The questionnaires was close ended and was considered convenient because they were administered to the literate and its anonymous nature fetched unhindered responses.
3.6.2 Interviews
Qualitative data was collected from the informants using interviews. The interview guide was structured. The interviews were held with administration and finance staffs, and took approximately thirty to sixty minutes. This was used since it’s the best tool for getting first-hand information /views, perceptions, feelings and attitudes of respondents. Both formal and informal interviews were used to get maximum information from the different respondents to participate in the research.
3.6.3 Documentary review
A documentation technique that involves selecting, reviewing and recording characteristics of objects or phenomenon were used. Documentary review checklist was also used to review the response from the respondents in the study while examining the magnitude of the impact of ICT on the growth and development of banking sector in Uganda. This helped the researcher identify strength, weakness and gaps which could have been omitted in other tools.
3.7 Data presentation and analysis
Quantitative analysis of raw data was done. Raw data took a variety of forms, including measurements, survey responses, and observations. Tabular and percentage calculations was used to list questionnaire responses. Analysis and interpretation of the raw data was based on the responses and opinions. Qualitative and Quantitative data analysis techniques was used to manipulate data during the analysis phase to draw conclusions.
The study used chi-square to analyze the relationship between the variables this specifically helped to get accurate information regarding the P-Values.
3.8 Data collection procedures
Upon receiving the Kyambogo University permission to carry out research, the area of study was visited for purposes of familiarization. The researcher sought permission from staff and once allowed to proceed with research, questionnaires were issued and interviews were carried out with the selected staff.
3.9 Data reliability and validity
Validity of Instruments is the extent to which the instruments used during the study measure the issues they are intended to measure. To Ascertain the Validity, questions were discussed with the supervisor, given to two independent lecturers. This was done to clear any lack of clarity and ambiguity to assess the relevancy of the questions with the objective of the study and the content validity index therefore be computed using the formulae below.
Content validity index (CVI) = Number of items rated relevant
Total Number of Items in the questionnaire
The content validity index was calculated basing on the different sections of the questionnaire. This is supported by Amin (2005) who states that for any instrument to be accepted as valid. The average index should be greater than 0.5.
Reliability of Instrument
Reliability is the extent to which the measuring instrument produces consistent scores when the same groups of individuals are repeatedly measured under the same conditions (Amin, 2004).
For consistency of research results from the study instrument, the researcher will use Cronbach’s alpha method with the help of SPSS.
3.10 Limitations and Delimitations of the study
The researcher faced the following challenges in the course of the study;
The researcher may not get enough time to interview all the respondents. This was solved by budgeting for the time appropriately and also the researcher ensured that he informs the respondents earlier to enable the respondents plan for their time appropriately.
The researcher may faced challenges in language as other respondents may feel comfortable expressing themselves in local languages like luganda, However the researcher solved this challenges by ensuring that the respondents are informed of using English languages during the course of the study.
