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CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction
According to Creswell (2014), research methodology is a systematic plan for conducting a study. It helps to understand methods used in the study. Chapter three presents the research approach and design, research setting, sampling procedure, study unit, participants, sampling technique, data collection method and instrument, study variable, source of data, quality control, data collection procedure, ethical procedure, data analysis, limitations and plan for dissemination of findings.
3.1 Study Approach
The study used a purely qualitative research approach deploying the case study design. According to Yin (2011), qualitative research approach seeks to establish answers to the whys and how’s of the phenomenon in question. Qualitative approach was selected because it provides in-depth understanding of social phenomena within their natural setting. The study focused on the depths of the information necessary for a qualitative approach. Participants explained points of view using words rather than quantifiable numerical measurements (Creswell, 2014; Rule & John, 2011; Levi, 2006). As participants have different points of view, case study was appropriate as it can investigate multiple perspectives…complexity and uniqueness (Simons, 2009) Although case study is criticized for lack of generalization (Bryman, 2008; Yin, 2003), others contend that, results of a case study can be relevant in instances where the conditions are similar (Rule & John, 2011).Case study gave first-hand information obtained from the participant interviews (Creswell, 2014).
3.2 Research setting
The study was done in selected informal micro finance groups in Ibanda district in line with the study criterion in the methodology. This study was carried out in three divisions with informal micro finance group members. Who save, invest and borrow in IFMI, these are Kagongo, Bisheshe and Mahega. Informal micro finance groups with investment practices with persons with hearing, visual and physical disability were included in the study. The study area was chosen because, it has informal micro finance groups which are inclusive and non-inclusion to persons with disabilities.
3.3 Study Population
Adopting from Martens, (2010) study population refers to the general unit from where a sample is drawn. The study population comprised of persons with physical, visual, hearing disabilities and persons without disabilities investing with IMFI. Informal micro finance group members were targeted because they provide people with resources for investment. Persons with physical, visual and hearing impairments were targeted because they are at the centre of the study. In addition, expected to be with first-hand information and experiences on the study subject. The research participants were selected from different informal micro finance groups in Ibanda district, which are inclusive and exclusive to persons with disabilities. Micro finance groups were used in this study to provide insight on different settings in which to explore saving, borrowing and investment practices of persons with disabilities in informal micro finance groups.
Different informal micro finance groups saving and investing with people of different disabilities were included in the study. These were inclusive and exclusive to persons with disabilities.
3:4 Sampling Procedure
Adopting from Patton (2015)and Yin (2011), sampling procedure is used to select human participants who have knowledge and experience in the study subject. The researcher used purposive sampling procedure. Purposive sampling procedures has different forms, but the researcher used purposive judgmental sampling (Cresswell, 2014). Purposive sampling led to the selection of study participants thought to be having relevant knowledge, skills and experience for the study. Persons with disabilities were selected because are the study focus. The Persons with Disabilities participants had to be those who are, saving, borrowing and investing with informal micro finance groups.
The community development officer in Ibanda district was selected to identify informal micro finance and persons with disabilities groups which are exclusive and inclusive because she works with Persons with Disabilities and knows IMF groups in her community. The community development officer being responsible and facilitating in community programs and activities was expected to be having enough knowledge and experience for the study. Non-Persons with Disabilities were selected to provide their perception towards Persons with Disabilities inclusion in their informal micro finance groups. Informal micro finance village group leaders selected because are the ones who provide resources to group members. Participants per category from both inclusion and exclusive informal micro finance groups in Ibanda district were identified for focus group discussion.
3.5 Sample size
Adopting from Cresswell (2014) and Patton (2015), where a sample size represents a population methodologically selected for, the purpose of drawing unique cases which are informative. The study used 14 participants out of 20 planned for because the researcher reached a point of data saturation where no new information was got. The detailed sample size composed of six (6) Persons with disabilities (two persons with physical, two with visual and two with hearing disabilities) one community development officer (CDO) and seven non-Persons with disabilities in Ibanda district, Uganda. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were as described below:
3.5.1 Inclusion Criteria
These categories were included:
The first people considered were the Persons with physical, visual and hearing disabilities in informal micro finance groups in Ibanda district at the time of the study.
Secondly Persons with Physical, visual and hearing impairments who had ever invested using informal micro finance groups’ resources in Ibanda district at least in the last two years back.
Informal micro finance groups which invest their financial resources with persons with disabilities.
Lastly non- disabled group members in inclusive and exclusive informal micro finance groups in Ibanda district.
3.5.2 Exclusion Criteria
The following categories were excluded:
Persons with physical, visual and hearing impairments not members of informal micro finance groups in Ibanda district at the time of the study. Secondly Persons with Physical, Visual, and hearing disabilities who had never invested using informal micro finance groups’ resources in Ibanda district at least in the last two years back. Lastly non-disabled group members who are not group members in informal micro finance groups in Ibanda district.
3.6 Study Unit
According to Cresswell (2014), a study unit is a single entity analysed during the study. The units of analysis were persons with disability, persons with physical disability, visual disability, hearing disability and a group member of inclusive or exclusive informal micro finance groups who provided reliable data and personal experiences needed for the study.
3.7 Data Collection methods and instruments
This section describes the data collection methods and instruments used during this study. Data collection is the process of gathering, measuring, and analysing accurate data from a variety of relevant sources to find answers to research problem. The methods of data collection are means and instruments are tool for respective data collection means Mubazi, (2013). Beig a qualitative study, qualitative methods were deployed to collect data. These included interviews, observation, focus group discussion and documentary review and their instruments which were interview guide, observation check-list, focus group guide and documentary review check-list respectively. These data collection methods and instruments led to the collection of both primary and secondary data.
3.7.1 Data Collection methods
Data collection methods used in the study are described in detail as below:
3.7.1.1 Interviews
Adopting from Creswell, (2014) an interview is a qualitative research method that relies on asking questions in order to collect data. Interviews involve two or more people one of whom is the interviewer asking the questions using the interview guide. This method was used by the researcher to collect primary data on perceptions of key informants on investment practices of persons with disabilities in informal micro finance groups in Ibanda district Uganda. The researcher conducted verbal in-depth/unstructured interviews individually and each section lasted for one and a half hours according to agreed time, date and venue. The researcher started up the interview after rapport creation in form of formal greetings and some introductions. Open ended questions were used to ease probing and other emerging issues as a result of the interaction between the interviewee and the interviewer. The interviewer would speak minimal to give chance to the interviewee to do most of the speaking. This helped the researcher to do in-depth interviewing and subsequently generated sensitive information from study participants. In-depth verbal interviews in line with the study objectives provided suitable responses based on participants knowledge and experience.
3.7.1.2 Observation
Martens, (2013) defines observation method as a way of gathering data by watching behavior, events or noting physical characteristics in their natural setting. Observations can be overt (everyone knows they are being observed and participates or not) or covert (no one knows they are being observed and the observer is concealed). For this study Non -participant observation method was used guided by the observation check-list. The researcher by use of her eyes observed the participants nature and level of disabilities, physical environment whether accessible to persons with disabilities, the nature and quality of products made, whether they can compete for local market as detailed on observation check-list. This led to the collection of primary data that could not have got through verbal interviews. While observing the researcher was taking notes on relevant scenarios, took photos of consented persons of with disabilities, income generating activities and trading centre facilities like shops, informal micro finance group offices, toilets, assistive devices and means of transport.
3.7.1.3 Focus group discussion
This is a qualitative data collection method in which a manageable group of people of a given study population are carefully selected into a discussion guided by a researcher to freely articulate their perceptions, attitudes, opinions, beliefs, ideas and experiences ascertain a topic of interest Mubazi, (2013). The researcher used a focus group discussion method to get primary data that could not have been got through individual interviews because it stimulates critical thinking. It enriches data due to different skills, knowledge and experiences different individual participants combined. This was guided by focus group discussion guide in line with this study objectives. Focus discussion group was composed of all persons with disabilities, community development officer, non-persons with disabilities in line with the study criterion. The researcher created a rapport through greetings and introductions then introduced the purpose of the discussion to all members. He too told group participants that they are all equal and should feel free to contribute accordingly. Confidentiality was promised that that this report is for academic purpose.
3.7.1.4 Document review
May, (2011) defines documentary review as a method of data collection where the researcher critically examines recorded information both soft and hard copies related to the topic under investigation with the aim of collecting secondary data for further analysis to make inferences. The researcher guided by documentary review check-list in line with the study objectives collected secondary data. This study the researcher reviewed hard copies of business documents of inclusive and exclusive informal micro finance groups. in five years range that is from 2017 up to 2022 to get current and reliable data. Persons with disabilities business records showing borrowed funds, how they use it and what they save per week. This was to find out whether they on a loss or profit. Books of ledger showing debt and credit of informal micro finance groups were reviewed. This gave data for comparison of exclusive and inclusive informal micro finance groups. This revealed how persons with disabilities who invest with informal micro finance groups whether doing better by saving alone or in groups.
3.7.2 Data Collection instruments
Adopting from Yin, (2011) an instrument is a tool or technique used to collect data that is reliable and valid. Data for the study was collected using interview guide, focus group discussion guide, documentary review check-list and observation check-list. (detailed in appendix section)
3.7.2.1 Interview guide
Adopting from Cresswell, (2014) an interview guide is a data collection instrument that directs the researcher’s interview process in line with the objectives and issues regarding the study. There are many forms of interview guide but for this study individual unstructured/ in-depth guide was used to guide the interview process. It was composed of topics the researcher planned to cover in the interview. Within in the in-depth interview guide, open-ended questions were utilized to ease probing. The researcher individually approached each participant physically according to the agreed time and venue. Each interview session lasted for about one and half hours. The use of interview guides allowed the researcher to explore, probe for questions that put more light on study objectives. The researcher during the interview process clarified more on the meaning of the study topic and objectives to participants. This was to avoid errors of not understanding the interview guide fully. The researcher explored fully the issues raised by study participants on group investments, borrowing from informal micro finance institutions and how persons with study selected disabilities acquire knowledge and skills used while investing in resources obtained from informal micro finance institutions.
3.7.2.2 Focus group discussion guide
According to Yin, (2011), focus group discussion guide is a data collection tool used in a group discussion involving a small number of demographically similar people or participants with the common traits led by a skilled moderator.
This study focus group discussions were conducted by the researcher in two groups; one composed seven of Persons with disabilities of selected disabilities and another one composed of seven non-Persons with disabilities in informal micro finance groups. All were conducted without changing the meaning of the questions in an interview guide. Open-ended questions were administered by the researcher to ease probing. Two focus group discussions provided data source ideal for triangulation. Each focus group discussion took about two and a half hours from agreed time and venue. Focus group discussion provided data on respondent’s perceptions, experience and reactions, which could not be feasible using other methods like one to one or observations.
3.7.2.3 Observation check- list
According to (Yin, 2011; Creswell, 2014), observation check-list enables the research to collect data, which cannot be got, from interviews. Qualitative observation can be a participatory, passive or observing an event in its nature. This study the researcher used non-participatory observation where areas of interest were observed. The researcher made a list of things to be observed with her eyes. The nature and level of disability like physical disability, the study participants’ one has hunchback, another had crippled legs and was crawling, this limits their movements. Visually impaired participants, one was partial, and another was totally blind and the two were totally deaf. Accessibility of facilities like toilets, offices and their furniture, walkways to mention but a few, were not modified to allow access to Persons with disabilities. Distance from home and informal micro finance groups business operating centers. Income generating activities among informal micro finance groups’ members both inclusive and exclusive of persons with disabilities were observed. This was to see persons with disabilities products quality and whether can compete on local market.
3.7.2.4 Document review check-list
Adopting from Martens, (2013) documentary review check-list is conducted in research to review historical or social value to give a larger perspective. Persons with disabilities business records showing borrowed funds, how they use it and what they save per week was reviewed. This was to find out whether they are operating on a loss or profit. Ledgers showing debt and credit by informal micro finance institutions to informal micro finance groups were reviewed. This helped in investment comparison between inclusive groups and exclusive groups. It showed how much do persons with disabilities invest compared to persons with no disabilities. Too it showed how persons with disabilities are paying back the borrowed funds.
3.8 Data Collection Procedures
During data collection, the tools mentioned in 3.7 above and detailed in Appendix section guided the researcher.
After designing the tools mentioned above, the introductory letter was obtained from the Department of Special Needs. It was presented to Ibanda district to introduce and seek permission for the researcher to collect data. The researcher met the respondents for rapport creation. Appointments were made for venues, time and dates convenient for respondents. During interviews, the researcher requested the participants for permission to record their voices, take photos and notes where necessary. Self-introductions were always before every interview to repute any suspicion and errors in coding. The researcher used her personal mobile smart phone to record every voice and taking of photos. Being a student with no income was cheaper than buying a camera and a recorder. While collecting data, the researcher paid more attention to the respondents and took note of facial and body language expression.
Interview guides were in English language but for Persons with disabilities were translated into Runyankore, the local language for more clarity. Interview guides for other study participants remained in English language on the assumption that, they have attained a high level of education. Sign language interpreters signed for respondents with hearing impairments.
Interview guide for Persons with disabilities explored investment choices, abilities, perception towards investment with informal micro finance institutions, business knowledge and skills acquisition, micro finance services, facility accessibility and suggestions for improvements. Other study participants interview guide explored perceptions towards Persons with disabilities investing with informal micro finance institutions, services offered, business training given to Persons with disabilities plus informal micro finance goal and objectives.
3.9 Rigor and Trustworthiness
According to Yin (2011), rigor and trustworthiness means that the researcher has confidence and trust that his or her collected data is valid and of sufficient quality. Rigor is a degree for credibility of the findings by employing certain procedures (Creswell, 2014). The researcher deployed rigor and trustworthiness measures before, during data collection and during data analysis. Prior to actual data collection, a pilot study was conducted with four individuals, not in the selected sample. The pilot participants were asked to report any question or word not clear and difficult to understand. The feedback from pilot study individuals did not show any question or word that needed clarity.
During interviews, researcher’s personal smart phone was used to record every interview session, and then transcription of the recorded verbal words was done. Interview transcripts were checked for consistency and accuracy by a peer student reader. Triangulation of data collection, using different methods was done for consistency purposes.
Serial numbers were used instead of individual names. Serial numbers were cross- checked to avoid wrong coding and double coding of study participants. Numbering of recorded voices made every voice to reflect the real owner. Direct quotations were used to show the depth of the issue.
3.9 Data Analysis
Cresswell (2014) describes data entry, analysis and presentation as the process of organizing, transforming and modelling data to discover useful information. (Martens, 2010; Patton, 2002) describes data analysis as continuous, it starts with taking and making sense of field notes. This involved interview transcription, coding, data reduction and interpretation using the thematic method. After every interview session, data was transcribed immediately and encoded. The results from the field were presented thematically, numbers were used instead of actual personal names for confidential purpose and descriptively to derive final meaning and quick understanding of the information. Coding and editing were done to remove mistakes, repetitions and grammatical errors. Data coding involved systematic categorizing of excerpts to identify different themes and the relationships between them. Themes were developed in line with the study objectives. Research bias and pre-conceived notions about this topic were suspended by reflective bracketing. Creswell (2014) notes that bracketing helps to set aside researcher’s personal knowledge and experience in the study to suspend personal bias.
3.10 Ethical Considerations
Ethical clearance was sought from Kyambogo University Faculty of Special Needs and Rehabilitation, Department of Special Needs through the research supervisor. In addition, the proposal was submitted to the Research Ethics Committee of Uganda Christian University and Uganda National Council for Science and Technology for ethical clearance which was granted. Ibanda district provided the researcher an acceptance letter for data collection. The Community Development Officer helped the researcher to identify IMF groups and their members within the study criterion. Study participation was voluntary. The CDO and educated Persons with disabilities signed a written consent while Persons with disabilities who were non-literate consented verbally because that they have limited reading and writing skills. Confidentiality was guaranteed by the researcher using codes and numerical numbers to avoid participants’ names and institutions. Yin, (2011) ethical considerations promotes data truth and minimizes error.
3.12 Study Limitations
This study being a purely qualitative research, results of its investigation might not be good for generalization. It used a small sample size of fourteen respondents of persons with disabilities and non-persons with disabilities and more still limited to the scope of the study.
3.13 Dissemination of Findings
One copy of study finding will be displayed in the library of Faculty of Special Needs and Rehabilitation and another one shared with the disability fraternity. Study publication will be with the help of my university supervisor.
