69
generalisability of the research results. O'Dwyer and Bernauer (2014:44) concur with Maree (2013:145) when they assert that the research methods used in quantitative approach are aimed at ensuring objectivity; precision; logical reasoning; empiricism; validity; generalisability;
replication and verification of the empirical results of the study. A strong theoretical context enunciated in the third chapter of this dissertation makes the foregoing assertions important for this study.
Bless et al (2013:16) assert that in quantitative research, the researcher uses methods and techniques employed by natural scientists to collect data following precise sets of steps, with the aim of upholding objectivity and neutrality. This assertion corroborates the view of White (2004:13) that the quantitative researcher detaches himself from the phenomenon he or she is studying in order to ensure objectivity and avoid bias, unlike the qualitative researcher who becomes part of the situation and interacts with the phenomena under study. Consequently, a quantitative researcher selects research participants randomly and even-handedly among the population being studied. They may also use standardised questionnaires and numerical methods in order to test pre-set hypotheses with regard to the relationship between specific variables.
In this study, quantitative survey was conducted with the Edendale community members. The purpose was to understand the role played by the KZN-DAC in promoting a culture of reading among the members of this particular community. Research participants were selected randomly from within the greater Edendale community.
70
topic from people who are informed on that issue. Furthermore, questionnaires are used as a way of gathering information for a survey as well as to collect statistical information or opinions about the research participants. Five different kinds of questionnaires are distinguished, namely: self-administered questionnaires; group-administered questionnaires;
questionnaires delivered by hand; mailed questionnaires; and telephonic questionnaires (de Vos et al, 2010:167). For this study, the researcher used hand-delivered questionnaires. The benefit of using this type of questionnaire is that the researcher can make sure the respondents receive the questionnaires and, after completing the questionnaires in their own time, for the researcher to collect them later (de Vos et al, 2010:167). Using hand-delivered questionnaires and collecting them again, assisted the researcher in terms of achieving high response rates from respondents.
The questionnaires were administered to 50 Edendale community members in the Msunduzi Municipality. The main purpose of administering the questionnaire to community members was to solicit their views with regard to the role of the KZN-DAC in creating a culture of reading in the Edendale community.
4.6.2 QUALITATIVE RESEARCH INTERVIEWS
According to Strydom and Bezuidenhout (2014:188) an interview is a form of conversation primarily aimed at obtaining information which enables the researcher to interpret and understand the meaning of the research participants’ responses based on open-ended questions.
Furthermore, a qualitative interview is an endeavour aimed at understanding the world from the research participants’ perspective and point of view in order to unfold the meaning of the experiences of people and to discover their lived world before scientific explanation (Sewell, 2001:1). Researchers use three major forms of interviews to gather data from research participants, namely: semi-structured, unstructured, and structured interviews. However, for purposes of the current study, semi-structured interviews were used as elaborated in detail in the discussion below.
4.6.2.1 SEMI-STRUCTURED INTERVIEWS
De Vos et al (2010:296) assert that semi-structured interviews are used with the aim of gaining a detailed picture of participants’ perceptions, feelings and beliefs about a particular topic under study. Unlike in structured interviews, where the interviewer can neither digress from the
71
interview schedule nor probe beyond the responses given (Sekaran and Bougie, 2013:29), in a semi-structured interview, the interview schedule serves to guide the interview rather than dictating it (de Vos et al, 2010:296).
Semi-structured interviews were used by the researcher to gather information from the KZN- DAC HRD Unit officials, Marketing and Promotions Unit officials within the KZN-DAC Library Services Directorate and from the Georgetown Public Library officials. These officials were interviewed in order to ascertain perceptions of KZN-DAC librarians with regard to the administration of the HRD Unit in promoting a culture of reading in communities. Furthermore, the researcher wanted to uncover the challenges experienced by the HRD Unit regarding the promotion of a culture of reading and to explore opportunities associated with HRD in inculcating a culture of reading in the Edendale community.
The use of semi-structured interviews for the current study was informed by the following benefits of interviews espoused by White (2004:99):
Flexibility: Interviews affords the interviewer and participant flexibility in that the interviewer is able to ask follow-up questions and the interviewee is able to give further clarity. In addition, interviews gives participants a leeway to raise or introduce issues the researcher did not think of during the course of the interview.
Completeness: The researcher is in a position to ensure that all questions have been responded to.
Respondent alone can answer: The interviewee cannot be dishonest by soliciting answers from others.
Control over question order: The interviewer controls question order and is able to make sure that the interviewee does not answer a question out of order.
Better response rate: Interviews make it possible even for people who cannot write nor read to answer questions. This then makes interviews to elicit a far better response rate than for example, emailed or mailed questionnaires.
Spontaneity: Spontaneous responses could be much more informative than responses which the respondent has had a lot of time to think about.
Control over environment: The interviewer is in a position to standardise the interview environment and can make sure that the interview is carried out in privacy and that it is fairly quiet.
72
The interviews enabled respondents to provide invaluable responses which enabled the researcher to reach solid conclusions with regard to the role of the KZN-DAC HRD Unit in promoting a culture of reading in Edendale community of the Msunduzi Municipality.