CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.4 Data collection
responses given (Queirós, Faria & Almeida, 2017).
3.3.3 Mixed method design
Mixed methods research is the type of research in which a researcher combines elements of qualitative and quantitative research approaches for the broad purposes of breadth and depth of understanding and corroboration (Schoonenboom & Johnson, 2017). Mixed methods research is a research design or methodology in which the researcher collects, analyzes and integrates both qualitative and quantitative data in a single study or a multiphase program of inquiry (Johnson, Onwuegbuzie & Turner, 2020). According to Regnault et.al., (2018) mixed methods research allows a research question to be studied from different perspectives. The researcher is able to combine the rich subjective insights on complex realities from qualitative inquiry, with the standardized, generalizable data generated through quantitative research.
A critical strength of the mixed method research approach is that it typically capitalizes on data reflecting individual lived experience in the qualitative strand. This ensures that the results are considered from the patient’s perspective (Regnault, 2018). Theorists believe that this approach provides researchers with opportunities to compensate for inherent method weaknesses, on inherent method strengths and offset inevitable method biases. It enables a greater degree of understanding to be formulated that if a single approach were adopted (Almalki, 2016).
Challenges associated with the mixed method research include the issue of skills; It is critical that researchers are aware of their skills set and whether they are able to cope with the demands of utilizing a mixed methods approach (Almalki, 2016).
the globe, countries implemented measures that restrict mobility of people, banned public gatherings and rolled out security forces to oversee the implementation of these measures (Peace and Security Council report, 2020). It is under these difficult circumstances that this study was conducted, which dictated that the data collection tools which were utilized in this study needed to be those that do not involve physical contact between the researcher and the participants. It was these considerations which informed the selection of electronically administered surveys and telephonic interviews.
3.4.1 Survey
A database of regular community members was obtained through the local ward councilor and Operation Sukuma Sakhe Ward Task Team. Fifty out of sixty-three individuals agreed to take part in the survey study. The inclusion criteria utilized when identifying participants included a few important elements; the participants had to be adults, residing in Inanda, who confirmed to having the public health system as their primary service provider. The questionnaire was prepared in English and translated to IsiZulu which is the language spoken by the vast majority of residents in Inanda.
In an effort to adhere to the stipulated COVID-19 regulations, the questionnaire was administered electronically through the WhatsApp Messenger application. It was critically important that the participant in this part of the study were individuals who owned or had access to a smart phone which was compatible with the identified application. Furthermore, it was important for the participants to have access to a cellphone network service provider and for their accounts to be credited with data, which would enable them to receive, download and open the questionnaire.
The informed consent was also administered electronically, through WhatsApp. It was completed, before the self-report survey was done.
3.4.2 In-depth Interviews
Form the database obtained from the local authorities, ten participants were invited to participate in the telephonic in-depth interviews. The in-depth interviews were selected as they provided an opportunity to gain in-depth information as opposed to other qualitative data collection instruments such as focus groups. The interviews were semi-structured, which means that the researcher had a
set of open ended questions which she posed, and then allowed the discussions to shape themselves and flow in the direction the participants selected. The interviewer had probing questions which were instrumental when the responses appeared to be not fully engaging.
Qualitative interviews are traditionally conducted on a face-to-face basis, as the natural encounter allows the interviewer to build and maintain rapport with the interviewees, which will in-turn enables the gathering of rich in-depth data. At the interview the interviewee’s facial expressions, body language and cue from the physical environment can add to the researcher’s understanding. It is because of these reasons that traditionalists criticize telephonic interviews, and argue that they are an inferior data collection instrument which is not suitable for qualitative research (Farooq and De Villiers, 2017.) Despite the challenges stated concerning telephonic interviews, they were identified as the suitable method for this study given the declared national state of emergency and its parameters.
3.4.3 Observation
Observation is one of the most important research methods as it may be regarded as the basis of everyday social life for most people. Humans are diligent observers of behavior and of the material surroundings. They watch, evaluate, draw conclusions and make comments on interactions and relations. However, when observations are conducted in a formal research, its needs to be carried out systematically, purposefully and on scientific grounds (Ciesielska, Bostrӧm and Öhlander, 2018).
Observation is one of the oldest and most fundamental research method approaches. It involves collecting data using one’s senses, especially looking and listening in a systematic and meaningful way (Smit and Onwuegbuzie, 2018). When one of the senses is hindered, observation is therefore also obstructed. When conducting telephonic interviews, the researcher is unable to see the respondent and thus unable to observe their non verbal communication. However, when the data collection is done in an conducive venue, on a face to face basis, the researcher is able to observe gestures the participants may be communicating, such as the tone of the voice, pauses in speech, the raising or lowering of ones voice to emphasize a point as well as the energy or excitement carried in the words spoken.
Maintaining full cognizance of the limitations of this study, especially those pertaining to the observations possible, the researcher made all efforts to observe the emotions and assertions that were embedded in the respondents’ speech.