CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.6 DATA COLLECTION
3.6.1 In-depth interviews and focus group
48
recommended fits the sampling criteria. This method posed a challenge and was time consuming because I had to first build a rapport with the participants, and some were not familiar with research.
The total number of the selected participants using the two sampling methods was eleven (11) teachers from three (3) schools. These sampling methods simplified the sampling process and the costs involved were minimal. The sampled population gave me data; to get the data, I had to use data collection procedures or other related assistants. The next section, therefore, discusses the data collection procedures used in the data collection process for this study.
3.6 DATA COLLECTION
49
The table also shows how these methods were used in the context of this study (Justification for application) and later, the discussion proceeded to the device used to complement the interviews.
50
In-depth interviews
Conceptualisation Advantages Disadvantages
Refers to a qualitative data collection method that involves a one-on-one engagement with the interviewed individual (Steber, 2017).
• Interviewers through In-depth interviews can initiate and establish a rapport. This helps to neutralise the atmosphere so that everyone is comfortable and reliable information could be oozed out.
• Interviewer can notice changes in voice, facial expression and body posture. This could add to insights into the topic at hand.
• It is easier for the interviewer to make mistakes if they are not well trained/experienced.
• The process could be relatively costly
Application In this study, the sampled teachers were considered for the interviews. The justification for this sample is done in the
“sampling section” above.
• I first went to the sampled schools twice to make sure that we knew each other with the sampled teachers although there were restrictions because of Covid-19.
This helped to build trust between the two parties, and I believe the information received is reliable.
• Changes in voice, facial expression and posture could mean that the participant is confused, tired, or agitated. Since it was a one-on-one session, I could detect the changes and make the necessary amendments in the interviews.
• To avoid making typical mistakes, a pilot interview with one teacher was done. This was done to detect possible inhibitors.
• To minimise costs, I selected schools around my village and a cell phone recorder feature was used to record the conversation. Therefore, no serious expenses were incurred in the process.
51
Focus group
Conceptualisation Advantages Disadvantages
A focus group is described by Adler, Salantera & Zumstein-Shaha (2019) as a thoroughly planned discussion designed to capture views and perceptions of a group of persons about a phenomenon.
Focus group are generally used to gather in-depth knowledge about attitudes, perceptions, beliefs and opinions of individuals regarding a specific topic’
(Then, Rankin, & Ali, 2015, p. 2)
• It gives a researcher a direct chance to be in contact with a vital group of persons.
• It allows individuals to give opinions and changes if necessary.
• It is cost effective.
• Response by one member could spark ideas in others.
• The interview atmosphere is relaxed.
• Discussions are more honest.
• All individuals’ sentiments are valued.
• Some of the group members may be reluctant if other group members cannot be trusted.
• Lack of control by the coordinator of the interviewer may lead the discussion to irrelevant topics.
• Data may be difficult to analyse as compared to individual interviews.
• Some members may be bully and more active than others.
(Doody, Slevin, & Taggart, 2013; Greenbaum, 1998) (Krueger, 1994; Liamputtong, 2011; Then, Ranking, & Ali, 2014) Application The reason I selected this data collection
method was that at school C, the HOD proposed that it would be better if they get to interview all of them at the same time. I agreed to this suggestion because of the benefits brought by this method.
• I ensured that I treated every group member the same and with the utmost respect.
• I gave the participants enough time to air their views without interjecting. I also asked follow-up questions to gain a deeper understanding of the insights shared by the participants.
• I took advantage of the cost effectiveness of this method because instead of having to travel to the school for interviews, I interviewed in one day.
• Members being reluctant to speak because they cannot trust is not avoidable. However, I tried to ask every participant for their opinions if the question sought deeper information.
• To make sure that I had control of the interview all the time, I built a strong relationship with the Foundation Phase HOD, so, in some instances, she would restore order when the other participants were getting out of control.
• To master the analysis of the data, I made sure I went through the literature for more information on how to analyse focus
52
Table 4: In-depth interviews and focus group.
group data. I also consulted with my research supervisor for more information in this regard.
• For members who were trying to be bully and be too active over others, I would tell them, ‘Let us give others a chance.’ This worked like a charm because they realised that they were being out of line.
• To motivate the participants to participate, I would ask each of them for their opinions one by one.
53 3.6.1.1 Voice recorders
A voice recorder refers to an electronic device that can capture sound and automatically convert it into an audio file that can be easily transferred into another device like a computer and a smartphone (Computer Hope, 2017). Using this device was necessary because it was impossible to write everything the participants said. A recording application was installed on the phone for recording. This approach offered the following benefits:
• Concentration
Since I was recording the interviews, I was not infatuated with noting down every information provided by the interviewees. Therefore, I concentrated on what the interviewees were saying. This allowed me to probe for more information. This benefit of tape recorders was also noticed by Bowbrick (2017) who stated that using tape recorders during interviews sessions allow an interviewer to concentrate on the interview instead of taking notes and certainly, the interview gives the best reliable results. Furthermore, by concentrating on the participants, it makes them even more interested in giving more information.
• Compliance with the quality criteria measures
Since recorded audios can be easily stored, this allowed my study to be credible because my data could be easily evaluated since the records are kept safe. Using tape recorders also provides a shield for the procedures of data collection as the evidence will always be available for any auditing. The next section discusses document reviews as one of the methods used for data collection.