Glossary
Chapter 4 Mapping Out the Methodology
4.10 Methodological constraints and attempts to address these
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Any demarcated area of study has its shortcomings and limitations, which need to be acknowledged, and if possible addressed to some extent. This aspect is the focus of the following section
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collected from the initial interviews and observation field notes were verified, affirmed, elaborated upon and modified, if it was found necessary to do so. In this sense, participants were afforded the opportunity to reflect on their views, reaffirm their stance or indicate where they felt their perspectives were inaccurately represented, which in turn enhanced the
credibility of the study.
By thoroughly explaining the choice of methods to obtain data and the rationale behind these choices, this researcher attempted to increase the credibility of the study. By providing a detailed discussion on the data analysis process employed in the study an attempt was made to present a clear picture of the situation. In an attempt to establish better credibility and trustworthiness, the notion of reflexivity as advocated by Nightingale and Cromby (1999) was adopted in this study. According to Nightingale and Cromby (1999), reflexivity implies an active awareness of the researcher‟s contribution to the way in which meaning is
constructed. Furthermore, reflexivity acknowledges that it is impossible to remain “outside of” one‟s subject matter while conducting research.
In this study, the researcher declared her position and perspectives in respect to the research at the very outset. In Chapter 1 a detailed description of, among other things, biographical details, teaching experience and background as well as areas of interest were outlined, thereby attempting to address any biases that might have jeopardised the authenticity of the study. Furthermore, this afforded the opportunity to clarify personal assumptions, worldview and theoretical orientation at the outset of the study. The study might have been influenced by personal perceptions and experiences as a teacher. By declaring a personal position and perspectives at the outset of the research, it was intended that the effects of this would be somewhat reduced. Written notes on personal reflections during the course of the study were also kept. These were constantly revisited, amended and modified as new insights were revealed and as the researcher began to interact with the data and ascribe meaning to what was being perceived. Comments were made on how personal interpretations of data began to evolve during the course of the study, a process which was continued throughout the thesis.
The study was conducted at a school at which this researcher was not part of the academic staff. It was hoped that by not having any previous contact or personal relationships with any of the participants before the study, any preconceived notions of these individuals would vary from non-existent to minimal, thereby also reducing the possible effects of such factors
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on the study. An attempt was therefore made to be impartial and suspend passing any judgement on their opinions, beliefs and actions.
4.10.2 Transferabilty
According to Trochim (2001), transferabilty refers to the degree to which the results of a study can be generalised or transferred to another context or setting. However, it must be borne in mind that the aim of a case study is not to generalise, but rather to explore and understand events and issues in their natural settings (Flyvberg, 2006). Rather, qualitative researchers speak of the transferability of findings determined by the reader, based on the comparisons of the context of the study with that of their own knowledge (Mertens &
McLaughlin, 2004). Hence, the study is explored in a particular context. The contextual factors need to be given full consideration. In this particular study an in-depth and rich description of the research site as well as that of the participants was offered. Furthermore, detailed information pertaining to the context of the study was provided so as to allow readers to decide for themselves whether or not the findings of this study relate to their own school situation or not. In fact, an entire chapter, namely Chapter 5, is dedicated to providing a detailed and rich description of the research site, participants in the study, as well as an exhaustive presentation of information pertinent to the area of study, thereby contextualising the study.
4.10.3 Dependability
Issues pertaining to dependability relate to how one can ascertain whether the findings of a study can be repeated with the same participants under the same circumstances (Veale, 2001).
To strengthen the dependability of this study, the original audio-tape recordings of interviews as well as the transcripts of these interviews were stored in files for safe-keeping. Detailed records were kept of personal notes as well as the steps taken during the different stages of the research process, as well as the reasoning behind taking such measures. Furthermore, records of how the participants were selected for the study were also maintained. Notes reflecting the themes that informed the follow-up interviews, details of how data were analysed as well as the verification of findings and drawing up of conclusions, were also recorded and kept.
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The purpose of embarking on the procedures detailed above was two-fold: firstly, it served to enhance the dependability of the study; secondly, it also helped this researcher to
continuously check on personal biases.
4.10.4 Confirmability
The degree to which the results of the study could be confirmed or corroborated by the participants relates to the issue of confirmability (Seale, 2000; Trochim, 2001). By detailing the sampling procedures with regard to the selection of participants, as well as providing comprehensive coverage of data collection and data analysis procedures, this researcher was in a position to check and recheck the data throughout the study. This process facilitated the identification of potential bias, distortion of research findings and alternative explanations, all of which serve the purpose of further enhancing the confirmabilty of the research findings (Marshall & Rossman, 1999; Trochim, 2001).
When dealing with people, as in the case of this study, it becomes almost mandatory to take cognizance of their rights as individuals and also to respect and protect these rights. The following section discusses the ethics involved in the study.