Chapter 5: Data Presentation and Analysis
1. INTRODUCTION 1 Background
3.10 Choice of Research Instrument
3.10.3 Reliability and validity
Testing for validity and reliability of research mechanism(s) is very imperative to credibility of a research project. Validity refers to the ability of the research tool to prove that the tool fulfills the desired purpose of design, while reliability ensures consistency in findings when continually used (Stead & Struwig, 2007:158), resulting in discarding the need to consider reliability and validity of a study might distort the validity of a research study.
3.10.3.1 Reliability
Research reliability refers to future researchers to undertake the same research project and come up with the same results, interpretations and claims. Furthermore, Silverman (2006:282) said the reliability in quantitative research approach suggests the extent to which
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an experiment, test or measurement provide the same result or regular measurement on continual trials. Kumar (2011:179) suggest that the greater the degree of consistency and stability of an instrument, the greater the reliability of the instrument. The necessity of determining the reliability scores before examining the validity (Stead & Struwig, 2007:158).
3.10.3.2 Validity
Validity refers to trustworthiness of research findings (Stead & Struwig, 2007:159). The logic that underpins the formulation of research instruments and the statistical evidence gathered through the use of research instruments combine to form the basis of establishing validity of research instruments (Kumar, 2011:179). Validity is further described as the quality of research to reflect the true report of a phenomenon that is being researched and ultimately confirms the accuracy of the results attained (Plowright, 2011:135). For the purpose of this study, the validity of the result was achieved through validation of quantitative data attained from construction professionals, with quantitative interviews conducted with construction site supervisors.
MAIN STUDY
Closed-ended questions (construction professionals)
Descriptive statistics
Fig. 3.1: Represent the research method.
Structured interviews (Construction professionals)
Content analysis Validation process
Conclusions, recommendations and establishment of quality assurance system to ensure good quality in low-cost house
construction
69 3.11 Conclusion
In this chapter two types of philosophies (interpretivism and positivism) has been discussed where it was discovered that interpretivist pattern of research is concerned with an unstructured qualitative approach that may include participant observation studies and in- depth interviews. Positivism is described as a research pattern or framework that involves a deductive approach with an accurate measurement of quantitative data that allows for discovery and confirmation of causal laws to permit the prediction of human behavior.
Research methodologies were discussed; both qualitative and quantitative research methods were selected. Qualitative is more of structured interviews and the quantitative are the component of questionnaires. However, it will depend on triangulation (questionnaires and interviews) used to find out where the problem lies.
The method chosen appears to be a suitable tool to addressing the research questions and proving or disproving hypotheses. Also it should provide enough evidence to analyze for reaching a satisfactory answer to the problem stated. All different types of questionnaires were discussed their aim and how they reach respondents. Direct communication with people where there is problem and people of the cause is an important tool to be exercised.
Two research approaches were identified as deductive and inductive research approaches.
Deductive approach is more quantitative and inductive approach is more of qualitative. This chapter also redirected the study back to research objectives the purpose and how to achieve the objectives.
Data analysis was also discussed where descriptive statistics analysis and content analysis were identified as two types of data analysis. It is fundamental to ensure reliability and validity of the study as discussed at the end of the last chapter. Fortunately, with the aid of the technique chosen the problem will be determined and will find a mechanism to establish quality assurance system to ensure good resultant quality in low-cost houses in Cape Town South Africa.
70 CHAPTER 4
RESEARCH METHODS EMPLOYED 4.1 Introduction
In chapter three (research methodology) various research methods concerning the facts attempting to answer the research question and to answer objectives set were discussed.
However, the complexity of the research questions as set in chapter one (research proposal) displays the huge need for information and as a result the decision was to use questionnaires and structured interviews.
The analyses of the formulation of questions set and the comparison of the results derived from the literature review will be made in this chapter. Consequently, the research outcomes, developments and factors affecting the validity of data will be highlighted and undertaken.
Through that, from the response technique used, an evaluation will be made informing how quality assurance systems could be implemented and improved while ensuring quality to promote highly structural performance right from the beginning of the project and meet low- income earners‟ needs and satisfaction levels.
Basically, the purpose of this chapter is to acquire the required facts through the use of questionnaires and interviews as chosen to be the solution in collecting data.
71 4.2 Questionnaire Survey
The questionnaires for quantitative data were formulated and directed to the occupants of three specific low-cost housing areas situated in Cape Town in the Western Cape Province.
Adler & Clark (2008:216) postulates that the questionnaire is a data collection mechanism comprising of questions and statements designed to ask information from the research study respondents. However, poorly designed questionnaires leads into obtaining inadequate or useless information that cannot be properly interpreted (Dahlberg & McCaig, 2010:179).
Burns (2000:574) on a contrary said a well-planned, structured and carefully designed questionnaire will have increased response rates and greatly enhances summarizing and analysis of data retrieved. Wording of questions in questionnaires if not properly structured may give the wrong answers and eventually compromise the reliability of the study (Babbie, 2004:256).
These residential areas were selected according to the following criteria; oldest residential, above five years old and a recent residential area. The selection was made to compare the quality concerns of the previous low-cost housing with the current ones so as to understand the progress in quality assurance and strategies developed in ensuring successful implementation of quality assurance systems during the construction process.
The development of the relevant questionnaires to the research title and problem statement was undertaken. The questionnaires were reviewed, justified and corrected by various professionals for relevance before being distributed to occupants. These questionnaires were corrected and also correlated to the research title and problem statement set in chapter one. Questions with a limited set of possible choices were identified and a corresponding set of answers were developed.