Research methodology discusses qualitative methodology, sampling, data collection, data analysis and access.
1.7.1 Qualitative methodology
This research is an empirical study which used a qualitative approach. Genocide memorials are very sensitive symbols that are not easily discussed openly. This approach helped the researcher to describe and analyze different perceptions and interpretations attributed to the genocide memorials by ordinary citizens (Babbie and Mouton 2001: 270).
Genocide memorials are symbols that combine social, political and cultural aspects. From these different perspectives, qualitative methodology has been appropriate to explore the significance of genocide memorials. It helped to ―discover the meaning‖ of the messages memorials are transmitting into the community and how the community understands the messages (Neuman 2000: 123).
1.7.2 Sampling
The research used a purposive or judgmental sampling method. This sampling is appropriate to this research because the researcher knows the environment, the population, the nature of the research and its aims (Babbie and Mouton 2001:166-167). This sampling method helped the researcher to select respondents that enabled her to answer the research questions and meet her
19 objectives (Saunders et al. 2000: 174). Ten genocide memorials from different corners of the country constituted the sample: in the Eastern Province, Nyamata and Kiziguro genocide memorials located in the Bugesera and Gatsibo districts; in the Western Province, Nyamasheke and Bisesero genocide memorials, situated in the Nyamasheke and Karongi districts; in the Northern Province, Nyange and Shyorongi genocide memorials, located in the Ngororero and Rulindo districts; in the Southern Province, Murambi and Kamonyi genocide memorials, sited in the Nyamagabe and Kamonyi districts and, in Kigali City, Rebero and Nyanza genocide memorials, found in the Nyarugenge and Kicukiro districts.
Two categories of respondents constituted a sample: Individual interviews and 10 focus groups with 10 informants in each group. This number facilitated discussion among one hundred individuals. Participants consisted of different genders and ages. This enriched the information that came from respondents (Stewart and Shamdasani 1990: 51). Two hours were spent with each group, as it helped create enough time and space to gather relevant information through discussion. Fifty minutes were spent with each interviewee so as to allow the building of trust and thorough discussion.
1.7.3 Data collection
The primary data was collected using interviews and focus groups. An interview guide helped to prompt the information concerning community perceptions and understandings of the genocide memorials. It included open-ended questions, where respondents answer openly, with an unlimited number of possible answers with explanations (Babbie 1992:147, Kitchin and Nicholas 2000: 51). An interview guide was written in English and translated into Kinyarwanda, a language which most of the respondents understand and feel comfortable to speak.
Focus groups discussed the issue under study. This allowed people to add meaning to the discussion and complement each other during the discussion. This helped the researcher to
20 discover community perceptions and understandings of genocide memorials (Babbie and Mouton 2001: 270-292, Stewart and Shamdasani 1990: 51-53). This research deepened the popular definitions and perceptions of memorials and their messages. The social group people belong to, and their political trends, are influential factors in understanding and interpreting the genocide memorials.
The researcher was careful when using interviews and group discussion techniques, to ensure that relevant information was gained. Genocide memorials are open and sensitive symbols and some respondents may not feel comfortable with discussing their views in groups. Individual interviews were conducted with those who participated in a focus group, of one hundred respondents, to make sure that all information was recorded.
Notebooks and recording equipment were used to store information during interviews and focus groups, so that during data analysis useful information was available without distortion. In this research, secondary data, such as books, articles from journals and internet resources, including the information on genocide memorials and other related information, were consulted (Babbie and Mouton 2001:79).
Gathering consistent information about sensitive and emotional symbols such as memorials of genocide is very difficult. There was another constraint undermining this sociological analysis:
the researcher is a product of the Rwandan social and cultural background, concerned with the emotional aspect of the genocide memorials, the issue under discussion. Aware of the restrictions, the researcher made an effort to minimize the bias that would come with these mentioned limitations.
21 1.7.4 Data analysis
Content analysis, as a tool of data analysis, helped to analyze the content of the transcripts from the focus groups and interviews. The analysis of the data, using content analysis, helped the researcher to deepen the perceptions, understandings and interpretations of the messages of memorials. Neuman (2000: 293) stresses that ―the content refers to words, meanings, pictures, symbols, ideas, themes, or any message that can be communicated‖. The content arose out of the focus groups and interviews.
The researcher identified themes to discover the meanings of memorials, their messages and their interpretations, expressed through interviews and group discussions. The presence of concepts, expressing views from the community and their interpretations within the interviews and group discussions, transcripts and recorded materials have been quantified and analyzed (Babbie and Mouton 2001:383-384).
Themes identified enabled the researcher to reflect, articulate and explain the messages of genocide memorials and their interpretations in Rwandan society. Responses from respondents were coded into variables which enabled the researcher to ensure that the intensity and the frequency of terms surrounding the perceptions and interpretations of genocide memorials are clearly identified (Neuman 2000: 293-295).
1.7.5 Access
The necessary authorization has been sought from relevant departments and institutions such as the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide, under which the management of genocide memorials falls, provincial offices and memorials offices. In this research, respondents were not difficult to access. The initial approach occurred by e-mail, telephone or through personal contact.
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