CHAPTER TRHEE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction
This chapter deals with the research methodologies that were
employed in this study. Initially, the general research designs shall be
briefly discussed and thereafter the selection of research methods applicable
to this study shall also be explained. The major thrust of the study shall
focus on upholding principles of validity and reliability/credibility and
trustworthiness.
3.1 Research Design
3.1.1 Research Design - An overview
A research design lays the foundation for conducting the
research in an effective and efficient manner. Like a good plan, it provides
the specific details that guide the researcher. Bryman and Bell (2007) define a
research design as a framework for the collection and analysis of data.
Coolican (1994:4) refers to research design as a method for gathering empirical
data with which to test a hypothesis or develop a theory. Bless and
Higson-Smith (1995:63) say that a research design specifies the most
adequate operations to be performed to test specific hypothesis under given
conditions?. In another dimension Monetle, Sullivan and Dejong (1990) maintain
that a research design is a detailed plan utilizing how observations will be
made. In other words it says who is to be studied and how the subject/object of
study is to be studied; for example it spells out the methods of data
collection, instruments by which data is collected and how that data are to be
analyzed as well as the techniques of data analysis.
The process of designing a research study involves many
interrelated decisions and it is an inherently iterative process in which
earlier decisions are constantly being considered in the light of subsequent
decisions (Aaker, Kumar and Day 2004: 73). The choice of the approach depends
on the type of the research that one intends to carry out. In light of this,
this study adopted the case study approach in view of its advantages.
3.1.2 Exploratory and Descriptive Phases of the Research
Project
One important decision that needs to be made when developing a
primary research plan is whether to conduct a qualitative or a quantitative
survey (Palmer 1994: 108). The research approach selected in this instance a
case study of Gasabo Distict of Rwanda. The approach acknowledges the argument
put forward by Malhotra (1996: 164) that it is a sound principle to view
qualitative and quantitative research as complimentary, rather than in
competition. Bryman and Bell (2003: 15) define a case study design as the
detailed and intensive analysis of a single case. They further argue that case
study research is concerned with complexity and particular nature of the case
in question.
Coolican (1999: 27) concurs that case studies are in-depth
investigations of one person or group of persons usually over a long time. A
great deal of qualitative and quantitative data is gathered to illuminate a
particular, perhaps unique set of conditions or experiences. This research
project sets out to explore the impact of foreign aid on the socio-economic
development of Rwanda in Gasabo district. In the process it seeks to assess the
reactions of various parties in the aid development nexus.
Chisaka and Vakalisa (2003) credit the case study strategy
with the chief advantage of being applicable to both qualitative and
quantitative research paradigms. In this respect a research technique that
includes questionnaires, interviews, documentary analysis and observations were
used in this study. Case studies give the researcher an opportunity, to
contextually study a given situation thereby adopting principles of both
ethno-methodological and phenomenological paradigms. Findings are reported
through in-depth reporting and description of data (Nyawaranda 2004). In this
respect a case study offers the researcher an opportunity to view issues from
the perspective of an insider (emic perspective) as well as an outsider (etic
perspective).
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