3.2.5 Documentary analysis/content analysis procedures
Content analysis is a systematic research technique that
focuses on the analysis of both quantitative and qualitative manifest or latent
meanings of words, ideas, phrases, postures, objectives and artefacts (Achola
1995). Against this backdrop it follows that documentary analysis procedure
will generate natural data for analysis. It is further assumed that it saves
both money and time. Shumba and Kaziboni (2005) credit this method, an
advantage to the researcher that she/he interacts with printed materials which
are non-human in nature. To this end, attempts by respondents to deliberately
lie or seek refuge behind secretaries in the case of questionnaire are well
catered for.
In view of the merits, textual data and all forms of materials
related to the foreign aid, MDGs and poverty alleviation, the context of
socio-economic development programmes were scholarly scrutinized in an effort
to see whether they have a bearing to the topic under study. As such this
particular study made reference to registers of NGOs and some policies on
Government development assistance at ministerial levels.
3.2.6 Observational schedules (Participant and
non-participant
observation)
The study also used some principles of Observational schedules
in gathering data for analysis. Observation is hailed by Dooley (1995) as a key
qualitative data gathering tool because of its ability to generate first hand
data. In this regard it follows that there is need to use a method that appeals
to the needs and interest of respondents/informants. Haralambos and Holborn
(2006) credit this approach for its ability to involve the researcher as a key
participant particularly through participant observation. However the method
may have a limitation that there is a possibility of the researcher to fail to
bracket his or her own experience hence leading to ultimate bias.
Non-participant observation may make researcher all off and may make the
informants become suspicious and behave artificially. In this case, the
researcher intertwined both the principles of non-participant and participant
observation to suit different situations and overcome the constraints and
limitations she was coming across.
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