CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLODY

INTRODUCTION
This chapter describes detailed information about the research methodology
employed in conducting this research study. Given the aim and objectives of
the research study earlier highlighted, it is important to relate a research
plan that explains how the research aim and objectives would be tested.
Firstly, the research design employed for the research study would be
addressed; thereafter the data collection tool employed would be described
and lastly the method employed to analyze the data collected for the
research study.
THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES AND RESEARCH PARADIGMS
Different researchers have different means of conducting researches, these
means of conducting researches are influenced by certain principles and
standards termed paradigms (Wiser, 2007). Paradigms which deals with the
philosophical

aspect

of

social

sciences

is

defined

as

fundamental

assumptions and beliefs that influences how the world is perceived by

researchers (Jonker and Pennink, 2010; Wahyuni, 2012). According to
Saunders et al., (2009), it is important that the paradigm adopted in a
research be questioned as it influences the means in which a research is
conducted. Dan et al., (2008) revealed that paradigm is classified into two
major areas ontology and epistemology.
Ontology perceives reality as external and not been influenced by social
factors which are termed objectivist or realist (Saunders et al., 2009;
Neuman, 2011). On the other hand, epistemology based on the means to
generate, understand and use knowledge that are generally acceptable and
valid; two major beliefs that influence the means of investigating reality are
axiology

(concerned

with

ethics)

and

methodology

(framework

for

conducting research). Weaver and Olson (2006) revealed that the paradigms
mostly used for researches are positivist, post-positivist and interpretive.
This research study adopts the interpretive paradigm which believes that
reality is influenced by the perception of people; they of the view that
background, experience and assumptions of individuals influence the
structure of reality (Hennink et al., 2011).

RESEARCH DESIGN
According to the Department of Health and Human Services (2010), a
research is described as a systematic investigation and evaluation of issues
with the aim to develop answers that would contribute to existing
knowledge. On the other hand, the plan on how research studies are
conducted is termed research design (Parahoo, 2006). Kumar (2005) reveals
that research design is an important stage in research studies as it highlights
the procedures employed in conducting a research study and further stresses
the quality of the procedure chosen so as to ensure that the results are both
objective and accurate. Parahoo (2006) also highlights that research design
entails the means of data collection, how the collected data are analysed and
tends to address possible biases associated with data collection and
analyses. Further evidence shows that research design encompasses the
rationale for the choice of the research method, sampling strategy and
sample selection and the rationale for the choice adopted. More so, research
design addresses the ethical issues associated with the research study and
how

research

participants

and

information/data

collected

would

be

safeguarded.
Bowling (2009) reported that research can be conducted using quantitative
or qualitative research method; during the design of the research method
rigour must be employed. This research study employed a qualitative

research method to explore the impact of integrating multiple HIV/AIDs

projects into one National system in Nigeria as detailed in the research aim
and objectives. During the design of the research methodology rigour was
employed using the systematic process proposed by Bowling (2009). The
rigour was not only employed for the design of the research method but also
data collection, analysis and interpretation of results.
RESEARCH APPROACH
The choice for the research approach adopted for this research was shaped
mainly by three factors which are inclusive of the research aim, objectives
and the research question (Carter and Little, 2007). This research study
adopted a qualitative research method for this research study but this was
only achievable after the analysis of the three factors earlier highlighted.
Researches can either be conducted using either quantitative or qualitative
research methods; however both research methods address research
questions using empirical observations.
A quantitative research method is employed to identify relationships that
exist between research variables which may either be dependent or
independent in a study population and also establishes associations
(Hopkins, 2000; Bowling, 2009; Creswell, 2009). This research type is
objective, generalises research findings by the use of statistics and can also
simplify complex problems into reduced variables (Creswell, 2009). According
to Bowling (2009) and Gatrell (2009), this research method constructs
structured questions and generates predetermined options for participants to
respond to (questionnaire). Data collection and data analysis are conducted
using numerical format haven chosen large sample population that enough
to represent the target population (Hughes, 2006). According to Bowling
(2009) and Creswell (2008), this research method consumes less time,
finance and can be useful for testing of hypothesis; the finding from this are
relatively free from researchers bias.

On the other hand, qualitative research method is a means to measure

information based on values, opinions and description of concepts and issues
(Gatrell, 2009). According to Holloway (2005), qualitative research approach
is an important tool to assess the actions and perceptions of people. This
study type can be used address complex situations such as personal
experiences in detailed format (Johnson and Onwuegbuzie, 2004; Woods,
2006). Unlike quantitative research method, this method does not employ
numerical data and it is more open to research participants (Hughes, 2006;
Kumar, 2008; Creswell, 2009). Data collection process involves the use of indepth interviews and focus groups and it usually engages small research
participants compared to quantitative research study (Bowling, 2009).
Limitations associated with qualitative researches time consuming nature,
findings are not generalisable as the research participants are small and the
research result may be associated with researchers bias (Johnson and
Onwuegbuzie, 2004; Bowling, 2009).
Having carefully considered the two research method in relation to the
research aim and objectives, this research study employs qualitative
research study as this research type explores phenomena and also gives
detailed information about the research area. In achieving the studys
objectives using qualitative method the following were structured: a)
research question b) structure of data collection tool c) models for data
analysis

d)

evaluation

of

result

SAMPLE AND SAMPLING PROCEDURE

A sample is described as an integral part of a target population on which a
research study is conducted (Parahoo, 2006). Since the general population
cannot be sampled as a result of size and cost, a sample is used as it is less
expensive and more practical (Polit and Beck, 2008). In a qualitative study
the sampled population are selected based on the knowledge they have

about the research area. Hence, this research study sampled participants
working in NGOs, International funded projects and National funded projects.
On the other hand, the procedure employed to sample research participants
during a research study is termed sampling (Research Method Knowledge
Base, 2006). According to Kumar (2005), the correctness of the research
findings is highly dependent on the sampling procedure employed in the
research study. Collins et al., (2006) further highlights that sampling
procedure determines the quality of inferences that would be gotten from the
research findings by the researcher. Sampling can either be carried using
probability

or

non-probability

sampling

method;

however

this

study

employed the probability sampling method using snowballing technique. In

order to ensure eligibility it was conducted in two phases; phase 1- focal
group and phase 2- face to face interview using variables.
Sample recruitment would be from;

NGOs working in the management of HIV/AIDS: Participants were

accessed from these organisations through the help of gate keepers.
Prior to recruitment, approval were gotten from the gate keepers
thereafter flyers were made available to invite people to participate in

the focal group discussion

National health care workers working in the management of
HIV/AIDS: Participants were accessed

Inclusion criteria

Healthcare workers working under the HIV/AIDS sector

Participants between the age 18-65 working under the HIV/AIDS sector
Both male and female healthcare workers working under the HIV/AIDS

sector
All healthcare working under the HIV/AIDS sector that gave consent to
participate

Exclusion criteria

All other healthcare workers aside those working under the HIV/AIDS

sector
Healthcare workers residing outside Nigeria
Persons who did not give consent

DATA COLLECTION TOOL

According to Berg (2009), data collected during research studies needs to be
transformed so as to make it more understandable. Sourcing for information
in a survey is carried out by asking people question about the research area
(Legun, 2001). According to Trochim (2006a), there are two types of survey
instruments namely questionnaire and interview. Although questionnaire are
cheap and are easy means of accessing large sample population they
produce low response rate, may not permit participants to give detailed
information about the research topic. On the other hand, interview method
entails interaction between two or more persons (Kumar, 2008). With
interview in-depth information about the research topic is assessed, hence
this research adopted interview for this research study. Interview can either
take the form of face to face or telephone; although the telephone interview
is fast, it does not allow for personal interaction between the researcher and
the research participants while the face to face interview entails that the
researcher is in contact with the research participants.
Interview can either be structure or unstructured; this interview type entails
that the researcher have pre-listed questions either in open or closed ended
format- this form of interview ensures uniformity in the question asked
(Kumar, 2008). While on the other hand unstructured uses interview guide
and does not have pre-determined questions rather the questions follow the
direction of the participants responses and it is associated with investigator
bias; this interview type may be good for focus group discussion. Interview is
most effective in the investigation of complex situations which may require

in-depth information; in some cases non-verbal responses may be recorded.

Although interview is expensive, time consuming and also subjected to
interviewer bias, it explores phenomena by sourcing in-depth information
(Graziano and Raulin, 2007).
This qualitative research study employed both focal group and face to face
interviews; 4 focal groups were formed with 6 people per group, this enabled
the easy access of large information at a single point in time. Hence, focal
group is seen not only as been cost effective but also a means of sourcing
large data from different persons. Face to face interviews which was the
other form of data collection tool employed in this research study was
conducted amongst high level stakeholders who are directly coordination of
HIV related programmes. The rationale backing the use of face to face
interview is linked to the fact that it eliminates bias associated with focal
group which includes misleading by ones opinion (Kitzinger, 1994; Pencheon
et al., 2010).
CONDUCT OF THE INTERVIEW
Interviewers (both male and female) with the knowledge of qualitative
interviewing techniques were used to facilitate both the focal group
discussion and the face to face interview. Although Nigeria is multilingual
nation, English language remains the major language being used in work
places hence both the focal group discussion and the face to face interview
was conducted using English language.
Interviewers used scheduled guide containing themes and sub-themes that
were explored in both the focal group discussion and the face to face
interview such as interview questions. Prior to the interview permission was
gotten from research participants to record discussions and extra tape
recorder and batteries were available for emergency; each interview took an
average of 40minutes.

DATA ANALYSIS
According

to

Bowling

(2009),

proper

and

extensive

analysis

and

interpretation of research data is essential during research study; this may

either be the strength or weakness of the research methodology. The
analysis of qualitative data enables the researcher to familiarise themselves
with

the

sourced

data

(Green

and

Thorogood,

2009).

Professional

transcribers were used for the transcription of the research data collected
from participants with the help of audiotape recorders using manual content
analysis and indexing techniques (Spencer and Richie, 1994). This means of
analysing qualitative data involved manual sorting of research data and
categorisation of sorted data into themes. Although the method is time
consuming, it is argued to be one of the most appropriate methods for the
presentation of qualitative study (Bowling, 2009).
The process of data analyses began with transcription of information
collected using audio recorder by the assistance of professional transcribers.
Thereafter the transcribed information was read, marked using matrix and
the emerged themes were added in the margins and cross analysed with
desired variables. A proper coding frame was created from the themes and
applied across all transcripts with the aim to reduce possible bias associated
with perceived and inferred observations. Haven completed the coding
process cross-case analyses was conducted; this process helped the
researcher to test and compare similarities and differences with the
interviews. Lastly, there was a broader exploration of the contextual analysis
and theoretical framework.
ETHICAL CONSIDERATION
According to Bowling (2009), research is conducted based on ethical
principles which highlights that during research process research participants
should not be harmed and consent to participate should be given by

research participants prior to participating in the research. Any study that

samples healthcare workers and volunteers requires independent review to
ensure that the research study meets the ethical standards already put in
place to ensure that the right of the research participants are safeguarded
(Department of Health, 2005b).
Ethical approval was obtained from the gate keepers where research
participants were accessed prior to the commencement of the research
study. Consent either in verbal or written format was gotten from respondent
before interviewed or grouped in the focal group, after consent was gotten
letters were sent to respondent with detailed information regarding the
purpose of the research study.

CONSENT
All participants included for research must voluntarily give consent to
participate in the research and they must also have the choice to withdraw
from the research study at any point in time without difficulty (Department of
Health, 2005). Informed consent is termed golden choice as the research
study does not require that research participants put now their personal
information which is inclusive of their names or address. This procedure was
to ensure that the confidentially of research participants were kept.

SUMMARY
This chapter of the research study highlighted the research methodology
employed during the course of the research. It gave detail information about
the choice of research method adopted for the study, which was qualitative
method. Thereafter, information on data collection tool was described and
interview method was adopted over questionnaire; face to face interview
method was chosen as the interview type for the research study. Prior to the
selection of data collection tool, sampling procedure required to sample

research participants was outlined. More so, the method for data analysis
was revealed; it was reported that research data would be analysed using
thematic method where themes will be developed from the transcribed
information and data with be interpreted with the assistance of existing
literature. The next chapter addressed the research result gotten from
research participants.