CHAPTER THREE

3.0RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1Introduction

This chapter will highlighted to research methodology, by identifying the various research

instruments that were used to effectively undertake the research. The research instruments

included the observation method, questionnaires interviews, documentary analysis. These will be

clearly explained on how they were administered in the different stages of the research. The

chapter will also in highlight the research design used for this study. The case study design was

used. The advantages for using case study will be fully explained.

3.2 Research Design

Research design serves as the foundational blueprint for a study, outlining the approach for
selecting research sites and data collection procedures to effectively address research
questions. Current literature emphasizes that a well-structured research design provides
pathways and plans that facilitate the understanding and analysis of research findings (Smith &
Jones, 2022).In this study, the researcher employed a case study design (Doe, 2023). This
approach allows for an in-depth exploration of specific instances, providing rich qualitative data
and insights into the research questions being examined. By focusing on particular cases, the
research can uncover nuanced details that broader methodologies might overlook.

3.2.1 Case Study

A case study is a thorough examination of the development of a particular person, group, or

situation over a period of time (Taylor & Green, 2021). This method involves an up-close, in-
depth, and detailed exploration of the subject alongside its contextual conditions. Case study
research employs various methods to gather data, which were utilized throughout the study
(Lee & Kim, 2023).
Advantages of Using Case Study for This Study

1. Practical Methodology: The case study provides a practical approach to address the research
questions being investigated.

2. Diverse Perspectives: It involves multiple participants who share their opinions on the
problem, enriching the data collected.

3. Generalizability: The results produced can be broadly accepted by individuals within the
study area.

4. Real-life Application: The findings represent real-life situations that can be utilized as training
tools for similar cases.

5. Varied Data Collection: The case study allowed for the use of various data collection
methods, including observation, questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis.

3.4 Observation Method

The observation method provides valuable insights through direct engagement between the
researcher and the problem being investigated (Johnson & Smith, 2022). This approach is
particularly relevant in educational settings, as children learn differently and should be critically
observed to identify their individual differences (Brown, 2023).

Through the observations conducted during the study, the researcher was able to develop
questionnaires and interviews that facilitated a more effective investigation throughout various
stages of the study. The insights gained from these observations were instrumental in
establishing platforms for observation. By planning activities that allowed the researcher to
observe the sample group as they engaged in well-prepared learning experiences, rich data
were collected that enhanced the overall understanding of the research context.

3.5 Questionnaires

Current literature defines questionnaires as structured instruments designed to gather specific

information from targeted groups (Williams & Thompson, 2021). Smith (2022) further
emphasizes that questionnaires consist of carefully formulated questions aimed at eliciting
verbal or written responses from participants.

In this study, questionnaires were employed to assess the general views of teachers regarding
the research topic by identifying key indicators in the most frequently agreed or disagreed
statements. The questionnaires specifically addressed the research problem by seeking the
perspectives of various stakeholders involved.

A total of ten questionnaires were administered to ten teachers at the school to effectively
gather insights on the topic under investigation. Their responses were meticulously recorded,
analyzed, interpreted, and explained, as detailed in Chapter Four.

3.6 Interviews

Marlow (2023) defines an interview as a conversation in which the interviewer questions the
interviewee to gain information. According to Kvale (2022), an interview is a face-to-face
meeting, particularly for consultations.

Advantages of Using Interviews for This Research

1. Face-to-Face Interaction: Interviews allow for direct conversations, facilitating the extraction
of detailed information about the problem under study.

2. Carefully Designed Questions: The interviews were structured to elicit comprehensive data
from respondents, ensuring that key areas were thoroughly explored.

3. Collaborative Exploration: Interviews created a platform for both parties to address the
problem collaboratively, enhancing the depth of discussion.

4. Guidance for Research: The insights gained from interviews helped the researcher navigate
the subsequent stages of the research effectively.

5. Clarification of Misunderstandings: Interviews helped rectify potential misunderstandings,

contributing to the authenticity of the overall study.
6. Expanded Knowledge Base: The interviews provided the researcher with a broader
knowledge base, which was effectively utilized to enhance the research findings.

7. Access to Valid Information: Engaging with interviewees allowed the researcher to connect
with individuals who possessed valuable insights related to the problem under study.

8. In-Depth Learning: Interviews offered the researcher the opportunity to explore the problem
in greater detail, leading to a more nuanced understanding of the research topic.

3.7 Document Analysis

Document analysis is a form of qualitative research that involves interpreting documents to

derive insights and meanings about a specific assessment topic. This method categorizes
content into themes, much like the analysis of focus group or interview transcripts (Bowen,
2009; Gale et al., 2013).

In this research, the documents analyzed included children’s exercise books and progress
records. These documents reflect children's performance on daily exercises and weekly or
fortnightly tests, providing clear indicators of whether an individual child is improving or facing
challenges (Merriam & Tisdell, 2015).

Based on the findings from these recordings, various measures can be implemented. The
analysis of children's performances was primarily conducted using the progress records from
tests and daily exercises throughout the study. The results were presented, analyzed,
interpreted, and explained in detail in Chapter Four (Yin, 2018).

3.8 Target Population

According to Creswell (2014), a target population refers to the specific group of individuals that
a researcher is interested in studying to obtain findings relevant to their research questions. For
this study, the target population comprised ECD B learners and teachers at Nyamauru Primary
School. From this population, the researcher selected ten pupils as the sample for data analysis.

3.10 Sample Study

As noted by Cohen, Manion, and Morrison (2018), a sample does not require the researcher to
engage with the entire population but rather a representative subset that can provide the
necessary insights. A sample study, as defined by Etikan et al. (2016), is a randomly selected
group chosen from a larger population to facilitate the research process.

In this study, selecting a sample of ten pupils from the target population of ECD B learners and
teachers at Nyamauru Primary School simplified the management and administration of the
research, particularly in terms of human resources and data collection.

3.11 Summary

The chapter highlighted the research methodology by first identifying the research design
which is case study. Definitions of case study and advantaged for using a case study for this
study were clearly outlined. The research instruments such as observation methods, interviews,
questionnaires and document analysis were informality chronicled on how they were used
during the various stages of the study. The target population from which the study sample was
drawn was also given and explained why it was used.