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LESSON # 29
Primary Sources
These relate directly to the issue being investigated. They provide first
hand information. These sources include questionnaires, interviews,
observations, etc.
Secondary Sources
These sources provide second hand information for the researcher.
They represent other peoples effort and work on the topic or issue being
N/B Chapter three will require that we prepare our questionnaire now.
This will be your main primary source of data collection.
Questionnaires
The questionnaire should consist of 15-20 items where respondents get
the chance to tick the selected responses. The researcher should ensure
that the items in the questionnaire should be based on all research
questions.
In this chapter, students should briefly identify all the sources related to
their study. In this case, students should briefly describe the
questionnaire in terms of how many items it contains, how many copies
were distributed. How were they distributed and collected, and how long
did it take to be distributed and collected.
N/B the sample size should reflect how many questionnaires were
distributed. You must also include the following things in your Chapter
Three:
Listing all the sources used, using the APA format.
Write a sentence or two about each author identified.
Identify the selected method of enquiry chosen for this study e.g.
survey, case study, experiment, etc. Most of these studies are
conducted, using a simple survey, with the questionnaire as the
Surveys
Focus groups
In-depth interviews
Participant and non-participant observation
The use of primary and secondary materials.
What is a Sample
This is a representation of a target population. It saves the researcher the
headache of having to collect data from all members of the target
population. The larger the size of the sample the more representative it
is.
Probability Sampling
This type of sampling allows for each member to have equal chance of
being selected. Simple random sampling and stratified random sampling
are two examples of this type of sampling.
Non-probability Sampling
This type of sampling allows for the researcher to have some control
over who get selected for the sample. It is a subjective selection of a
sample according to their characteristics. Purposive sampling and
convenience sampling are good examples of this type of sampling.
Target Population
This is the entire group in which the researcher is interested. The sample
is taken from the target population, as it possess the characteristics of
people relevant to the study.
END OF LESSON