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CHAPTER THREE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3.0. Introduction

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 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0. Introduction
Research methodology is a systematic theoretical analysis of the methods applied to any field of
the study. This chapter aim to point out methodology that was used in the study ranging from
research design to target population and sampling. It also highlights data collection methods,
approaches and instruments. Beside this, the chapter also presents the validity and reliability tests
as component of the data analysis tools and the ethical consideration used during the course of
data collection.

3.1.Research Design
The research design refers to the overall strategy that one may choose to integrate the different
components of the study in a coherent and logical way. This was done in order to ensure that
research problem was effectively addressed. Research design can also be considered as a
blueprint or the roadmap for the collection, measurement, and analysis of data (Kothari, 2004).

There are commonly different approaches that are used in designing a research. For example,
Kothari (2004) reported the two basic approaches which is applied to research, there are
quantitative and qualitative approaches. The former approach was the focus of the present study,
which was conducted to assess to ascertain how entrepreneurial education program reduces the
challenges of unemployment.

3.2.Study Area
The study was carried out at Arusha city council. The selection of study sites was purposively
due to discrepancy of entrepreneurship education offered with the Arusha city council

3.3.Population
Population can be defined as a group of individual, items or objects from which samples are
taken from measurement (Kombo, 2005). This definition related directly to the purpose of the
study. The study focused to the people who participate on the entrepreneur program at
population level. Various research techniques are hereby presented in the following subsections.

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3.4.Sampling technique
Sampling technique is a process of selecting a sample from a given population. There are
different types of sampling techniques such as simple random sampling, systematic sampling,
cluster sampling, deliberate sampling, quota sampling, and stratified sampling. The present study
employed the last technique (i.e. stratified sampling technique). This category of sampling
technique was done from heterogeneous population. The studied population was then stratified
into a number of non-overlapping groups, (i.e. strata_) and sample items were selected from each
stratum by using simple random sampling procedure. The stratified sampling was more
appropriate, which further facilitates comparisons strategy. Therefore, the number of people was
first stratified and then simple random sampling was done.

3.4.1. Sample Size

A sample is a smaller group of subject drawn from the population in which a given study was
conducted for a purpose of drawing conclusions about the population targeted. For example,
Kothari (2004) argued that the result from the sample can be used to make generalizations about
the entire population as long as it is truly represented. The study was executed to different
personnel who met the study design. The study used a sample of respondents from each place,
making a total of 150 respondents who participated in entrepreneurship program.

The formula for the sample was given in equation (i) at the confidence interval of 95% with
significance level of 5%

The Formula for sample size: --------------------(i)

Where:
n = Sample size to be studied
N= Population size
e = margin of error

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From the above formula, the sample size for this study was:

The sample in this study is 110

From the above formula, the required sample for this study was 110 people which will include
all interested parts. The interested party had been selected by using purposive and simple
random.

3.4.2 Sample design

The present study focused on purposive sampling whereby the researcher chosen respondent’s
based on their judgment/purpose that they have desirable characteristics and can provide the
required information. The researcher sampled a total of 110 respondents from the targeted
population dealing with the entrepreneurialship education.

3.5.Types and Sources of data

Both primary data and secondary data were used in this study.

3.5.1 Primary Data

Primary data refers to information obtained first hand by the researcher on the variables of the
interest for the specific purpose of the study. Some of the examples are individuals, focus groups
and panels of respondents whose opinions may be sought on specific issues (Sekaran, 2003).

Primary data can be qualitative data or quantitative data, and the quantitative data may be
descriptive data or casual data but for this study the research it was mainly quantitative data. The
researcher collected these data through questionnaires (Zikmund et al.,2010). The primary data
was used in order to collect afresh information, which was considered as original in character.

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3.5.2 Secondary Data
Secondary data refers to information gathered from existing sources (Sekaran, 2003). Secondary
data are data collected before by another researcher (Kothari, 2004). In other words, these are
data which are already collected, analyzed and stored for public use including reports, journals,
research papers and other relevant data relating to the subject at hand. For example, in this
research, secondary data is obtained by examining records such as government publications, web
sites and seminar write-up (Kothari, 2004).

3.6.Data Collection Techniques

3.6.1. Questionnaire Method
Questionnaire is the research instrument consisting of a series of question and other prompts for
the purpose of gathering information from respondents (Mellenbergh, 2008). This method of data
collection is widely used, particularly in case of big number and it was applied in the field of the
research study and closed ended questions was used to get the information from the respondents.
The questionnaires were distributed to the respondent selected with a request to answer the
questions and return the questionnaire. A questionnaire consists of a number of questions printed
in a definite order or set of forms. This method was selected because it was cost-effective and
saved time by collecting data from a large sample once (i.e. a short period of time that is required
to fill the questionnaire, and it is free from bias).
The study used questionnaire to collect primary data. This method is mostly used to ensure
checks and balances as they complement one another. The use of questionnaires was meant to
ensure validity and reliability of the collected data.

3.7.Measurement of Variables
In the measurement of variables, the independent variables of the study which involved
participation of people in the entrepreneurship program, intention toward self-employment,
training creative and innovative in new business. The dependent variable of the study was
reduction of unemployment. The intention to self-employment was measured in quantitative
method as to influencing them to take entrepreneurship so as to start up a business.

3.8.Reliability and Validity of the Study

3.8.1 Validity
Validity always relates to the extent to which the research data as well as the methods for finding
the data are accurate, honest and on target (Denscombe, 2003). Relevant information requires

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 careful planning to ensure that the information is clearly related to research objectives, and was
collected from the individuals best suited to providing the information. Obtaining information
that is complete and accurate requires well planned information collection instruments and
survey administration procedures.

3.8.2 Reliability
Reliability refers to the statement used to measure the consistency of the research findings.
According to Sekaran and Bougie (2010), reliability of measurement is established by examining
the stability and consistency of the data. In order to ensure the reliability of the research findings,
the researcher designed the questionnaires in a simple short format, to avoid respondents’
confusion.

3.11 Ethical consideration

Research ethics are the codes of behavior adopted by a group suggesting what member of a
group thought to do under a given circumstance (Zikmund, 2000)and the researcher tried to
ensure confidentiality of the information that was provided by the respondents by respecting
their rights and privacy through the process and was ensure that the study will be use for
academic purpose and not for other purpose. The respondent did not write their names in the
questionnaire and confidentiality was observed.

In addition to that researchers in adhering with ethical issues guaranteed anonymity and
acknowledge all the works of others used in this study and the respondent questionnaire are still
kept under the researcher custody.

3.12 Chapter summary

This chapter presents a detailed account of methodology used in this descriptive research. The
study utilizes a positivism approach that entails the use of quantitative research technique in the
form of an entrepreneurship education program survey in arusha city council. Justification for
this method has been comprehensively discussed throughout the chapter. Ethical consideration
for this research was also obtained.

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