CHAPTER THREE 3. Research methodology
3.0 Introduction
The purpose of this chapter is to present the research philosophical underpinnings and methodological process of the study. This chapter outlines the conceptual framework, research philosophy, research design, population of the study, sampling design and procedure, sample size, data collection instruments, data collection procedure, validity tests, reliability test, data analysis method and ethical consideration.
3.1 Conceptual framework Fig.6. conceptual framework
Dependent Variable
From the conceptual framework from figure.6, it is assumed that maintenance practices, training of maintenance staff and management skills, operation efficiency and external factors influence the electricity network performance. Therefore, independent variables are maintenance practices, training and management skills, operation efficiency and external factors while the dependent variable is the electricity network performance. There is a cause effect relationship between independent and dependent variables as shown in the figure above. All the independent variables on a convectional life situation have an effect on the dependent variable. 3.2 Philosophical underpinnings The research philosophy refers to the key assumptions about knowledge and how that knowledge should be developed (Saunders et al…2007). …show more content…
Two elements are used for social science research philosophies which are positivism and interpretivism. The positivism assumes the stance of the natural scientist and emphasizes the use of a highly-structured methodology to facilitate replication and quantifiable observations that lend themselves to statistical analysis (Gill and Johnson).
The interpretivism philosophy advocates the necessity for the researcher to understand the differences between humans in their role as social actors (Saunders et al…2007). Under this philosophy, the researcher adopts an empathetic stance whereby he/she enters the social world of the research subjects to understand their world from their point of view. The research assumed the philosophical stance of positivism because of relevance of positivism to the research is about testing theories and the data collection method that will be adopted for this research (Saunders et al.,2007) hence deductive approach would be adopted for this research. Positivism in an epistemological position based on the assumption that the observer is independent of what is being observed and that its properties should be measured through objective criteria than being inferred subjectively (Lythcott&Duschl, 1990; Mugenda&Mugenda, 2003). It assumes that the research is based on real facts, neutrality, impartiality, consistency, measurements and validity of results. Positivistic research philosophy relies on information gathered from the respondents. In the event that the respondents decide to give wrong information conclusion and influences can be made on wrong data (Haworth, 1984). Inaccuracy in scientific data is likely to alter the end-results of the testing. The researcher has to abide by the findings since he is detached from the research and has to remain objective (Johnson, 2014). The proponents of the philosophy believe that everything can be measured and calculated, which makes them inflexible. This makes them to disregard unexplained phenomenon (Dash, 2005). Though this philosophy has so many challenges but the researcher used the same philosophy because these challenges were found not to compromise the results of the study and also because this philosophy has features of generalization, prediction, validity and reliability which helps researchers to carry out the research which is general not particular. Therefore, these
3.0 Introduction
The purpose of this chapter is to present the research philosophical underpinnings and methodological process of the study. This chapter outlines the conceptual framework, research philosophy, research design, population of the study, sampling design and procedure, sample size, data collection instruments, data collection procedure, validity tests, reliability test, data analysis method and ethical consideration.
3.1 Conceptual framework Fig.6. conceptual framework
Dependent Variable
From the conceptual framework from figure.6, it is assumed that maintenance practices, training of maintenance staff and management skills, operation efficiency and external factors influence the electricity network performance. Therefore, independent variables are maintenance practices, training and management skills, operation efficiency and external factors while the dependent variable is the electricity network performance. There is a cause effect relationship between independent and dependent variables as shown in the figure above. All the independent variables on a convectional life situation have an effect on the dependent variable. 3.2 Philosophical underpinnings The research philosophy refers to the key assumptions about knowledge and how that knowledge should be developed (Saunders et al…2007). …show more content…
Two elements are used for social science research philosophies which are positivism and interpretivism. The positivism assumes the stance of the natural scientist and emphasizes the use of a highly-structured methodology to facilitate replication and quantifiable observations that lend themselves to statistical analysis (Gill and Johnson).
The interpretivism philosophy advocates the necessity for the researcher to understand the differences between humans in their role as social actors (Saunders et al…2007). Under this philosophy, the researcher adopts an empathetic stance whereby he/she enters the social world of the research subjects to understand their world from their point of view. The research assumed the philosophical stance of positivism because of relevance of positivism to the research is about testing theories and the data collection method that will be adopted for this research (Saunders et al.,2007) hence deductive approach would be adopted for this research. Positivism in an epistemological position based on the assumption that the observer is independent of what is being observed and that its properties should be measured through objective criteria than being inferred subjectively (Lythcott&Duschl, 1990; Mugenda&Mugenda, 2003). It assumes that the research is based on real facts, neutrality, impartiality, consistency, measurements and validity of results. Positivistic research philosophy relies on information gathered from the respondents. In the event that the respondents decide to give wrong information conclusion and influences can be made on wrong data (Haworth, 1984). Inaccuracy in scientific data is likely to alter the end-results of the testing. The researcher has to abide by the findings since he is detached from the research and has to remain objective (Johnson, 2014). The proponents of the philosophy believe that everything can be measured and calculated, which makes them inflexible. This makes them to disregard unexplained phenomenon (Dash, 2005). Though this philosophy has so many challenges but the researcher used the same philosophy because these challenges were found not to compromise the results of the study and also because this philosophy has features of generalization, prediction, validity and reliability which helps researchers to carry out the research which is general not particular. Therefore, these