Methodology
Methodology is the framework which is associated with a particular set of pragmatic assumptions that
we will use to conduct our research (O. Leary, (2004, p.85). Using a research method depends on the
aims and objectives of the study.
Study design
Study design is a procedural plan that is adopted in a study to answer question validly, objectively,
accurately and economically (Kumar 2011). The design of a study also determines the methods used to
analyze the data (Levin, 2005). The study design for this study will be a cross sectional study design with
mixed quantitative and qualitative methods.
Study site
The study sites will be three chiefdoms in Bombali district where interventions of community health care
workers are delivered.
Sample size
A non-probability sampling procedure will be used for selection of participants in the qualitative aspect
of the study through a snow ball sampling method. The quantitative approach of the study will be done
by simple random sampling technique will be done using the Yamane’s formula. This will minimize bias
in the study
The quantitative data collection method relies on random sampling a well-structured data collection
instrument that fit diverse experiences into predetermined response categories. They produce results
that are easy to summarize, compare and generalizable.
In quantitative studies adequate number of sample size is required to enable the researcher to
objectively give detail evidence of the findings of the research and to generalize the results of the study
to the population.
Participants for the study will be selected by simple random sampling technique so that everybody will
have equal chance to the selection. This will be done through lottery. A sampling frame will be obtained
and random numbers generated. One person will be selected per random number until the desired
number of participants for the study is selected.
The sample size for this study will be calculated using the following Yamane’s formula
Analysis of data
Data analysis in quantitative research is usually presented in numbers or statistics.
Data will be analysed by data tabulation procedure (frequency and percentage distribution) using
Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for social Sciences ( SPSS ).
The result will be tabulated for different variables in Microsoft Excel. This will give a comprehensive
picture of what the data look like and assist in identifying patterns.
A frequency and percentage distribution will be constructed. This is an organised tabulation of the
number of individuals or scores located in each category. This will help to determine how many are in
each category, if scores are entered correctly, the spread of the scores and if scores are high or low.
A percentage distribution will display the proportion of participants who are represented within each
category.
Reliability and Validity
Validity and reliability are two aspects in order to approve and validate the quantitative research.
Validity is the degree to which the evidence supports that the interpretation of data are correct and the
manner in which they are used are appropriate.( Moskal and Leydens 2002).
Joppe,( 2000) also stated that validity is the one if the obtained results are truthful and believable.
Joppe 2000, further added that to determine the validity the researcher generally poses a series of
question and will often look for the answers in the research of others to know whether the
measurement are accurate or not.
Reliability is defined as how consistent the results are and can when the experiment is repeated a
number of times under the same methodological conditions then the instrument is said to be reliable
(Joppe 2000).
It is stated that the logic behind simple random sampling is that it removes bias from the selection
procedure and should result in representative selection (Gravetter and Forzano, 2011, p146).
As mentioned earlier sample selection will be done through simple random sampling and this will
minimise bias.
Ethical consideration
Ethics refers to the correct rules of conduct necessary when carrying out research responsibility to
protect research participants from harm.
Before the research, permission will be obtained from the Research and Ethical Committee of Sierra
Leone.
