CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODS
3.0: INTRODUCTION
The research methods refer to a set of methods and principles
that are used when studying a particular kind of work. The research methods
according to Grinnell and Williams (1990:42) refer to a number of ways arriving
at the knowledge. The methodology comprises on intellectuals process, on
orderly system of the arrangement that enable one to reach the aspect of
knowledge. It is conceptual process that co-ordinates a set of investigation
operations and techniques.
This research study attempts to show the impact of
microfinance institutions credit service in poverty alleviation on rural areas
in Rwanda.
This chapter describes and discusses methods and technique
used in data collection and processing. It also point out the sources of data,
methods of sample collection, data collection measurements and processing
technique and problems encountered.
3.1: RESEARCH DESIGN
Kenneth D. Bailey (1978:7) stated that, research design is a
stage in social research where the research must decide on how to measure the
two main variables in this on her hypothesis and what group of people on whom
to test the hypothesis. He further said, this involves deciding not only how
many people will be used as subjects but also what their particular
characteristics should be and under what circumstances the data while be
gathered.
Grinnell Jr and Williams (1990:41) defined that, research
design as a careful systematic study or investigation in some field of
knowledge, undertaken to establish some facts or principles. He further stated
that, a research design is the total plan we use so to assist in answering our
research questions. He urges that, as part of our plan, we decide how the
research question should be, required to answer it, from whom the data will be
obtained and what is the best way to gather that data. Regarding this study,
descriptive and explanatory design was used on questionnaire and interview
schedule.
3.2: SOURCE OF DATA
COLLECTIONS
In conducting the research study, the required data was
gathered from both primary and secondary data sources. The information required
was to help the research attain the set objective as indicated in table 3.1 for
the attainment of each objective; it needs to obtain at least both primary and
secondary data from different sources.
According to Hornsby et al (1963:2490),defines data as facts
or things certainly known and form when conclusion may drown, in conducting
research study, the required data was gathered from both primary and secondary
data.
3.2.1: Primary data
According to Audrey J. et al(1989;57), primary sources come
straight from the people you are researching from and are therefore the most
direct kinds of information you can collect. Primary data is said to be the
first hand observation and investigation. This was used in the research where
the people were asked their views on microfinance credit or grants they get
from the company, condition put on them in order to get loans, and time it
takes them to get credit by relating to the growth of their business units.
Robert Ferber and P. Verdoom (1970:45) argued that, sometimes
primary data will be collected by means of survey, sometimes from company
records or others source material. With a regard to the study, primary data was
obtained from operational and customers and excise departments and employees of
different sections of COPEDU ltd through questionnaires, interview schedules
and observation method. According Joel and Berman (1982; 63), argue that
primary data are those collected to solve the specific problem under
investigation. Primary data are necessary when a thorough analysis of the
secondary data is unable to resolve the research problem
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