RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 INTRODUCTION

This chapter provides detailed discussion about the research methodology and data collection

method applied in this research to accomplish the research purpose and objectives as defined in

chapter 1. The areas of research methodology that will be covered in this chapter includes research

design, research strategy, data collection and data analysis method, ethical considerations and

limitations of the adopted research methodology used in this study.

3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN

Hair et al. (2015) define research design as the fundamental technique of conducting a research.

According to Walliman (2015), research design enables researchers to gather relevant information

to address the research questions in order to fulfil the aim and objectives of the study. On the other

hand, Meredith (2010) defines research design as the blueprint of any research that includes the

techniques and tools used to collect and analyse the required information. Research design helps

the researcher to develop the master plan of carrying out the study by acquiring and analysing the

information needed to answer the questions under consideration.

However, based on the purpose and scope of the research, researchers can use either quantitative

or qualitative research. Quantitative research mainly encompasses statistical and quantitative

analysis of the information. According to Ticehurst and Veal (2000), quantitative research is

mainly focused on statistical analysis of quantitative evidences which are used to test the pre-

defined hypotheses and to reach into a conclusion so as to address the research questions in an
evocative way. Hair et al. (2015) suggest that quantitative research is normally useful when a

situation or features of a context need to be expressed in a numerical way. On the other hand,

qualitative data does not consider any statistical analysis or does not collect any numerical

information. According to Ticehurst and Veal (2000), qualitative research refers to the collection

and analysis of data which are not numerical or cannot be quantified, rather those data or

information are considered to be verbalized, documented or pictorial. Besides, Eriksson and

Kovalainen (2015) suggest that the outcome of a qualitative research cannot be justified by

statistical analysis, rather this is a research which is more explorative, coherent and instinctive.

Therefore, the researcher has to play a significant role while analysing, rationalizing, and

concluding the findings extracted from the information.

This research will employ both qualitative and quantitative research (mixed method) in order to

achieve the research objectives. However, the reason behind involving in a quantitative research

in this study is that quantitative research can deliver a wide extent of phenomenon in both rapid

and reasonable way. Ticehurst and Veal (2000) suggest that in quantitative research data can be

collected using questionnaire surveys with a large population and can be statistically analysed to

get more reliable and valid outcomes. On the other hand, Brandimarte (2012) suggests that

quantitative research provides more reliability when data is collected in a faster way from an

opportuneness sample among the whole population. Moreover, the findings can be extrapolated

for the whole population when there is a high response rate in questionnaire survey. Besides,

Duignan (2014) suggests that to get more reliable and valid results from quantitative research, the

sample should be statistically valid and random sampling among the population is preferred.

According to Dwyer and Slyman (2016), quantitative research is more appropriate when research
involves identifying patients’ behaviour, health issues or conditions, their attitude and perceptions

towards different diseases or health-related disorders etc.

On the other hand, the reason behind using qualitative research as well in this study is to eliminate

the limitations that may arise from using a mono-research method. According to Hammarberg,

Kirkman and de Lacey (2016), qualitative research is appropriate when factual data are essential

to address the research questions and when the information is related to patients’ behaviour, health

issues or conditions. Therefore, using qualitative research the biasness in the quantitative research

can be eliminated.

3.2 RESEARCH STRATEGY

According to Badke (2014), research strategy refers to a series of action plans set by the researcher

to conduct the research in a more systematic way towards achieving detail-oriented and eminence

results. Considering the research strategy, business research can be categorized into three parts

(descriptive research, exploratory research and casual research) based on the purpose or techniques

used in the research (Zikmund et al., 2017). According to Zikmund et al. (2017), descriptive

research aims to provide a detailed physiognomies-based investigation of a situation or targeted

population. Similarly, Erickson (2017) suggests to use descriptive research when characteristics

of the research context need to be understood. Besides, Baker (2007) suggests that the researcher

has to have some previous understanding of the research context or phenomena before addressing

the current research questions.

Unlike descriptive research, exploratory research intends to illuminate uncertain phenomena or

introduces new ideas towards a complex situation. Besides, Burns and Bush (2014) suggest that
exploratory research does not attempt to conclude any evidence to identify potential solutions of a

situation. Moreover, Hair et al. (2015) state that exploratory research can be used when the

researcher has a little background idea and knowledge about the research context. Therefore, it is

not the purpose of exploratory research to determine and examine specific research hypotheses.

Lastly, casual research aims to investigate the effect of one variable on another thing or variable.

Generally, casual research is performed through field works or laboratory experiments. Zikmund

et al. (2017) suggest that casual research is used when there is a need to investigate the cause and

effect of different variables to address an issue. Besides, Stern (2005) suggests to use casual

research followed by descriptive or exploratory research. However, there are some limitations of

causal research as it may take long time to get a result and it contains complex research designs.

Moreover, Sekaran and Bougie (2010) suggest to use casual research when the research has a solid

background information and relevant understanding of the phenomena and can be able to provide

significant results based on the cause and effect connection.

However, this research will employ descriptive research as it will help the researcher to get a good

amount of information relevant to the research topic. Descriptive research will not be used to

develop associations among the variable and not to accomplish any evidences or conclusions

(Cook and Cook, 2016). Therefore, it is much easier to use descriptive research for this study

through a detailed description of the subject area. Another main reason of using descriptive

research rather than exploratory or casual research is because it is less time consuming and cost-

effective.
3.3 DATA COLLECTION METHOD

One of the important aspects of every research is the data collection method part as the reliability

and validity of the research fully depend on the methods and types of the data collected. Different

sources can be used to collect the data. Mainly, there are two sources of data that are in research:

primary data and secondary data. Primary data refers to the data which have not been published

anywhere and are commonly collected through field works. On the other hand, secondary data are

collected from published sources such as newspapers, books, journals, publications, magazines,

and websites etc. and often it is referred as second-hand data. However, this research uses both

primary and secondary sources of information as discussed below.

3.3.1 Primary Data

Primary sources of data play a significant role in this research. Hair et al. (2015) suggest that

primary data are new information which are collected to achieve the desired and predefined

purpose of the research. Moreover, primary data is very crucial for the success of the study as it

collects and interprets information from direct observation, field works or experiments. Hence, the

research findings attained after analysing the primary data will be totally brand new and suitable

for this research.

Primary data are normally collected via various means such as survey questionnaire, interviews,

observations where respondents are asked to share or point out their views about the issues or

situation of the study context. Survey questionnaire has been used for this research. According to

Zikmund et al. (2017), survey questionnaire is a form of communication-based data collection

method with an illustrative sample of participants. For the purpose of this research, questionnaires
were distributed among the workers of two garments factory within Dhaka City who are expected

to exhibit different types of subjective health complaint.

According to Ghauri and Gronhaug (2010), primary data helps the researcher by providing more

reliable and consistent information to address the research problem towards completing the

research objectives. Therefore, the researcher can obtain the information for a particular

demography which cannot be obtained through secondary data. Moreover, Oliveira and Ferreira

(2011) suggest that with the help of primary data researcher can obtain people’s attitude and

insight, and decisions and perceptions.

Survey questionnaire is economical and faster way than any other primary data collection methods

such as interviews, telephonic surveys, focus group, and experiments. It enables the researcher to

get the responses in a timely manner as the respondents do not have to explain the situation rather

they can just point out the issues. Thus, in order to reduce the ambiguity throughout the

questionnaire survey, questions are normally constructed in an easy and well-manageable format

using a five-point Likert scale where respondents have to rate their feelings or perception about

the issues or situations.

3.3.2 Secondary Data

According to Ticehurst and Veal (2000), secondary data refers to the data which has been already

published and documented through other studies to serve as a primary source of information, but

this can be further use as a secondary source of information for current research. Besides, Hair et

al. (2015) mentioned that secondary data enables the researcher to compare the findings of the

current study with previously conducted studies in the similar area. One of the major benefits of
using secondary data is that these are readily available and save significant amount of time and

money throughout the research. However, Ghauri and Gronhaug (2010) suggest that it enhances

the reliability of the current research through comparison and helps to conclude a perfect result.

In this result, most of the secondary data are acquired from online publications which are relevant

to the research problem. The primary purpose of using secondary data along with primary data is

to improve the eminence and consistency of this study. Online databases such as Science Direct,

ProQuest, Emerald, JSTOR and other online sources are used in this research to obtain the

secondary data as references to this research.

3.4 SAMPLING DESIGN

Sample refers to a group of population that are selected to evaluate and generalize the findings of

the research (Salkind, 2010). One of the main factors in considering the sample is that the sample

should represent the whole population under study so that generalization can be made for the whole

population by statistically testing the samples only. On the other hand, if samples are not

representative to the population, then samples cannot be used to define the characteristics of the

whole population.

3.4.1 Target Population

According to Zikmund et al. (2017), target population refers to the whole populace for which the

research is being conducted to address a particular issues or characteristics of the population.

Identifying target population is very crucial as it directs the researcher towards distinguishing and

collecting the information. Therefore, target population should be recognized before sampling
process. As this research is based on the subjective health complaint analysis among the garments

worker in Bangladesh, therefore, all garments workers will be considered as the target population

for this study. Bangladesh is now one of the world’s leading clothing exporters, second only to

China, and the garment industry employs 3.6 million workers out of a total population of over 150

million. Most of the nation’s 4,500 factories are concentrated around the capital, Dhaka, and attract

thousands of rural residents (BGMEA, 2018).

3.4.2 Sampling Location and Sampling Frame

According to Lavallée (2007), sampling frame refers to the source from which the research sample

is collected. For this research, two garments industry located at Dhaka City are taken as the

sampling location. Considering ethical consideration for this research, in order to maintain the

anonymity of the workers as well as the garments factory, the names of these two sampling location

are not revealed here.

3.4.3 Sampling Elements

Sampling element refers to a particular segment of analysis in a target population. Respondents

that are chosen for this research are the workers of the garments factory. Therefore, questionnaires

will be distributed among the workers of the two garments factory of Dhaka City. Furthermore,

equal number of questionnaires were distributed in both factories under consideration. The main

purpose of the questionnaire distribution is to gather relevant information regarding the research

problem and to reduce the biasness in the findings while increasing quality and reliability of this

research.
3.4.4 Sampling Method

Probability and non-probability sampling techniques are two major cluster of sampling method.

According to Daniel (2011), probability sampling is a method where all the individuals of the

target population have exact number of chances of being selected as a sample for the research.

Probability sampling could be complex and random probability sampling. The main benefit of this

method is reducing the biasness in research findings, but this method is time consuming and

expensive (Laws, Harper, and Marcus, 2003). On the other hand, in case of non-probability

sampling the chance or probability of selecting individuals out of the target population is unknown

(Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2016). Non-probability sampling could be purposive and

convenience non-probability sampling. The main benefit of this sampling technique is that it is

cost-effective and can be done quickly than probability sampling method. Considering the

limitation of time and costs associated with the research, non-probability sampling technique has

been used in this research.

3.4.5 Sample Size

Sample size refers to the number of individuals that will be tested or surveyed during the study

(Cochran, 2006). According to Gellman and Turner (2013), a large sample size is helpful to obtain

a precise reflection of the characteristics of the target population. Again, Hill (2012) suggests that,

a sample size of more than 30 and less than 500 is appropriate for conducting a research.

To estimate proportion for cross-sectional study, the formula is:

𝑧 2 𝑝𝑞
𝑛=
𝑑2
Here,

n = desired sample

z = z-distribution at a given level of significance / confidence level at 95% is 1.96

p = Prevalence of Subjective Health Complaints 97% (Hjellset et. al., 2010)

q = 100-p =100-97=6

d = allowable error (5%)

From the calculation, the sample size was found as 44.71 or 45

As it is a convenient sample technique then estimated sample size will be 45 X 4=180.

Therefore, the sample size chosen for this research is 180 respondents by considering a confidence

level of 95%. Before conducting the survey questionnaire, a pilot test was performed with 15

respondents in order to ensure the reliability and validity of the research.

3.5 RESEARCH INSTRUMENT

According to Behling and Law (2006), research instruments refer to a set of tools or methods

(questionnaire, experiments, case studies, observation, personal log book, document analysis and

so on) which are applied to get necessary data regarding the subject matter of the research. As this

research employs a mixed method (both qualitative and quantitative research), thus, both
questionnaires and case studies are used as the research instruments which will help to obtain

desired information towards addressing the research questions.

3.5.1 Questionnaire design

The survey questionnaire used in this research has two section. For section 1, there will be

demographic questions for the respondents such as age, gender, educational background, and years

of service etc. For section 2, the Subjective Health Complaint Inventory (SHC) was used, which

was previously referred to as the Ursin Health Inventory (UHI) (Ihlebæk, Eriksen and Ursin, 2002).

The Subjective Health Complaints Inventory (SHC) is a 29-item scale that registers occurrence,

intensity, and duration of subjective somatic and psychological complaints experienced during the

past 30 days, without reference to specific diagnostic categories. The instrument can be divided

into five categories: musculoskeletal pain (headache, neck pain, upper back pain, lower back pain,

arm pain, shoulder pain, migraine, and leg pain), Pseudoneurology (extra heartbeats, hot flushes,

sleep problems, tiredness, dizziness, anxiety, and sadness/depression), gastrointestinal problems

(heartburn, stomach discomfort, ulcer/non-ulcer dyspepsia, stomach pain, gas discomfort,

diarrhoea, and constipation), allergy (asthma, breathing difficulties, eczema, allergy, and chest

pain) and flu (colds/flu and coughing). The scores for each item range from 0 to 3, giving a total

score from 0 (excellent) to 90 (very poor) (Ihlebæk, Eriksen and Ursin, 2002). In the present study

the duration of complaints was not recorded. The answers were dichotomized by combining ‘‘not

at all’’ and ‘‘minor complaints’’ into one category called ‘‘any complaints’’, and ‘‘some’’ and

‘‘severe complaints’’ into another category called ‘‘substantial complaints’’. Substantial

complaints were computed for each subscale. The criteria were some complaints (score 2) for at

least one of the complaints and minor (score 1), some (score 2), or severe complaints (score 3) for
all other complaints included in the subscale. The questionnaire has satisfactory validity and

reliability. The demographic variables were gender (men-1; women-2), age, income level, housing

status, latrine condition, family size, education, medical history and others.

3.5.2 Data Collection method

Data will be collected by direct face to face interviewing the workers who fulfilled the selection

criteria. The interview will be taken by researcher himself at the place of study without disturbing

their routine work. The data will be collected by Subjective health complaints inventory (SHC)

scale (Ihlebæk, Eriksen and Ursin, 2002). The purpose and objectives of the study will be explained

to the respondents before interview. Assurance will be given regarding confidentiality and secrecy

of the information they provided.

3.5.3 Pilot Test

According to Ticehurst and Veal (2000), pilot test refers to a trial run before conducting an actual

survey. It is often considered as a small-scale survey which aims to effectiveness, precision and

appropriateness of the research instrument. Besides, Sekaran and Bougie (2010) suggest that pilot

study helps the researcher to design the questionnaire while improving the accurateness and

reducing the faults in the collected data. As mentioned earlier, a pilot test was performed with 15

respondents in order to ensure the reliability and validity of the research. From the feedback of the

pilot test it is found that the survey questionnaire is designed in a proper way except some

grammatical errors and typing mistakes which were amended before conducting the actual survey.
3.6 DATA ANALYSIS

Data analysis refers to the process of describing the subjects, identifying the trends, testing the

hypotheses, and concluding the findings of the research (Zikmund et al., 2017). Thus, data analysis

process involves transforming and processing of the collected data using accurate tool in order to

provide valuable information as the outcome of the research. There are different types of statistical

tools for analysing raw data. However, in this research SPSS version 24 will be used and both

descriptive and inferential analysis will be performed. Furthermore, different types of tools of

descriptive analysis such as pie charts and bar charts are used to illustrate the research findings.

3.7 RESEARCH ETHICS

Before conducting this research, different ethics have been considered to confirm that this research

will not go against any research ethos. Firstly, a written ethical consideration form was submitted

and granted from the research committee of National Institute of Preventive and Community

Medicine (NIPSOM). Secondly, a consent form was distributed along with the survey

questionnaires among the participants to ensure that respondents have shared their views at their

own will and were not forced to do so. Thirdly, in order to safeguard the anonymity and

confidentiality of the respondents, no personal or identification information was included or

referenced in this research.

3.9 Utilization of results

The readymade garments industry play a great role for the development of Bangladesh and the

main driving force is garments worker. So, this study intended to describe subjective health
complaints among the garment workers in Dhaka city of Bangladesh. Findings of this study would

guide the policy maker of the garments factories to take into account their health complaints for

the promotion of quality of life for their workers. To facilitate the workers would be a quality

human and become valuable for driving the organization towards a quality organization and a

happy workplace.

3.10 Conclusion

Through the discussion of this chapter it can be concluded that the research methodologies that are

being used for research design, research strategy, data collection, sampling, research instruments,

and data analysis are critically evaluated and the reasons for selection specific method are justified.

Following chapter will discuss the results and findings of this research and compare with previous

literatures that have been reviewed in chapter 2.