Chapter-4. Method and Procedure

Transcription

1 Chapter-4 Method and Procedure 75

2 METHOD AND PROCEDURE Research method analyzes the responses of a defined sample to a set of questions measuring attitudes and behaviours. There is no short cut to truth, no way to gain a knowledge of the universe, except through the gateway of scientific world. To explore the new facts and figures scientific method is the most trusted method, one can look at the problems systematically and can classify the data only with the help of scientific method. Broadly speaking, scientific method consists of systematic observations of data with the help for scientific method, the whole problem can be studied at one time and it needs a lot of knowledge of statistics, only the researcher can be deep into the problem to deduce the valid and reliable results. For this it needs how to collect the data, method of using the tools, tool itself are an important source of it, their scoring and then the interpretation of the results received from the tools. Women s roles are rapidly changing with techonological development and modernization. Therefore, it is necessary that women must be equipped to cope with the new demands and increase their awareness, resources and opportunities for effective participation in development and decision making. Thus, with this view in mind the present study is undertaken by the researcher to trace out the psychological problems faced by professional women to achieve more fulfilling balance between their work and family lives. Whether family role is a help or hindrance for a professional women. In the present study all efforts has been made to adopt a systematic approach and scientific method, so that results are objective, reliable and meaningful. The method and procedures 76

3 employed by the investigator have been discussed under the following heads. 4.1 NATURE OF THE STUDY The present research is non-experimental or correlational in nature, According to Eckhardt and Erdman (1977) correlational designs are ideally suited for the study of phenomenon under natural conditions. D Amato(1979) states that an important defining feature of correlational research in that the variables under study are not directly (experimentally) manipulated by the researcher. Rather, variation in the variables of interest is achieved by some sort of selection procedure and in psychology the selection procedure often take form of psychological test. Hence correlational research unlike observation involves the manipulation of specific variables chosen from the area of research interest. Manipulating a variable means arranging for the appearance of different values of the variables accomplished by a selection procedure. Kerlinger (1979) view is that neither kind of research (experimental or correlational) can or should enjoy a monopoly on validity or prestige. There is nothing meritorious in doing either experimental or non-experimental research as such. Also, most important, social. Psychological and educational research problem does not always lend them selves to experimentation although they lend themselves to controlled inquiry of the ex-post-facto kind. Given the nature of the present problem, where the important variables are inherent in the subject under study and correlational method was judged to be most suitable and so was selected. 77

4 The approach of the study is multivariate means many variables. It has become common knowledge among behavioural scientists that almost any phenomenon has many determinats and not just one or two indeed if we want to understand any complex psychological phenomenon, we must often approach the phenomenon in the multi-variate manner. Hence multi-variate approach was adopted for studying the family roles as help or hindrance for professional women in Doon Valley. 4.2 SAMPLING Sampling generally refers to the process of selecting small part of specimen of something in order to determine some quality or characteristics of the whole. There are many ways in which sampling may be applied to educational purpose, or sampling generally refers to the process of selecting a few units out of given population in order to find out the specific value of a certain variable. In a research, the sample has got the same meaning i.e. the group of such factors as has the representation of whole population. Perhaps the most important factor in determining the general ability of research result is the selection of the sample used in collection of the research data. A critical part of psycho-social research is the decision as to what will be observed and what will not. It is often impractical or even impossible to survey or observe every element of interest. Sampling methodology provides guidelines for choosing from a population to form some smaller groups that represents the populations important characteristic. A set of selected subjects for study drawn according to some principles of sampling. 78

5 Two main points were considered while selecting the sample (1) representativness and (2) adequacy. In this study the former was ensured by adopting random sampling and latter by considering the size of the sample. According to Mc Carthy (1963) there is no one particular method of sampling that is uniformly the best for all purposes and all situations. Nevertheless it is possible to make a rational choice of a method that is close to being best. Considering the information that is available in advance, the principle of rational choice that are generally accepted, and the restrictions that are imposed on the sampler. The total sample consists of 360 individual subjects divided into subgroup according to the nature of the problem. The total sample consists female and male Teachers, Doctors, Lawyers, Housewives only in Doon Valley. *The uneven sample pattern between males and females has been purposefully maintained by researcher due to the focus on female role and work effect. 4.3 CONTROLS In correlational research variables are not directly controlled by the investigator. According to Ferguson (1976), in such studies the investigator excludes certain variables from the group of casual influences affecting the results observed. Although no direct casual argument linking the classification variables and the dependent variables can be advanced the influence of certain variables on the result observed can be excluded. 79

6 SAMPLE DESIGN TOTAL SMPLE N = House Wives 120 Female 180 Males YA 60 MA Teachers Doctors Lawyer Teachers Doctors Lawyer YA 30 MA 30 YA 30 MA 30 YA 30 MA 10 YA 10 MA 10 YA 10 MA 10 YA 10 MA Index YA Young Aged Women and Men (24-37) years. MA- Middle Aged women and men (38 to 50) years 79

7 In the present study following controls were exercised. 1. The population of the present study was delimited in terms of field. The study was confined to the male and female teachers of schools and colleges, lawyers and doctors and non-working women in Dehradun. 2. The age range was young aged (24-37) and middle aged (38-50). 3. The data was collected only in Doon Valley. 4. Instruction and sequence of test were kept strictly the same for all subjects of study. 5. No time limit for tests was given, but spontaneous responses were encouraged. 4.4 TOOLS The selection of tools depends most prominently upon various consideration such as- (a) The objectives of the study, (b) the amount of time at the disposal of the researches. (c) Availability of suitable tests, (d) personal competence of investigator to administer, score and interpretation of test results. Moreover, for data to have any interpretability, the tools thus selected should possess upto a satisfying mark the characteristics of (a) reliability (b) validity (c) sensitivity, (d) appropriateness, (e) objectivity, (f) feasibility, and (g) ethical standards to a satisfying degree. Taping these factors into consideration, the following tools were selected for present investigation. 1. Family role questionnaire (FRQ) constructed and standardized by (Singh, S. and Vishnoi Sucheta, 2001) 2. Mental Health Inventory (MHI) (Jagdish & Srivastav.,1983) 3. Life satisfaction scale (LSS) (Alam. G.Q. and Srivastav Ramji, 2001) 80

8 4.4.1 Family Role Questionnaire (FRQ) A specific questionnaire is used for data collection for the present study. The questionnaire used is (FRQ) constructed by Dr. Singh Saraswati, Ex-Head, Department of Psychology, M.K.P, (P.G.)College Dehradun & Vishnoi Sucheta in (2001). The tool F.R.Q. deals with the family roles and the psychological problems of professional women for the present research. The particular questionnaire consists of 45 items, which are related to various roles of family life. The whole questionnaire is divided into two parts. First part consist of general introductions of the individual or his/her bio-data. The second part of the questionnaire which is the major part of this present study consists of individuals own family life s various roles are a. Family roles b. Personal roles c. Professional roles, d. Health effects e. Economic life of professional women. The tools were prepared and selected after discussion with five judge from psychology department rated the items for their appropriateness. The final tools were prepared and selected taking into considerations the experts advice, relevant information gathered from booked & journals and researcher s own experience. (a) Reliability Test-Retest reliability has been found to be very good (.82) (b) Scoring and Analysis Family role questionnaire is scored manually on rating values as 5 denotes fully disagreement, 4 denotes disagreement, 3 denotes undecided, 2 and 1 denotes agreement and full agreement. The percentages of the respondents obtained for the ratings on few star questions were obtained. Data has been computer analysised using the statistical package of social sciences (S.P.S.S). The statistics 81

9 used are percentages, means, standard deviations, t test and correlation co-efficient. (c) Administration of the Test The questionnaire was administered personally on each and every subject at his/her residence in a highly relaxed manner with no time limit or constraints. The data was collected by the experimenter herself individually, from Schools & Colleges, Hospitals & Clinics, Kachhary & Court of Dehradun. The questionnaire was filled by the respondent in the face to face situation, with the experimenter. This was done to enhance the reliability of the responses. The verbal instructions were given to the subjects. The subject task was very simple, he/she has just to give the ratings to the appropriate answer. The subject was told that he/she should not hesitate and should be truthful regarding his/her responses. The subject was told that the information shall be kept secret so that he/she will be truthful in their answer. If they didn t want to disclose their identity their name were not written Mental Health Inventory (MHI) (Jagdish & Srivastav, 1983) (a) Purpose Mental health inventory (MHI) developed by Jagdish and Srivastav (1983) was utilized to access positive aspects of mental health. This test can be used as a group or an individual test, for ages 15 and above, no time and age limit is enforced in the testing. Each items from 1 to 56 given in the test booklet to be rated on 4 point rating scale. It covers the following 6 dimensions of sound mental health: 82

10 (1) Positive Self-Evaluation (PSE) self-confidence, self-acceptance, self-identity, realization of one s capabilities. (2) Perception of Reality (PR) related to absence of excessive fantasy, ability to face and accept realities of life. (3) Integration of Personality (IP) indicates balance of psychological forces in the individual, includes emotional maturity, ability to concentrate at work and interest in several activities. (4) Autonomy (AUT) the actions of people are independent rater than dependant on other persons. (5) Group Oriented Attitudes (GOA) ability to work with others and ability to find recreation. (6) Environment Mastery (EM) Efficiency in meeting situational demands. (b) Reliability of the Inventory The reliability of the inventory was determined by split half methods using odd even procedure. The table showing reliability co efficient. No. Dimensions of M.H. Reliability Index 1. Positive self evaluation Perception of reality Integration of personality Autonomy Group oriented attitude.74 & Environment competence overall.73 83

11 Construct validity of the inventory in determined by finding coefficient of correction between scores on mental health inventory and general health questionnaire (gold berg, 1978) it was found to be 54 it is note worthy here that high score on the general questionnaire indicates poor mental health. Two inventory scores yield positive correlation of (.57) revealing moderate validity. The test is scored with the help of manual. 4 alternative responses have been given to each statement i.e. always often, rarely ad never. 4 scores to always, 3 scores to often, 2 scores to rarely and 1 scores to never, marked responses are to be assigned for true keyed (positive) statements where as 1, 2, 3 and 4 scores for always, often rarely and never respectively in case of false keyed (negative) statements Life Satisfaction Scale (LSS) Alam G.Q & Srivastava Ramji, 2001 (a) Purpose Life satisfaction sale in considered an important variable in younger nature as well as aged people. Several investigators have studied the correlates of life satisfaction positive relationship have consistently been obtained between life satisfaction and socioeconomic status perceived adequacy of income and perceived health status. (e.g. Kutner at 1956, cutler 1973, Edwards and Klemmack, 1973). (b) Development of the Scale 60 items related to six areas, viz., Health, Personal, Economic, Marital, Social and Job. The responses are to be given in yes/no. Yes responses indicate the satisfaction. There is no time limit yet it takes about 20 minutes to complete the questionnaire. 84

12 Serial No. of items for different areas: 1) Health 2) Personal 3) Economic 4) Marital 5) Social 6) Job. 875 adults males and females drawn from rural and urban areas of Azamgarh comprised the representative sample over which the scale was standardized. Persons were selected for the sample keeping in view different characteristics, e.g., educational level, intelligence, socio-economic status, and personality characteristic. The range of age was between 18 to 40 years. The scale has 60 items. Every item is to be responded either in yes or no. there is no other alternative. Every yes response is assigned 1 mark. The sum of marks is obtained for the entire scale. Test-retest reliability was computed after a lapse of 6 weeks. The obtained quotient was.84. The validity of the scale was obtained by correlating it with Saxena s Adjustment Inventory and Srivastava Adjustment Inventory. The quotient obtained was.74 and.82 respectively. Further the scale has face validity as all the items are closely related to the covered areas. The items were judged by the exports. Thus the scale is beyond doubt. It also possesses content validity. 4.5 DATA COLLECTION The collection of data was done during the year For data collection, subjects were identified, time was fixed for the visits and rapport was established. The purpose of the study was explicitly made clear to them. They were assured that the information and data will not be disclosed without their permission and it will be used only for research purpose. The meetings with respondents were made friendly and informal. Necessary clarification if required was given by the investigator. No time limit was imposed on them. 85

13 The purpose of the study is to find out work and role effects among Teachers, Doctors and Lawyers of middle and young aged, females and males. 60 female teachers of different schools and colleges were divided into two age groups (YA-24 to 37) (MA-38 to 50) each having thirty female teachers. 60 female Doctors of hospitals and clinics were also divided into two age groups, each having 30 female Doctors and same for the female Lawyers from Dehradun Court and Kachhari. Each age group having 30 female Lawyers. The same professions were taken for the males. Each profession having 20 Teachers, 20 Doctors and 20 Lawyers, divided into two age groups each having 10 males teachers, doctors and lawyers. The researcher has taken 120 non-working women as a control group divided into two age groups. Each group having 60 House-Wives. The sample was taken from Dehradun in India. Family role questionnaire was administered to the sample. This was followed by a mental health (Jagdish & Srivastava) questionnaire in a standardized procedure as advised in manual. Standardized instructions were introduced to make the subject comfortable relaxed and more cooperative and a third tool life satisfaction scale (LSS) Hindi (Q.G. Alam, Srivastava Ramji) was also given to the total sample of this research. The researcher herself went to schools, colleges, hospitals, clinics, court & Kachhari to get the questionnaire filled by the subjects. 4.6 SCORING Scoring of the data was under taken manually with the help of stencils. Statistical Analysis of data, means S.D., test of significance correlation and inter correlation between the factors have been computerized and scores are analyzed with the help of Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) Software on its relevant basis respectively. 86