HMDVA81
Assignment 4 2025
Unique #
Due Date: 6 August 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, QUESTION 1: STUDY TYPE ANALYSIS
This study is typical of a mixed-method research design because it combines both
qualitative and quantitative methods. The use of focus group discussions (FGDs) is a
clear sign of a qualitative approach. FGDs allow for the collection of in-depth
information through open discussions, where participants share their personal
experiences, views, and emotions. This method helps the researchers understand
the deeper meaning behind behaviours, attitudes, and social norms, which are
crucial when exploring topics like empowerment, identity, and roles within
communities.
On the other hand, the study also used a quantitative household survey, which is
a hallmark of quantitative research. This method involves structured data collection
using closed-ended questions, enabling researchers to gather measurable data from
a larger population. Quantitative surveys allow for statistical analysis, generalisation
of findings, and testing of specific hypotheses, such as determining the extent to
which women have been economically empowered by the goat farming programme.
The integration of both methods shows that the study aimed to benefit from the
strengths of each approach. The qualitative data from FGDs helps to explain the how
and why of women’s empowerment, while the quantitative survey helps to measure
how much empowerment occurred and identify general patterns across the
community. Therefore, this combination enhances the validity, richness, and depth of
the research findings, making it a strong example of a mixed-method study. This
approach is particularly useful in development studies, where both individual
experiences and broader patterns are important.
QUESTION 2: WHICH SAMPLING METHODS WERE MOST APPROPRIATE FOR
THIS STUDY?
In a study that combines focus group discussions (FGDs) and a quantitative
household survey to explore how a goat farming commercialisation programme
empowers women, a combination of non-probability sampling for the qualitative
component and probability sampling for the quantitative component is most
appropriate. Each of these sampling methods serves different goals in mixed-
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 4 2025
Unique #
Due Date: 6 August 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, QUESTION 1: STUDY TYPE ANALYSIS
This study is typical of a mixed-method research design because it combines both
qualitative and quantitative methods. The use of focus group discussions (FGDs) is a
clear sign of a qualitative approach. FGDs allow for the collection of in-depth
information through open discussions, where participants share their personal
experiences, views, and emotions. This method helps the researchers understand
the deeper meaning behind behaviours, attitudes, and social norms, which are
crucial when exploring topics like empowerment, identity, and roles within
communities.
On the other hand, the study also used a quantitative household survey, which is
a hallmark of quantitative research. This method involves structured data collection
using closed-ended questions, enabling researchers to gather measurable data from
a larger population. Quantitative surveys allow for statistical analysis, generalisation
of findings, and testing of specific hypotheses, such as determining the extent to
which women have been economically empowered by the goat farming programme.
The integration of both methods shows that the study aimed to benefit from the
strengths of each approach. The qualitative data from FGDs helps to explain the how
and why of women’s empowerment, while the quantitative survey helps to measure
how much empowerment occurred and identify general patterns across the
community. Therefore, this combination enhances the validity, richness, and depth of
the research findings, making it a strong example of a mixed-method study. This
approach is particularly useful in development studies, where both individual
experiences and broader patterns are important.
QUESTION 2: WHICH SAMPLING METHODS WERE MOST APPROPRIATE FOR
THIS STUDY?
In a study that combines focus group discussions (FGDs) and a quantitative
household survey to explore how a goat farming commercialisation programme
empowers women, a combination of non-probability sampling for the qualitative
component and probability sampling for the quantitative component is most
appropriate. Each of these sampling methods serves different goals in mixed-
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
