HMPYC80 – Research Methodology
Research Proposal
Unique Number: 563684
Jacqueline van Niekerk
55074103
,55074103
The Course Leader: HMPYC80
Department of Psychology
University of South Africa
10 October 2021
Dear Sir/Madam,
RE: Research proposal: What motivates people to volunteer
I am currently associated with UNISA, where I am a Psychology honours student. As a
UNISA honours student, we are expected to undertake a research proposal during our studies
in the HMPYC80 module. Due to my own experience and history in volunteerism, I am
particularly interested in what motivates people to volunteer.
I’m approaching you to submit this proposal for a peer group assessment/review. The
proposal is required for my course in Research Methodology. As a result, it appears
reasonable to submit this project for peer review to see what my peers think of my proposal
and my abilities to draft a scientific study.
I gathered information by interviewing three volunteers who are currently working as
volunteers. Participation was completely voluntary. The information will only be used for
transcription purposes and will be kept private.
I hope my proposal will meet your approval.
Yours sincerely
Jacqueline van Niekerk
151 Genl Hertzog Street
Wellington
Western Cape
, 55074103
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary (Abstract) ....................................................................................................... 1
2. Background of the research problem ............................................................................................... 2
3. Literature Review ............................................................................................................................ 2
3.1. Theories and models of volunteerism...................................................................................... 3
3.2. Perspectives on the motive for volunteerism........................................................................... 5
4. The Research Approach .................................................................................................................. 6
4.1. Methodology ........................................................................................................................... 6
4.2. Research design ....................................................................................................................... 6
4.3. Participants .............................................................................................................................. 8
4.4. Data Analysis .......................................................................................................................... 9
4.4.1. Advantages of Thematic Analysis Method ..................................................................... 9
4.4.2. Disadvantages of Thematic Analysis Method ............................................................... 10
4.4.3. Phases of Thematic Analysis suggested by Braun and Clarke (2006) .......................... 10
4.4.3.1. Familiarization........................................................................................................... 11
4.4.3.2. Generating initial codes ............................................................................................. 11
4.4.3.3. Searching for themes ................................................................................................. 12
4.4.3.4. Reviewing themes ..................................................................................................... 12
4.4.3.5. Defining and naming themes ..................................................................................... 12
4.4.3.6. Producing the report .................................................................................................. 12
5. Trustworthiness (reliability and validity) ...................................................................................... 13
5.1. Credibility.............................................................................................................................. 13
5.2. Transferability ....................................................................................................................... 14
5.3. Dependability ........................................................................................................................ 14
5.4. Confirmability ....................................................................................................................... 14
6. Ethical Consideration .................................................................................................................... 15
7. Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................... 16
Reference List ....................................................................................................................................... 17
Research Proposal
Unique Number: 563684
Jacqueline van Niekerk
55074103
,55074103
The Course Leader: HMPYC80
Department of Psychology
University of South Africa
10 October 2021
Dear Sir/Madam,
RE: Research proposal: What motivates people to volunteer
I am currently associated with UNISA, where I am a Psychology honours student. As a
UNISA honours student, we are expected to undertake a research proposal during our studies
in the HMPYC80 module. Due to my own experience and history in volunteerism, I am
particularly interested in what motivates people to volunteer.
I’m approaching you to submit this proposal for a peer group assessment/review. The
proposal is required for my course in Research Methodology. As a result, it appears
reasonable to submit this project for peer review to see what my peers think of my proposal
and my abilities to draft a scientific study.
I gathered information by interviewing three volunteers who are currently working as
volunteers. Participation was completely voluntary. The information will only be used for
transcription purposes and will be kept private.
I hope my proposal will meet your approval.
Yours sincerely
Jacqueline van Niekerk
151 Genl Hertzog Street
Wellington
Western Cape
, 55074103
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary (Abstract) ....................................................................................................... 1
2. Background of the research problem ............................................................................................... 2
3. Literature Review ............................................................................................................................ 2
3.1. Theories and models of volunteerism...................................................................................... 3
3.2. Perspectives on the motive for volunteerism........................................................................... 5
4. The Research Approach .................................................................................................................. 6
4.1. Methodology ........................................................................................................................... 6
4.2. Research design ....................................................................................................................... 6
4.3. Participants .............................................................................................................................. 8
4.4. Data Analysis .......................................................................................................................... 9
4.4.1. Advantages of Thematic Analysis Method ..................................................................... 9
4.4.2. Disadvantages of Thematic Analysis Method ............................................................... 10
4.4.3. Phases of Thematic Analysis suggested by Braun and Clarke (2006) .......................... 10
4.4.3.1. Familiarization........................................................................................................... 11
4.4.3.2. Generating initial codes ............................................................................................. 11
4.4.3.3. Searching for themes ................................................................................................. 12
4.4.3.4. Reviewing themes ..................................................................................................... 12
4.4.3.5. Defining and naming themes ..................................................................................... 12
4.4.3.6. Producing the report .................................................................................................. 12
5. Trustworthiness (reliability and validity) ...................................................................................... 13
5.1. Credibility.............................................................................................................................. 13
5.2. Transferability ....................................................................................................................... 14
5.3. Dependability ........................................................................................................................ 14
5.4. Confirmability ....................................................................................................................... 14
6. Ethical Consideration .................................................................................................................... 15
7. Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................... 16
Reference List ....................................................................................................................................... 17
