TABLE OF CONTENT
1. Introduction 2
2. Question 1.1: Suitable Research Approach 4-6
3. Question 2.1: Suitable Research Paradigm 7-9
4. Question 3.1: Suitable Research Design 10-12
5. Question 4.1: Data Collection Tools 13-16
6. Question 5.1: Sampling Techniques 17-19
7. Question 5.2: Data Analysis Strategy 20-23
8. Question 6.1: Advantages and Disadvantages 24-27
9. Conclusion 28
10. Reference List 29-31
1
,1. Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally disrupted traditional face-to-face higher
education, compelling institutions like Tsimuku University to rapidly transition to online
learning modalities. This shift necessitated that university libraries adapt their services
to support students in a remote environment. Tsimuku University Library introduced
24/7 services, online research support, online consultation services, and LibGuides
specifically tailored for Honours students. However, librarians observed low usage and
access statistics and were uncertain whether Honours students were aware of these
services. Consequently, a study is required to investigate Honours students' awareness,
use, and experiences of these online library services. This assignment presents a
comprehensive research methodology plan for conducting such a study.
2. Question 1.1: Suitable Research Approach
2.1 Introduction to the Qualitative Research Approach
The research approach that is most suitable for investigating Honours students'
awareness, use, and experiences of online library services at Tsimuku University is the
qualitative research approach. Qualitative research is defined as "an approach for
exploring and understanding the meaning individuals or groups ascribe to a social or
human problem" (Creswell & Creswell, 2018, p. 4). The process of qualitative research
involves emerging questions and procedures, data typically collected in the participant's
2
,setting, data analysis inductively building from particulars to general themes, and the
researcher making interpretations of the meaning of the data (Creswell & Creswell,
2018, p. 4).
2.2 Key Characteristics of the Qualitative Research Approach
Qualitative research is distinguished by several key characteristics that make it
particularly suitable for exploring complex social phenomena (Creswell & Creswell,
2018, pp. 181-182):
Natural Setting: Qualitative researchers collect data in the field at the site where
participants experience the issue or problem under study. In this scenario, the
researcher would engage with Honours students in their natural academic environment,
whether physically or virtually, to understand their authentic experiences with the online
library services (Creswell & Creswell, 2018, p. 181).
3
, Researcher as Key Instrument: The researcher serves as the primary instrument for
data collection, gathering information through examining documents, observing
behaviour, or interviewing participants (Creswell & Creswell, 2018, p. 181). The
researcher would personally conduct interviews and focus groups with Honours
students to gain deep insights into their awareness and experiences.
Multiple Sources of Data: Qualitative researchers typically gather multiple forms of data,
such as interviews, observations, documents, and audiovisual information (Creswell &
Creswell, 2018, p. 181). This study could utilise semi-structured interviews, focus group
discussions, and possibly analysis of library usage logs to triangulate findings.
Inductive and Deductive Data Analysis: Qualitative researchers work inductively,
building patterns, categories, and themes from the bottom up by organising data into
increasingly more abstract units of information (Creswell & Creswell, 2018, p. 181). The
analysis would involve coding interview transcripts and focus group data to identify
recurring themes related to awareness, usage patterns, and experiences.
Participants' Meanings: The research focuses on learning the meaning that participants
hold about the problem or issue, not the meaning that researchers bring to the study
(Creswell & Creswell, 2018, p. 182). This is crucial for understanding how Honours
students perceive and make sense of the online library services.
4
1. Introduction 2
2. Question 1.1: Suitable Research Approach 4-6
3. Question 2.1: Suitable Research Paradigm 7-9
4. Question 3.1: Suitable Research Design 10-12
5. Question 4.1: Data Collection Tools 13-16
6. Question 5.1: Sampling Techniques 17-19
7. Question 5.2: Data Analysis Strategy 20-23
8. Question 6.1: Advantages and Disadvantages 24-27
9. Conclusion 28
10. Reference List 29-31
1
,1. Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally disrupted traditional face-to-face higher
education, compelling institutions like Tsimuku University to rapidly transition to online
learning modalities. This shift necessitated that university libraries adapt their services
to support students in a remote environment. Tsimuku University Library introduced
24/7 services, online research support, online consultation services, and LibGuides
specifically tailored for Honours students. However, librarians observed low usage and
access statistics and were uncertain whether Honours students were aware of these
services. Consequently, a study is required to investigate Honours students' awareness,
use, and experiences of these online library services. This assignment presents a
comprehensive research methodology plan for conducting such a study.
2. Question 1.1: Suitable Research Approach
2.1 Introduction to the Qualitative Research Approach
The research approach that is most suitable for investigating Honours students'
awareness, use, and experiences of online library services at Tsimuku University is the
qualitative research approach. Qualitative research is defined as "an approach for
exploring and understanding the meaning individuals or groups ascribe to a social or
human problem" (Creswell & Creswell, 2018, p. 4). The process of qualitative research
involves emerging questions and procedures, data typically collected in the participant's
2
,setting, data analysis inductively building from particulars to general themes, and the
researcher making interpretations of the meaning of the data (Creswell & Creswell,
2018, p. 4).
2.2 Key Characteristics of the Qualitative Research Approach
Qualitative research is distinguished by several key characteristics that make it
particularly suitable for exploring complex social phenomena (Creswell & Creswell,
2018, pp. 181-182):
Natural Setting: Qualitative researchers collect data in the field at the site where
participants experience the issue or problem under study. In this scenario, the
researcher would engage with Honours students in their natural academic environment,
whether physically or virtually, to understand their authentic experiences with the online
library services (Creswell & Creswell, 2018, p. 181).
3
, Researcher as Key Instrument: The researcher serves as the primary instrument for
data collection, gathering information through examining documents, observing
behaviour, or interviewing participants (Creswell & Creswell, 2018, p. 181). The
researcher would personally conduct interviews and focus groups with Honours
students to gain deep insights into their awareness and experiences.
Multiple Sources of Data: Qualitative researchers typically gather multiple forms of data,
such as interviews, observations, documents, and audiovisual information (Creswell &
Creswell, 2018, p. 181). This study could utilise semi-structured interviews, focus group
discussions, and possibly analysis of library usage logs to triangulate findings.
Inductive and Deductive Data Analysis: Qualitative researchers work inductively,
building patterns, categories, and themes from the bottom up by organising data into
increasingly more abstract units of information (Creswell & Creswell, 2018, p. 181). The
analysis would involve coding interview transcripts and focus group data to identify
recurring themes related to awareness, usage patterns, and experiences.
Participants' Meanings: The research focuses on learning the meaning that participants
hold about the problem or issue, not the meaning that researchers bring to the study
(Creswell & Creswell, 2018, p. 182). This is crucial for understanding how Honours
students perceive and make sense of the online library services.
4
