Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches By OLIVE M. MUGENDA AND ABEL G. MUGENDA. AFRICAN CENTRE FOR TECHNOLOGY STUDIES (ACTS) PRESS, NAIROBI – KENYA, 2003. ISBN: 9966-41-107-0. 256 PP.

Abstract

Orientation of research methodology is principal to researchers and students in order to build up rigours in research undertakings. Despite such importance, most of the literature sources used don’t adequately meet the needs of researchers and students. The materials seem not to ground research within the local historical, socio-cultural, political and economic contexts that so much influence the research process. Thus, the authors wrote this book purposely to localise the research process and make steps towards meeting the constant lack of locally available textbooks relating to our own situation and experiences. The book presents research concepts and techniques (qualitative and quantitative) chapter-wise depending on the topical issues at hand. The texts are valid and provide a thorough guidance to students and researchers on the methodologies associated with qualitative and quantitative approaches. Also, the authors have tried to provide guidance and discussions based on the local perspectives as claimed though at some point not well informative and contextualised. Notwithstanding, the book has a number of flaws including misplacement of some chapters; inadequate discussions on theoretical and conceptual frameworks in the literature review; and limited discussions on inferential data analysis. Further, a meticulous discussion on the simultaneous use of qualitative and quantitative approaches in research is missing. Mixed methods approach is more contemporary in social as well as business research; hence, authors could have enriched the discussion by providing a valuable guidance on the synchronised use of both approaches in the analysis and reporting of findings.