3.
0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN
A research design is a master plan specifying the methods and procedures for collecting analysing
needed information (Ahuja, 2010). The objectives of the study is to determine the early stage of the
research and include designs to ensure the information collected is appropriate for solving problems
because of the research questions, objectives of the study and the types of data that will be needed
to tackle the research problem.
The survey research design was adopted in in the study. Survey design is a type of research design in
which the researcher is interested in observing what is happening to the variables under
investigation without attempting to control or manipulate them. This research design was chosen
because it has the potential of aiding the research to gather data about the variables of the study
and their attributes for the purpose of testing significant relationship between variables in the
hypothesis.
3.2 STUDY AREA
This study was conducted in Afara-ukwu, Ibeku in Umuahia. It is a part of seven clans that constitute
Ibeku. It is located in the present-day Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria.
The people of Afara-ukwu, Ibeku speak Igbo, one of the three dominant Nigerian languages.
There are a few reasons why Afara-ukwu Ibeku was chosen as a study area for gender discrimination
and women’s political participation.
Firstly, Afara-ukwu, Ibeku is a community in Ibeku in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia
State, where gender discrimination affecting women’s political participation have been observed.
This makes it a suitable location for studying these issues.
Secondly, Afara-ukwu Ibeku is representative of many similar communities in Umuahia North where
gender disparity is prevalent.
Lastly, the choice of Afara-ukwu, Ibeku is due to the researcher hails from there and understands the
language.
3.3 POPULATION OF STUDY
The population of the study encompass the men and women working in civil service, politicians,
women wing-leaders, party leaders in Afara-ukwu, Ibeku in Umuahia North Local Government Area
of Abia State.
3.4 SAMPLE SIZE
A total of 120 questionnaires were distributed to civil service workers, ward leaders, women wing-
leaders, party leaders, and politicians in Afara-ukwu, Ibeku. Out of which 120 respondents returned
their questionnaires. The sample population was restricted to women alone.
3.5 SAMPLING TECHNIQUE
The study adopted purposive sample technique because the researcher was concerned only with
adult women who may or may not have participated in political activities. The source of data of this
study included the primary and secondary sources. The primary source of data were derived from
the use of questionnaire. The secondary source of the data were derived from published and
unpublished journals and library material.
3.6 RESEARCH INSTRUMENT
The instrumental used for this study was questionnaire. This was constructed and validated by the
supervisor. The questionnaire was made up of two sections:
Section A: Focused on demographic data of respondents (research personal data).
Section B: This contained twenty four (24) items aimed at eliciting relevant information from the
respondent on the main variables of the study: gender discrimination and women’s political
participation.
3.7 ADMINISTRATION OF DATA
The questionnaire was administered by the researcher to the respondents. This was based on the
sampling technique described at sub-section 3.4. In order to facilitate the administration of
questionnaire, two research assistants were also involved.
3.8 METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS
The researcher used percentage frequency distribution as method of data analysis to calculate the
difference in response between yes and no responses. The statistical tool was employed in analysing
data was the chi-square in the test of hypothesis: the formula for calculating chi-square
χ2 = ∑(Oi – Ei)2/Ei
where
Oi = observed value (actual value)
Ei = expected value.
∑= Summation of the variables
χ2 = Chi-square sign
This will be done with the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) which is a
computer package that gives an accurate analysis of the hypotheses and questionnaires
