EQUIPO DE PROTECCIÓN PERSONAL

The concurrent mixed method procedures that were employed in this mixed method study necessitates the simultaneous collection of quantitative (less dominant) and quantitative (dominant) data, to provide better informed understanding of the phenomenon of inclusion of deaf learners in mainstream high schools.

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4.4.1 Data gathering instruments for the quantitative part of the research

The quantitative data collection instrument used in this study was a structured questionnaire. According to McMillan and Schumacher (2010:195) the questionnaire is relatively economical, has the same questions for all subjects, and can ensure anonymity. Questionnaires can use statements or questions, but in all cases, the subject is required to respond to something written for specific purposes.

For the quantitative part of this study multiple questionnaires was used to identify the knowledge that educators consider important with regard to inclusion of deaf learners in regular high schools. A Likert-type scale with three response categories, viz. Agree, Disagree, Uncertain, was utilised. The three response categories allowed the researcher to measure the direction and intensity of responses. The findings from the quantitative data were used to complement support to the qualitative enquiry which was the dominant research method used.

4.4.2 Data gathering procedures for the quantitative part of the research

After obtaining permission to conduct research at ten high schools in KwaZulu-Natal, 210 questionnaires were personally delivered to the principals of selected high schools on the agreed date and time. Their assistance was enlisted to distribute the questionnaires to the high school educators. School administrators were informed of the reasons for conducting research via written communication. The letters sent to the principals explained the finer detail of the research and thanked them for their co-operation. Principals received follow-up calls to inquire whether educators had completed the questionnaires. A return rate of 51% completed questionnaires was achieved. This is considered a good return rate, taking into account that a well-planned survey is normally expected to yield at least a 40% response rate (Cohen et al. 2007:345-346). The good return rate could indicate the need of high school educators for assistance in supporting deaf learners in mainstream schools.

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Two covering letters addressed to the principals and educators (Appendices 3 and 4), in which ethical issues were also addressed, accompanied the questionnaire. These letters informed principals and educators of the purpose and potential benefits of the study. Participants were assured of anonymity and confidentiality. Relevant information regarding the completion of the questionnaire was also given. The estimated time for completion of the questionnaire was thirty to forty minutes.

4.4.3 Data gathering instruments for the qualitative part of the research

Since the qualitative approach to inquiry in this study is located in phenomenology, the data collection instrument believed most appropriate was interviews with the participants. An interview is a data-collection method in which an interviewer (the researcher) asks questions of an interviewee (the research participant). The interviewer collects the data from the interviewee, who provides the data (Johnson & Christensen 2004:178). According to McMillan and Schumacher (2010:205) the interview technique is flexible and adaptable. It can be used with many different problems and types of persons.

A semi-structured interview with a schedule was utilised in this study. The topics for the interview were identified during the literature study, which revealed relevant questions for the researcher to ask in the course of the interview with the learners. Johnson and Christensen (2004:144) stress that semi-structured questions have no choices from which the respondents select answers. Rather, the question is phrased to allow for individual responses.

4.4.4 Data gathering procedures for the qualitative part of the research

During the semi-structured interviews the interviewer covered the same general topics and questions with all the interviewees.

The purpose of the interviews in this study focused on the generation of information regarding participants’ thoughts, beliefs, knowledge, reasoning, motivations, and feelings

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about a topic. During the interviews the researcher attempted to establish trust and rapport, making it easy for the interviewees to provide information about their inner world (Johnson & Christensen 2004:183). Denzin and Lincoln (2003:25) recommend the use of interpretive, open-ended approaches as means of gathering “thick descriptions” of particular events, so as to make sense out of a local situation, is valuable. Non-verbal as well as verbal behaviour can be noted in face-to-face interviews, and the interviewer has an opportunity to motivate the respondent. However, the primary disadvantages of the interview are its potential for subjectivity and bias, its higher cost and time-consuming nature, and its lack of anonymity.

Greeff (2005:294) maintains that the researcher and the participants have some degree of flexibility, and the researcher is able to follow up interesting areas that emerge from the responses. Participants are also able to provide greater detail, thereby furnishing an in- depth account of their life experiences, as questions are open-ended.

An additional advantage of this approach was that it helped build a positive relationship between the interviewer and respondents. This was helpful as the interviewer was following up initial interviews and was involved in a continuing evaluation of study (McMillan & Schumacher 2010:206).