TRIBALISM AS A SOURCE OF COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN: A STUDY OF ABIRIBA COMMUNITY IN ABIA STATE ON R E S E A R C H M E T H O D O L O G Y

R E S E A R C H    M E T H O D O L O G Y

3.0 Introduction

This chapter discusses the method and procedure used in the study and is presented under the following sub-headings: research design, population, sample size, sampling technique, instrument of data collection, description of the instrument, method of data analysis as well as validity of measuring instrument.

3.1 Research Design

Flick (2006) states that the design is a plan for collecting and analyzing evidence that makes it possible for the investigator to answer whatever question he or she has posed. The research design used for this study is the survey research design which according to Babble (1986), is probably the best method available to the social scientist interested in collecting original data for describing a population too large to observe directly. Survey is excellent vehicle for measuring attitudes and orientations in a large population.

3.2 Population of Study

This refers to all case or individuals that fit a certain specification; Ohajo (2003) states that it is also the aggregate of all cases that conform to some designated set of specification. The population of this study includes all residents of Abiriba community which amounts to a numerical estimate of about 205,000 residents according to the National Census Board (2000)

3.3 Sample size

To determine the sample size, Taro Yamane’s formula was used. The formula states:

n=            N 

1 + N (e²)

Where;

n = the sample size

N = the population size

E = the level of confidence

Thus substituting the formula with the actual figures for this research

n=       205,000

     1 + 205,000 (0.05)²

n=       205,000

     1 + 40,037 (0.025)

n=   205,000

1       +  512.5

n= 205,000

          513.5

n=399 respondents (approximately)

3.4 Sampling technique

The sampling technique involved in this research is the convenience sampling method which is also referred to as accidental sampling where the closest respondent to the researcher was selected at random.

3.5 Instrument of Data Collection

Data was collected through the use of questionnaire which the researcher administered directly to the respondents, explained its details in order to provide the respondent a comprehensive understanding of the items after which the questionnaire was immediately retrieved.

3.5 Description of measuring Instrument

The questionnaire which was the measuring instrument was semi-structured and designed in two sections; section A provided an introduction into the purpose of the research as well as a list of questions on the identity of the respondent who may or may not choose to disclose certain information; section B consists of questions with a provided list of options from which the respondents chose.

3.6 Method of Data Analysis

Data was presented using tables, percentages and pie charts. The descriptive statistical method was used in data analysis

3.7 Validity of Measuring Instrument

The questionnaire was submitted to the research supervisor for assessment and verification for its face and content validity. The questionnaire was finally re-written by the researcher after due integration of the corrections pointed out by the supervisor.

APPENDIX II

QUESTIONNAIRE

Please tick (√) where appropriate in the boxes below:

i.                   Male                Female

ii.                 Age Range: 18-24               25-30 31-36   37 and above

Section B

1       Are you an indigene of the Abiriba community?

Yes             No

2       Do you agree that within the Abiriba community that there are problems of communication breakdown?

Agree          Strongly agree               Disagree                Strongly disagree

3       Do you agree that tribalism is a major cause of communication, breakdown in the community?

Agree Strongly agree            Disagree            Strongly disagree

4       What is the basis of your response to question three (3)? Identify the reason from the options below:

Insecurity                                Increased police arrests

Political rivalry                        Decreased sense of community life

Social violence                         Distrust among residents

Manipulation of mass media content

Inequitable distribution of communal wealth

Tribal wars

5       To what extent do you think that tribalism is a source of communication breakdown in Abiriba community?

To a large extent

To a small extent

To no extent

6       In what areas does tribalism manifest in Abiriba community? Identify three (3) areas

Political issues                                            Family units

Interpersonal communication           Communal sharing

Inter-tribal communication

Others, specify: …………………………………………………………..   

……………………………………………………………………………….

7       What challenges do you think arise as a result of tribalism as a source of communication breakdown in Abiriba community?

Inter-tribal war

Distrust among Abiriba residents

Increased social violence

Weakened economic system

Impacts negatively on agriculture and other forms of economic employment

Slower rate of development

8       In your opinion, do you agree that communication breakdown as a major problem in Nigeria?

Agree Strongly agree            Disagree                  

Strongly disagree

9       Identify the three reasons for your response

It has led to increased political violence

It has led to increased acts of terrorism

It has led to impinging of national image in the international community

It has led to increased social violence

It has resulted in the weakness in national economy

It has made national integration difficult

It has led to distrust among different cultures

It has resulted in poor living standards

10  What do you think the reasons are for tribalism in Nigeria? Identify three from the options provided:

Misunderstanding in inter-tribal communication

Misplaced values, beliefs and conventions

Corruption

Lack of skilled opinion leaders

Social extortion

Others, please specify: …………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………

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