Methodology

6. METHODOLOGY 6.1 Emphasis on Qualitative Research Methods The research described in this document is based solely on qualitative research methods. This permits (indeed requires) a flexible and iterative approach. During data gathering the choice and design of methods are constantly modified, based on ongoing analysis. This allows investigation of important new issues and questions as they arise, and allows the investigators to drop unproductive areas of research from the original research plan. 6.2 Sampling Unlike quantitative research which uses a random sample generalizable to a larger population, qualitative research uses a purposive sampling method. Purposive sampling involves selection of informants based on an important characteristic under study, such as where they live (rural or urban), position in society (for example, community leader or ordinary householder), or specific cultural knowledge (for example, caretakers of children, farmers, traditional healers). We select informants with the assistance of local leaders and other local persons. Unlike most quantitative studies, we interview informants repeatedly in order to explore issues in-depth. Before we began SC had already taken the first step; identifying the important subgroups or categories of people to be sampled. These were: (1) people who had remained on their traditional lands during most of the civil war; and (2) people who had fled their traditional lands to other communities or regions of Angola for extended periods, and who had only recently returned with the assistance of SC/Angola and others. Within their area of operations, SC/Angola selected six villages for the study: Three were composed of people from group 1 and the other three of people from group 2. All six communities belong to the same ethnic group (NGOIA-speaking) to minimize the influence of cultural differences. Descriptions of the study villages are presented in Section 7.2. 6.3 Types of Qualitative Methods Used Data gathering