CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
As it is indicated in the title, this chapter includes the research methodology.
The following have been outlined: the research strategy, the research method,
the research approach, the methods of data collection, the selection of the
sample, the research process, the type of data analysis, the ethical
considerations and the research limitations of the project.
3.2 Research strategy
The research to be held with respect to this proposal is quanitatitive. As such,
measurement of the quantity of power output from a fixed solar panel and a
solar tracking solar panel is to be undertaken
3.3 Research method
In order to satisfy the objectives of the research, a quantitative research is to
be held. The main characteristic of quantitative research is that is is based
on the measurement of quantity or amount and in this proposal it is applied to
the quantity of solar power harnessed by a fixed solar panel and a solar
tracking solar panel. The aim is to calculate the output power and cumulative
energy for the two different solar systems yield respectively and evaluate as
well as compare the performances of the systems
3.4 Research approach
This paper compares different photovoltaic systems installed in Nairobi from
the energy output point of view. For our project purpose, we will collect practical
hour basis average solar radiation data for a specific year from our setup in
Kenyatta University. We will calculate the solar radiation for the fixed panel and
sun tracker system from that and then calculate output power and cumulative
energy.
3.5 Data collection method and tools
For the purposes of this research, practical data of the solar irradiance
is collected through data collection tools in the form of a solar irradiance
meter. The solar irradiance meter once connected to the PV panel diplays the
solar irradiance on the LCD display.That data is recorded in a table containing
the solar irradiance value of a particular place from sunset to sunrise on an
hourly average value basis in watt per square metre (W/m2).The table is as
follows:
Time of day Average value of Solar irradiance
in Nairobi
0000-0100hrs
0100-0200hrs
0200-0300hrs
0300-0400hrs
0400-0500hrs
0500-0600hrs
0600-0700hrs
0700-0800hrs
0800-0900hrs
0900-1000hrs
1000-1100hrs
1100-1200hrs
1200-1300hrs
1300-1400hrs
1400-1500hrs
1500-1600hrs
1600-1700hrs
1700-1800hrs
1800-1900hrs
1900-2000hrs
2000-2100hrs
2100-2200hrs
2200-2300hrs
2300-2400hrs
3.6. Data analysis
Content analysis was used to analyze the data which was gathered
from practical data collection. According to Moore & McCabe (2005), this is the
type of research whereby data gathered is categorized in themes and sub-
themes, so as to be able to be comparable. A main advantage of content
analysis is that it helps in data collected being reduced and simplified, while at
the same time producing results that may then measured using
quantitative techniques. Moreover, content analysis gives the ability to
researchers to structure the qualitative data collected in a way that
satisfies the accomplishment of research objectives. However, human
error is highly involved in content analysis, since there is the risk for
researchers to misinterpret the data gathered, thereby generating false and
unreliable conclusions (Krippendorff & Bock, 2008).
3.9 Ethical considerations
The current study was subject to certain ethical issues. As it was mentioned
earlier, all participants reported their written acceptance regarding their
participation in the research, through a signed Consent and Briefing
Letter. At the same time, sample members were asked to sign a
Debriefing and Withdrawal Letter. The aim of both letters was to
reassure participants that their participation in the research is voluntary
and that they were free to withdraw from it at any point and for any reason.
Next to this, participants were fully informed regarding the objectives of
the study, while they were reassured that their answers were
treated as confidential and used only for academic purposes and only for the
purposes of the particular research. Except from the above, participants
were not harmed or abused, both physically and psychologically, during the
conduction of the research. In contrast, the researcher attempted to create and
maintain a climate of comfort.
3.10 Research Limitations
As it is for every study, this dissertation had the following limitations:
The size of the sample was relatively small - 6 participants. A bigger
sample would probably enhance the reliability of the research
Qualitative research is not allowing the measurement of the examined
problems
The analysis of the role of the DMOs in the promotion of Athens as a
tourist destination may be influenced by factors which were
not mentioned in this project
In some cases participants may refused to speak against their
organizations
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