Silas Memory Madondo - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Silas Memory Madondo

Research paper thumbnail of The American Statistical Association (ASA) Statement of 2016 on Statistical Significance and P-value: A Critical Thought

Science Journal of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, 2017

A study on American Statistical Association (ASA) policy statement on statistical significance te... more A study on American Statistical Association (ASA) policy statement on statistical significance testing and p-value of 2016 was carried out in Tanzania. The purpose of the study was to explore the feelings and reactions of university statistics tutors towards the American Statistical Association policy statement on statistical significance testing and p-value of 2016. A sample of 9 statistics tutors from different disciplines were selected from public and private universities via heterogeneous purposive sampling to participate in the study. Respondents had mixed feelings towards ASA policy statement of 2016. The ASA policy statement was criticized for being shallow in depth, subjective and failing to answer the core problems raised against the use of Null Hypothesis Significance Testing (NHST) and p-value. The ASA policy statement was dismissed as a non event with nothing new to offer. However, despite being shallow, the ASA policy on NHST and p-value is likely to trigger a health debate on the shortfalls of NHST and p-value and the debate will eventually lead to a breakthrough.

Research paper thumbnail of Research Report Writing

IGI Global eBooks, 2022

This chapter discusses the critical aspects necessary to produce a research report from a study u... more This chapter discusses the critical aspects necessary to produce a research report from a study undertaken. Since research is based on a systematic endeavour which seeks to establish valid findings, the chapter addresses notions of criticality that ought to be espoused by the inquirer and the need to present findings being mindful of the demands related to academic writing. Furthermore, the chapter outlines the structures and steps that are necessary to produce a good enough proposal, ethical issues, gaining consent and ultimately how to produce a dissertation report at the end of all research activities and data analysis. It is noted in this chapter that a good proposal is most likely to end as a plausible research output. An informative study need not be diminished by a lack of academic writing skills, poor organisation, and unethical conduct.

Research paper thumbnail of Approaches and Processes of Social Science Research

Advances in knowledge acquisition, transfer and management book series, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Critical Theory in Research

IGI Global eBooks, 2022

Based on critical theory, this chapter focuses on the first generation of Frankfurt School (mainl... more Based on critical theory, this chapter focuses on the first generation of Frankfurt School (mainly to authors such as T.W. Adorno, M. Horkheimer, and W. Benjamin). For discussing methodology in research, these authors are considered more representative than the younger generation (e.g., Habermas and Honneth) mainly because of the renewed interest in the direct critique of society and because of the failure of the younger generation to produce empirical research. The proponents of critical theory establish connections between theory and practice, in the sense that the social content of research must have human dignity at its centre. The difference between method-led and content-led research is discussed and considered central for this kind of approach to empirical research. Feminist research methodologies and critical race methodology are considered as closely associated with critical theory. These different approaches have developed autonomously from critical theory and are not directly related to it. However, feminist research methodologies and critical race methodology are expounded here because of their similarities to the critical theory of the Frankfurt School aimed at providing an emancipatory approach to empirical research.

Research paper thumbnail of Qualitative Methods in Research

IGI Global eBooks, 2022

This chapter discusses various methods and approaches to data collection under the qualitative me... more This chapter discusses various methods and approaches to data collection under the qualitative methodology framework, noting that these methods provide rigour and depth understanding in an inquiry. Though the chapter touches on traditional qualitative methods such as the interview and observations, it focused more on examining alternative and non-traditional qualitative methods in data collection, such as the bricolage and distance researching. The chapter further identified other strategies such as sampling, triangulation and ethical considerations that may be relevant to a qualitative study. The chapter helps the reader to reach a broad-based understanding as to the location of qualitative research and the methodological demands necessary to apprehend complex social worlds of studied participants.

Research paper thumbnail of Ethnographic Research

IGI Global eBooks, 2022

<jats:p>This chapter considers some of the essential features of ethnography as a qualitati... more <jats:p>This chapter considers some of the essential features of ethnography as a qualitative method. The main theoretical foundations of ethnographic approach are explained; however, the emphasis is mainly on how ethnography is done. Thus, the techniques for collecting data used by ethnographers take the central part of this chapter with some special attention to the methodology of observation. Through many examples, the authors describe the various forms of observation as a social research method. It is useful to illustrate the approach of the ethnographer through the metaphor of the "stranger" because "reflexivity" is an important part of the qualitative approach of ethnography. The practicalities of recording the field research and writing memos are fully considered in conjunction with practical suggestions and conceptual discussion, including the writing up of the final text which should be the conclusion of a consequential process, rather than a separate entity. </jats:p>

Research paper thumbnail of The American Statistical Association (ASA) Statement of 2016 on Statistical Significance and P-value: A Critical Thought

Science Journal of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, 2017

A study on American Statistical Association (ASA) policy statement on statistical significance te... more A study on American Statistical Association (ASA) policy statement on statistical significance testing and p-value of 2016 was carried out in Tanzania. The purpose of the study was to explore the feelings and reactions of university statistics tutors towards the American Statistical Association policy statement on statistical significance testing and p-value of 2016. A sample of 9 statistics tutors from different disciplines were selected from public and private universities via heterogeneous purposive sampling to participate in the study. Respondents had mixed feelings towards ASA policy statement of 2016. The ASA policy statement was criticized for being shallow in depth, subjective and failing to answer the core problems raised against the use of Null Hypothesis Significance Testing (NHST) and p-value. The ASA policy statement was dismissed as a non event with nothing new to offer. However, despite being shallow, the ASA policy on NHST and p-value is likely to trigger a health debate on the shortfalls of NHST and p-value and the debate will eventually lead to a breakthrough.

Research paper thumbnail of Ethnographic Research

<jats:p>This chapter considers some of the essential features of ethnography as a qualitati... more <jats:p>This chapter considers some of the essential features of ethnography as a qualitative method. The main theoretical foundations of ethnographic approach are explained; however, the emphasis is mainly on how ethnography is done. Thus, the techniques for collecting data used by ethnographers take the central part of this chapter with some special attention to the methodology of observation. Through many examples, the authors describe the various forms of observation as a social research method. It is useful to illustrate the approach of the ethnographer through the metaphor of the "stranger" because "reflexivity" is an important part of the qualitative approach of ethnography. The practicalities of recording the field research and writing memos are fully considered in conjunction with practical suggestions and conceptual discussion, including the writing up of the final text which should be the conclusion of a consequential process, rather than a separate entity. </jats:p>

Research paper thumbnail of Research Report Writing

Research Anthology on Doctoral Student Professional Development

This chapter discusses the critical aspects necessary to produce a research report from a study u... more This chapter discusses the critical aspects necessary to produce a research report from a study undertaken. Since research is based on a systematic endeavour which seeks to establish valid findings, the chapter addresses notions of criticality that ought to be espoused by the inquirer and the need to present findings being mindful of the demands related to academic writing. Furthermore, the chapter outlines the structures and steps that are necessary to produce a good enough proposal, ethical issues, gaining consent and ultimately how to produce a dissertation report at the end of all research activities and data analysis. It is noted in this chapter that a good proposal is most likely to end as a plausible research output. An informative study need not be diminished by a lack of academic writing skills, poor organisation, and unethical conduct.

Research paper thumbnail of Critical Theory in Research

Research Anthology on Racial Equity, Identity, and Privilege

Based on critical theory, this chapter focuses on the first generation of Frankfurt School (mainl... more Based on critical theory, this chapter focuses on the first generation of Frankfurt School (mainly to authors such as T.W. Adorno, M. Horkheimer, and W. Benjamin). For discussing methodology in research, these authors are considered more representative than the younger generation (e.g., Habermas and Honneth) mainly because of the renewed interest in the direct critique of society and because of the failure of the younger generation to produce empirical research. The proponents of critical theory establish connections between theory and practice, in the sense that the social content of research must have human dignity at its centre. The difference between method-led and content-led research is discussed and considered central for this kind of approach to empirical research. Feminist research methodologies and critical race methodology are considered as closely associated with critical theory. These different approaches have developed autonomously from critical theory and are not dire...

Research paper thumbnail of Experiences in Conducting Ethnographic Studies in Marginalized Communities. A Case of Maasai and Hadzabe Tribes in Northern Tanzania

Imperial journal of interdisciplinary research, 2016

: A study was conducted in Maasai and Hadzabe communities in Northern Tanzania. The purpose of th... more : A study was conducted in Maasai and Hadzabe communities in Northern Tanzania. The purpose of the study was to examine the experiences of selected eight ethnographers who carried out fieldwork in Maasai and Hadzabe communities. The research adopted a phenomenology design and structured interviews were used to collect data. 0pen, axial and selective coding were used to analyze the transcribed interview data (outside the grounded theory). It was observed that ethnographic studies which violate research ethics expose researchers and informants to risks. The risks ranged from negative attitudes to bloodshed. Ethnographers are encouraged to seriously consider ethical issues when planning for ethnographic fieldwork

Research paper thumbnail of Approaches and Processes of Social Science Research

Advances in Knowledge Acquisition, Transfer, and Management

Research paper thumbnail of Data Analysis and Methods of Qualitative Research

Advances in Library and Information Science

Research paper thumbnail of The American Statistical Association (ASA) Statement of 2016 on Statistical Significance and P-value: A Critical Thought

A study on American Statistical Association (ASA) policy statement on statistical significance te... more A study on American Statistical Association (ASA) policy statement on statistical significance testing and p-value of 2016 was carried out in Tanzania. The purpose of the study was to explore the feelings and reactions of university statistics tutors towards the American Statistical Association policy statement on statistical significance testing and p-value of 2016. A sample of 9 statistics tutors from different disciplines were selected from public and private universities via heterogeneous purposive sampling to participate in the study. Respondents had mixed feelings towards ASA policy statement of 2016. The ASA policy statement was criticized for being shallow in depth, subjective and failing to answer the core problems raised against the use of Null Hypothesis Significance Testing (NHST) and p-value. The ASA policy statement was dismissed as a non event with nothing new to offer. However, despite being shallow, the ASA policy on NHST and p-value is likely to trigger a health de...

Research paper thumbnail of How Classical Conditioning Theory Can Damage or Improve University Studentss Attitutes Towards Inferential Statistics

A quasi experiment study embedded with phenomenology design was conducted with a sample of 52 mas... more A quasi experiment study embedded with phenomenology design was conducted with a sample of 52 master students and 42 university teachers. Among the objectives of the study was to examine the applicability and link between classical conditioning and university students' attitudes towards inferential statistics. A modified Students' Attitudes Towards Statistics -36 (SATS-36) was used to collect data as pretest and posttest together with a teacher made test and an interview guide. SPSS and Nvivo were used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data respectively. The study observed that attitudes of university students towards inferential statistics are not inherent but can be changed by the classical conditioning process. A Cohen's d of 0.559 (medium effect) was observed between pretest and posttest attitude scores. University professors were recommended to administer SATS-36 or its equivalent before sessions of statistics training and encouraged to teach statistics via computer at university level rather than manual.
Keywords: Classical conditioning, Attitudes towards inferential statistics, SATS-36, quasi experiment, perceptions and attitudes

Research paper thumbnail of A Critical Analysis of the Mixed Methods Approaches in Impact Evaluation: Experiences from Triangulation Design

A study was conducted with the aim of assessing the credibility of mixed methods approaches in im... more A study was conducted with the aim of
assessing the credibility of mixed methods
approaches in impact evaluation. Four key
variants/models of triangulation
(convergence, data transformation,
validating quantitative data and multivariate
models) were discussed in light of impact
evaluation methodological procedures.
Documentary analysis method was used for
data collection, four evaluation reports from
Malawi, Sierra Leone, Uganda and Kenya
were qualitatively and quantitatively
analyzed. The study observed a number of
weaknesses linked to mixed methods
paradigm that are capable of under mining
its credibility. Concerns were raised on the
transformation of qualitative data to
quantitative data sets, with questions raised
on the originality and credibility of such
transformed data. Furthermore, the
convergence of data from quantitative and
qualitative data sets with different sample
sizes also raised some questions about
mixed methods approaches. To what extend
should we trust the findings of the
converged data from two different
paradigms with different sample sizes? The
mixed methods protagonists were
encouraged to conduct scientific researches
in order to address the gaps raised by this
study.
Keywords: Mixed methods research,
Impact assessment, Project management,
quantitative and qualitative research, Data
transformation model, Convergence model

Research paper thumbnail of Experiences in Conducting Ethnographic Studies in Marginalized Communities. A Case of Maasai and Hadzabe Tribes in Northern Tanzania

A study was conducted in Maasai and Hadzabe communities in Northern Tanzania. The purpose of the ... more A study was conducted in Maasai and Hadzabe communities in Northern Tanzania. The purpose of the study was to examine the experiences of selected eight ethnographers who carried out fieldwork in Maasai and Hadzabe communities. The research adopted a phenomenology design and structured interviews were used to collect data. 0pen, axial and selective coding were used to analyze the transcribed interview data (outside the grounded theory). It was observed that ethnographic studies which violate research ethics expose researchers and informants to risks. The risks ranged from negative attitudes to bloodshed. Ethnographers are encouraged to seriously consider ethical issues when planning for ethnographic fieldwork.

Research paper thumbnail of Research, Development and Diffusion (R,D&D): A Leverage to Diaspora Entrepreneurship. A Case Study of East African Community

A study through library search was conducted and the main aim was to expose the contribution and ... more A study through library search was conducted and the main aim was to expose the contribution and relationship between R,D&D and Diaspora Entrepreneurship in EAC. It was observed that Direct Diaspora Investments to EAC have potential to improve Economic Development through Entrepreneurship (SMEs.). Despite the potential of Diaspora Direct Investment to the economic success of EAC, it was noted that little research was done to correlate Diaspora Entrepreneurs Remittances and Economic Development of EAC. The negative correlation between R,D&D and Diaspora Entrepreneurship was observed. EAC governments are spending little Funds on R,D&D which maybe a potential betrayal to Diaspora Direct Investments. The paper recommended that EAC leadership should take advantage of Direct Diaspora Investments to complement Foreign Aid on Development Projects of EAC and that the EAC governments should aim at achieving the state of equilibrium between Foreign Investors’ Profits and the Direct Diaspora Remittance in future in order balance the exploitation of Resources of EAC.
KEYWORDS R,D&D, Diaspora Entrepreneurship, Direct Diaspora Investments, Diaspora Remittance & Economic Development.

Research paper thumbnail of The American Statistical Association (ASA) Statement of 2016 on Statistical Significance and P-value: A Critical Thought

Science Journal of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, 2017

A study on American Statistical Association (ASA) policy statement on statistical significance te... more A study on American Statistical Association (ASA) policy statement on statistical significance testing and p-value of 2016 was carried out in Tanzania. The purpose of the study was to explore the feelings and reactions of university statistics tutors towards the American Statistical Association policy statement on statistical significance testing and p-value of 2016. A sample of 9 statistics tutors from different disciplines were selected from public and private universities via heterogeneous purposive sampling to participate in the study. Respondents had mixed feelings towards ASA policy statement of 2016. The ASA policy statement was criticized for being shallow in depth, subjective and failing to answer the core problems raised against the use of Null Hypothesis Significance Testing (NHST) and p-value. The ASA policy statement was dismissed as a non event with nothing new to offer. However, despite being shallow, the ASA policy on NHST and p-value is likely to trigger a health debate on the shortfalls of NHST and p-value and the debate will eventually lead to a breakthrough.

Research paper thumbnail of Research Report Writing

IGI Global eBooks, 2022

This chapter discusses the critical aspects necessary to produce a research report from a study u... more This chapter discusses the critical aspects necessary to produce a research report from a study undertaken. Since research is based on a systematic endeavour which seeks to establish valid findings, the chapter addresses notions of criticality that ought to be espoused by the inquirer and the need to present findings being mindful of the demands related to academic writing. Furthermore, the chapter outlines the structures and steps that are necessary to produce a good enough proposal, ethical issues, gaining consent and ultimately how to produce a dissertation report at the end of all research activities and data analysis. It is noted in this chapter that a good proposal is most likely to end as a plausible research output. An informative study need not be diminished by a lack of academic writing skills, poor organisation, and unethical conduct.

Research paper thumbnail of Approaches and Processes of Social Science Research

Advances in knowledge acquisition, transfer and management book series, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Critical Theory in Research

IGI Global eBooks, 2022

Based on critical theory, this chapter focuses on the first generation of Frankfurt School (mainl... more Based on critical theory, this chapter focuses on the first generation of Frankfurt School (mainly to authors such as T.W. Adorno, M. Horkheimer, and W. Benjamin). For discussing methodology in research, these authors are considered more representative than the younger generation (e.g., Habermas and Honneth) mainly because of the renewed interest in the direct critique of society and because of the failure of the younger generation to produce empirical research. The proponents of critical theory establish connections between theory and practice, in the sense that the social content of research must have human dignity at its centre. The difference between method-led and content-led research is discussed and considered central for this kind of approach to empirical research. Feminist research methodologies and critical race methodology are considered as closely associated with critical theory. These different approaches have developed autonomously from critical theory and are not directly related to it. However, feminist research methodologies and critical race methodology are expounded here because of their similarities to the critical theory of the Frankfurt School aimed at providing an emancipatory approach to empirical research.

Research paper thumbnail of Qualitative Methods in Research

IGI Global eBooks, 2022

This chapter discusses various methods and approaches to data collection under the qualitative me... more This chapter discusses various methods and approaches to data collection under the qualitative methodology framework, noting that these methods provide rigour and depth understanding in an inquiry. Though the chapter touches on traditional qualitative methods such as the interview and observations, it focused more on examining alternative and non-traditional qualitative methods in data collection, such as the bricolage and distance researching. The chapter further identified other strategies such as sampling, triangulation and ethical considerations that may be relevant to a qualitative study. The chapter helps the reader to reach a broad-based understanding as to the location of qualitative research and the methodological demands necessary to apprehend complex social worlds of studied participants.

Research paper thumbnail of Ethnographic Research

IGI Global eBooks, 2022

<jats:p>This chapter considers some of the essential features of ethnography as a qualitati... more <jats:p>This chapter considers some of the essential features of ethnography as a qualitative method. The main theoretical foundations of ethnographic approach are explained; however, the emphasis is mainly on how ethnography is done. Thus, the techniques for collecting data used by ethnographers take the central part of this chapter with some special attention to the methodology of observation. Through many examples, the authors describe the various forms of observation as a social research method. It is useful to illustrate the approach of the ethnographer through the metaphor of the "stranger" because "reflexivity" is an important part of the qualitative approach of ethnography. The practicalities of recording the field research and writing memos are fully considered in conjunction with practical suggestions and conceptual discussion, including the writing up of the final text which should be the conclusion of a consequential process, rather than a separate entity. </jats:p>

Research paper thumbnail of The American Statistical Association (ASA) Statement of 2016 on Statistical Significance and P-value: A Critical Thought

Science Journal of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, 2017

A study on American Statistical Association (ASA) policy statement on statistical significance te... more A study on American Statistical Association (ASA) policy statement on statistical significance testing and p-value of 2016 was carried out in Tanzania. The purpose of the study was to explore the feelings and reactions of university statistics tutors towards the American Statistical Association policy statement on statistical significance testing and p-value of 2016. A sample of 9 statistics tutors from different disciplines were selected from public and private universities via heterogeneous purposive sampling to participate in the study. Respondents had mixed feelings towards ASA policy statement of 2016. The ASA policy statement was criticized for being shallow in depth, subjective and failing to answer the core problems raised against the use of Null Hypothesis Significance Testing (NHST) and p-value. The ASA policy statement was dismissed as a non event with nothing new to offer. However, despite being shallow, the ASA policy on NHST and p-value is likely to trigger a health debate on the shortfalls of NHST and p-value and the debate will eventually lead to a breakthrough.

Research paper thumbnail of Ethnographic Research

<jats:p>This chapter considers some of the essential features of ethnography as a qualitati... more <jats:p>This chapter considers some of the essential features of ethnography as a qualitative method. The main theoretical foundations of ethnographic approach are explained; however, the emphasis is mainly on how ethnography is done. Thus, the techniques for collecting data used by ethnographers take the central part of this chapter with some special attention to the methodology of observation. Through many examples, the authors describe the various forms of observation as a social research method. It is useful to illustrate the approach of the ethnographer through the metaphor of the "stranger" because "reflexivity" is an important part of the qualitative approach of ethnography. The practicalities of recording the field research and writing memos are fully considered in conjunction with practical suggestions and conceptual discussion, including the writing up of the final text which should be the conclusion of a consequential process, rather than a separate entity. </jats:p>

Research paper thumbnail of Research Report Writing

Research Anthology on Doctoral Student Professional Development

This chapter discusses the critical aspects necessary to produce a research report from a study u... more This chapter discusses the critical aspects necessary to produce a research report from a study undertaken. Since research is based on a systematic endeavour which seeks to establish valid findings, the chapter addresses notions of criticality that ought to be espoused by the inquirer and the need to present findings being mindful of the demands related to academic writing. Furthermore, the chapter outlines the structures and steps that are necessary to produce a good enough proposal, ethical issues, gaining consent and ultimately how to produce a dissertation report at the end of all research activities and data analysis. It is noted in this chapter that a good proposal is most likely to end as a plausible research output. An informative study need not be diminished by a lack of academic writing skills, poor organisation, and unethical conduct.

Research paper thumbnail of Critical Theory in Research

Research Anthology on Racial Equity, Identity, and Privilege

Based on critical theory, this chapter focuses on the first generation of Frankfurt School (mainl... more Based on critical theory, this chapter focuses on the first generation of Frankfurt School (mainly to authors such as T.W. Adorno, M. Horkheimer, and W. Benjamin). For discussing methodology in research, these authors are considered more representative than the younger generation (e.g., Habermas and Honneth) mainly because of the renewed interest in the direct critique of society and because of the failure of the younger generation to produce empirical research. The proponents of critical theory establish connections between theory and practice, in the sense that the social content of research must have human dignity at its centre. The difference between method-led and content-led research is discussed and considered central for this kind of approach to empirical research. Feminist research methodologies and critical race methodology are considered as closely associated with critical theory. These different approaches have developed autonomously from critical theory and are not dire...

Research paper thumbnail of Experiences in Conducting Ethnographic Studies in Marginalized Communities. A Case of Maasai and Hadzabe Tribes in Northern Tanzania

Imperial journal of interdisciplinary research, 2016

: A study was conducted in Maasai and Hadzabe communities in Northern Tanzania. The purpose of th... more : A study was conducted in Maasai and Hadzabe communities in Northern Tanzania. The purpose of the study was to examine the experiences of selected eight ethnographers who carried out fieldwork in Maasai and Hadzabe communities. The research adopted a phenomenology design and structured interviews were used to collect data. 0pen, axial and selective coding were used to analyze the transcribed interview data (outside the grounded theory). It was observed that ethnographic studies which violate research ethics expose researchers and informants to risks. The risks ranged from negative attitudes to bloodshed. Ethnographers are encouraged to seriously consider ethical issues when planning for ethnographic fieldwork

Research paper thumbnail of Approaches and Processes of Social Science Research

Advances in Knowledge Acquisition, Transfer, and Management

Research paper thumbnail of Data Analysis and Methods of Qualitative Research

Advances in Library and Information Science

Research paper thumbnail of The American Statistical Association (ASA) Statement of 2016 on Statistical Significance and P-value: A Critical Thought

A study on American Statistical Association (ASA) policy statement on statistical significance te... more A study on American Statistical Association (ASA) policy statement on statistical significance testing and p-value of 2016 was carried out in Tanzania. The purpose of the study was to explore the feelings and reactions of university statistics tutors towards the American Statistical Association policy statement on statistical significance testing and p-value of 2016. A sample of 9 statistics tutors from different disciplines were selected from public and private universities via heterogeneous purposive sampling to participate in the study. Respondents had mixed feelings towards ASA policy statement of 2016. The ASA policy statement was criticized for being shallow in depth, subjective and failing to answer the core problems raised against the use of Null Hypothesis Significance Testing (NHST) and p-value. The ASA policy statement was dismissed as a non event with nothing new to offer. However, despite being shallow, the ASA policy on NHST and p-value is likely to trigger a health de...

Research paper thumbnail of How Classical Conditioning Theory Can Damage or Improve University Studentss Attitutes Towards Inferential Statistics

A quasi experiment study embedded with phenomenology design was conducted with a sample of 52 mas... more A quasi experiment study embedded with phenomenology design was conducted with a sample of 52 master students and 42 university teachers. Among the objectives of the study was to examine the applicability and link between classical conditioning and university students' attitudes towards inferential statistics. A modified Students' Attitudes Towards Statistics -36 (SATS-36) was used to collect data as pretest and posttest together with a teacher made test and an interview guide. SPSS and Nvivo were used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data respectively. The study observed that attitudes of university students towards inferential statistics are not inherent but can be changed by the classical conditioning process. A Cohen's d of 0.559 (medium effect) was observed between pretest and posttest attitude scores. University professors were recommended to administer SATS-36 or its equivalent before sessions of statistics training and encouraged to teach statistics via computer at university level rather than manual.
Keywords: Classical conditioning, Attitudes towards inferential statistics, SATS-36, quasi experiment, perceptions and attitudes

Research paper thumbnail of A Critical Analysis of the Mixed Methods Approaches in Impact Evaluation: Experiences from Triangulation Design

A study was conducted with the aim of assessing the credibility of mixed methods approaches in im... more A study was conducted with the aim of
assessing the credibility of mixed methods
approaches in impact evaluation. Four key
variants/models of triangulation
(convergence, data transformation,
validating quantitative data and multivariate
models) were discussed in light of impact
evaluation methodological procedures.
Documentary analysis method was used for
data collection, four evaluation reports from
Malawi, Sierra Leone, Uganda and Kenya
were qualitatively and quantitatively
analyzed. The study observed a number of
weaknesses linked to mixed methods
paradigm that are capable of under mining
its credibility. Concerns were raised on the
transformation of qualitative data to
quantitative data sets, with questions raised
on the originality and credibility of such
transformed data. Furthermore, the
convergence of data from quantitative and
qualitative data sets with different sample
sizes also raised some questions about
mixed methods approaches. To what extend
should we trust the findings of the
converged data from two different
paradigms with different sample sizes? The
mixed methods protagonists were
encouraged to conduct scientific researches
in order to address the gaps raised by this
study.
Keywords: Mixed methods research,
Impact assessment, Project management,
quantitative and qualitative research, Data
transformation model, Convergence model

Research paper thumbnail of Experiences in Conducting Ethnographic Studies in Marginalized Communities. A Case of Maasai and Hadzabe Tribes in Northern Tanzania

A study was conducted in Maasai and Hadzabe communities in Northern Tanzania. The purpose of the ... more A study was conducted in Maasai and Hadzabe communities in Northern Tanzania. The purpose of the study was to examine the experiences of selected eight ethnographers who carried out fieldwork in Maasai and Hadzabe communities. The research adopted a phenomenology design and structured interviews were used to collect data. 0pen, axial and selective coding were used to analyze the transcribed interview data (outside the grounded theory). It was observed that ethnographic studies which violate research ethics expose researchers and informants to risks. The risks ranged from negative attitudes to bloodshed. Ethnographers are encouraged to seriously consider ethical issues when planning for ethnographic fieldwork.

Research paper thumbnail of Research, Development and Diffusion (R,D&D): A Leverage to Diaspora Entrepreneurship. A Case Study of East African Community

A study through library search was conducted and the main aim was to expose the contribution and ... more A study through library search was conducted and the main aim was to expose the contribution and relationship between R,D&D and Diaspora Entrepreneurship in EAC. It was observed that Direct Diaspora Investments to EAC have potential to improve Economic Development through Entrepreneurship (SMEs.). Despite the potential of Diaspora Direct Investment to the economic success of EAC, it was noted that little research was done to correlate Diaspora Entrepreneurs Remittances and Economic Development of EAC. The negative correlation between R,D&D and Diaspora Entrepreneurship was observed. EAC governments are spending little Funds on R,D&D which maybe a potential betrayal to Diaspora Direct Investments. The paper recommended that EAC leadership should take advantage of Direct Diaspora Investments to complement Foreign Aid on Development Projects of EAC and that the EAC governments should aim at achieving the state of equilibrium between Foreign Investors’ Profits and the Direct Diaspora Remittance in future in order balance the exploitation of Resources of EAC.
KEYWORDS R,D&D, Diaspora Entrepreneurship, Direct Diaspora Investments, Diaspora Remittance & Economic Development.