Research Design and Methodology

4.1.2.1. Research design

The research design used in this study is based on the quantitative paradigm. Specifically, a quantitative cross-sectional survey was employed. According to Burns and Grove (2005), the quantitative research is a formal, objective, systematic process in which numerical data are used to obtain information about the world. This research method is used to describe variables; to examine relationships among variables; and to determine cause-and-effect interactions between variables

In addition, Babbie and Mouton (2001) describe quantitative research as a formal method of collecting information systematically and objectively and involves analysis of numerical data. Its primary aim is to classify features, count them and construct statistical models in an attempt to explain what is observed.

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Therefore using this approach allowed for the collection of data amongst a large number of undergraduate nursing students and made possible the facilitation of generalization and the comparison of the findings. The latter cannot be possible if a qualitative approach is used. Qualitative approach which is described as an approach that examine and interpret data based on what has already been covered (Polit and Hungler, 2006) can limit the potentials of the findings due to its subjective nature (Polit and Hungler, 2006). This approach also makes the

collection and analysis of the proposed large participant size challenging.

A survey was used to obtain answers to the research questions as it is designed to obtain information regarding people’s actions, knowledge, intentions, opinions, attitudes and value. In addition, a survey research is flexible and can be applied to many populations; hence it was suitable for the used sample size (Babbie and Mouton, 2001).

4.1.2.2.

Target population

The term population refers to all components of the phenomenon, or all individuals and groups who are the subjects of the research problem that the researcher intends to investigate (Entwistle and Nisbet, 1970; Gay, 1976; Owdah and Alkalily, 2000; Obydat, 2003). Therefore, the target population of the current study involved all undergraduate nursing students of school of nursing at the University of the Western Cape.

4.1.2.3. Sample size and sampling method

Johnson and Christensen (2008) define the sample as “a set of elements taken from a larger population according to certain rules”. Additionally, Cavana (2001) defines sampling as “the process of selecting a number of individuals for a study in such a way that the individuals represent the larger group from which they were selected”. Sampling is an important step in

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the research process, and its main purpose is to gather data representing the population of interest. The research findings based on the study sample are generalized to the whole population of interest.

In this study, probability sampling was used because this technique gives subjects of the population an equal and independent chance of being selected (Johnson and Christensen, 2008). To avoid biases, the appropriate sampling technique used in the current research was simple random sampling. With advantage of less complexity given to the size of the study population. In addition, this method can facilitate generalizations due to its representativeness (Polit, Beck & Hungler, 2006).Additionally, Cavana (2001) points out that random sampling is the best way to obtain a representative sample.

Based to the population parameter of 700 students with a margin of error of 5% and a 95% confidence interval, the minimum recommended size of the survey was set to 249 students. (Raosoft, 2004)

4.1.2.4. Data collection method

The researcher used the existing instrument established by Pei-Chen Sun et al (2008). The instrument was developed based on a number of existing data collection instruments done in previous studies which also focused on e-learning (Gattiker and Hlavka, 1992; Barbeite and Weiss, 2004); Joo et al., 2000; Thurmond et al., 2002; Arbaugh, 2000).

Information was collected by means of self-administered questionnaires, which incorporated SCALES (semantic differential scales) to measure attitudes. Five point Likert scales ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree was used be used for the measurement of attitudes.

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The purpose of the questionnaire was to assess the knowledge, skills and attitude of the students who took part in the study regarding the use of the computer, internet and e-learning. Students had one week to fill the questionnaires. After preparation and confirmation of validity and reliability with the pilot study, the researcher was given a permission to conduct the study by the Head of School of nursing and the Dean of Research at UWC. The questionnaire was distributed to the different year levels at the different dates. At this point it is worth mentioning that the students have shown cooperation and admirable response which has contributed significantly to the success of the study.

4.1.2.5.

Reliability test

The instrument was tested for validity and Reliability using Cronbach alpha (α) coefficient before being used. Normally, the Cronbach coefficient of items’ scale should be above 0.7 (Nunnally, 1978). The Cronbach coefficient of this study is 0.834 (table 4.6), which indicates that the scale that was used has a good internal consistency, that is, items that make up the used scale hang together. In other words, no single item in the scale suppresses the alpha level. Therefore, the e-learning attitudes scale used seems to be a reliable measure of attitudes towards e-learning.

Cronbach's Alpha Cronbach's Alpha Based on Standardized Items

N of Items

.822 .834 60

Table 2: Reliability statistics

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4.1.2.6. Data Processing, Analysis and Presentation

The data collected was processed and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The SPSS is one the most widely used statistical software in the academic Community throughout the world (Arksey and Knight, 1999; Foster, 1998; Moore, 2000; Slater, 1990). Data was analyzed using inferential and descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations) for univariate analysis, whilst, bivariate analysis was done using Pearson’s correlation, independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). These tools were used to determine the association between independent and dependent variables (attitudes towards e-learning). Finally, a multivariate analysis (stepwise multiple regression) was used to prove the significance of the variables (predictors). Data therefore was presented using descriptive statistics.

4.1.2.7.

Ethical considerations

Ethical standards are an important issue that should be taken into account while conducting a research study. The researcher should deal with the participants and sites with respect (Creswell, 2008). In this regard, Johnson and Christensen (2008) pointed out that ethical issues such as deception, offering the privacy to individuals and emotions of participants should be addressed. As it can be seen from the implementation process of conducting the study that all the necessary formal consents have been obtained to carry out the study.

In addition the consent of the lecturer of the year levels was obtained to allow the researcher to administer the questionnaires in their classes. Participants also agreed to become involved in the study after being briefed on the nature and the purpose of the study, as well as the methods of data collections and the instruments that was used in the study. They were also told that they have the freedom to withdraw from the study or not to participate.

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Additionally, Participants were assured that all information related to them would be treated as confidential and would not be used for any other purpose without their consent.