Sample Size

As stated earlier, this study is based on non-probability sampling methods, so the process of sample size determination may not be as rigorous as the probability sampling methods. The non-probability sampling methods, however, can provide a sensible alternative in order to select cases to answer the research questions and meet the research objectives, especially when time, costs and resources are limited (Saunders et al., 2003). Nevertheless, an adequate number of samples are still needed in order for the researcher to interpret the results accurately.

Roscoe (1975) proposes that ‘sample sizes larger than 30 and less than 500 are appropriate for most research’ as a rule of thumb (Quated in Sekaran and Bougie, 2009, p.296). Krejcie

119 and Morgan (1970) simplify the sample size decision by providing a table that ensures a good decision model. According to these authors, a sample size of 384 is appropriate for a population of one million elements or more. These two opinions will be adopted for this research.

As pointed out in the preceding section, purposive and convenience sampling are employed in this research. Four IsMFIs are chosen purposively for inclusion in the study. The researcher targeted a minimum of 400 complete questionnaires for the survey, and each IsMFI was allocated 100 questionnaires. On the other hand, the sample size of semi- structured interviews will be 40 people, breaking down to 10 interviewees from each IsMFI.

5.8 PILOT TESTING

It is always advisable to carry out pilot testing of the first draft of the questionnaire before the actual survey is conducted (de Vaus, 1990). The test which is administered using the same procedures which is to be employed in the actual study is to ensure that the survey questions operate well and to prove that the research instruments as a whole function well (Bourque and Fielder, 2003). The researcher can find out the time taken to answer the questions, the clarity of instructions, unclear questions, difficult questions, major topic omissions, and unclear and unattractive layout so that he or she can make necessary amendments before the actual survey is administered. However, before the pilot testing is conducted, the researcher may also consult experts or groups of experts, asking them to comment on the representativeness and suitability of the questions. Moreover, the experts may also make suggestions on the structure o f the questionnaire (Zikmund, 1991).

For this research, the first draft of the questionnaire was translated into the Thai language by the researcher and both the English and Thai versions were sent to two Thai experts to comment on various aspects, including content, sequence and layout issues. As suggested by Saunders et al. (2003), the researcher should pay special attention to lexical meaning, idiomatic meaning, grammar and syntax, and experiential meaning of the questions. The experts are also well- versed in the English and Thai languages and provided comments on

120 the translation. After obtaining the complete questionnaire from the experts, the amendments were made accordingly. The next step is the pilot testing conducted on twenty clients of an IsMFI in Thailand on a convenience basis. The questionnaires were sent to the head office of the IsMFI and a manager of that IsMFI assisted administering the questionnaires to the clients. The returned questionnaires were again amended based on the results of the pilot test, and the final questionnaire is constructed.

As for the interview questions, the researcher tested them with five interviewees who provided some useful feedback on the length and the wordings of the interview questions. Most of them suggested that the researcher group the questions on impacts of savings account, investment account, pilgrimage account, pawn service, and insurance scheme together in one section. They were of the opinion that some services may provide only one specific purpose, while others could provide different impacts depending on the purpose for which the clients use the service. The questions were amended based on their suggestions before being used in the interview process.

5.9 DATA COLLECTION

The actual data collection processes for both survey and interview were conducted over a period of about two months from late June to mid of August 2011. As discussed earlier, this study employs a self-administered survey and semi-structured interview. In the self- administered survey, the potential respondents were given a copy of the questionnaire and completed it individually at their own pace before returning the completed questionnaire to the researcher or an assistant. During this period, the researcher conducted interviews with a number of clients who were willing to cooperate and had adequate time at IsMFIs branches. The researcher adopted a drop-off survey mode as it is the most suitable, economical, and viable mode, considering the unrest in southern Thailand. A semi- structured interview was chosen because it offers flexibility for the interviewees to frame and understand issues and events, consequently permitting them to reflect on a nd explain the events, patterns and forms of behaviour (Bryman, 2008). The researcher prepared a list of questions or interview guide which was formulated based on the research objectives and aimed at expanding the knowledge and behaviours of the clients’ households.

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5.9.1 Drop-off Survey

As mentioned in the preceding section, this study employed a drop-off survey mode. The researcher or research assistants approach the potential respondents and introduce the general objectives of the study. The potential respondents are then left to comple te the questionnaires on their own. The completed questionnaires can be returned to the researcher on the same day or at a later date (Burns and Bush, 2003).

In this study, ten research assistants were recruited and trained mainly in the various related concepts of Islamic microfinance that appeared in the questionnaire. They were final-year students at a local university and had prior experience of conducting survey research. One of the main requirements was that the ability to communicate in the local Malay language so that they could explain the purpose and details of the questionnaire to those respondents who could not speak Thai. Two research assistants were assigned to different branches of IsMFIs during the data collection processes.

On the data collection days, the potential respondents were randomly selected from the walk- in clients. The researcher or research assistants approached the clients and asked whether they were clients of the IsMFIs or were visiting the branch on behalf of other clients. After the prospective respondent was identified, the researcher explained the purpose of the research. The respondent was asked about his/her willingness to participate in the survey. With his/her agreement, a copy of the questionnaire was given to the respondent. The respondent was allowed to ask questions if they need clarification. Some customers in rural areas did not understand the Thai language; the research assistants helped to translate and explained individually. This was to ensure that the respondents understood the questions in the questionnaire and could provide the answers as intended. The completed questionnaires were then returned to the researcher/research assistants. Some respondents, however, preferred to return the questionnaire at a later date.

5.9.2 Response to Survey

A total of 500 questionnaires were distributed, of which 445 were completed and returned to the researcher, yielding a response rate of 89.0%. Out of 445 questionnaires, 400 were

122 usable10. As suggested by Sekaran and Bougie (2009), this number of responses is sufficient for statistical analysis; no further attempt to increase the response rate was therefore necessary. The summary of the sample profile is provided in Table 6.1 in Chapter 6.

5.9.3 Semi-Structured Intervie w

Semi-structured interviews with the help of an interview guide were conduc ted by the researcher during the data collection process. With the help of staff of the IsMFIs, the interviewees were identified and approached by the staff. The researcher ensured that the potential interviewees had adequate experience of dealing with the IsMFIs so that they could provide useful and detailed information about the demand for and impacts of Islamic microfinancial services on their households. After receiving agreement from the potential interviewee, the researcher led the interviewee to a separate room provided by the IsMFIs so that noise and distractions could be reduced.

A total of 40 interviewees were interviewed during the data collection process. However, only 37 interviews were usable. Some key responses in the other three interview records were not clear and, hence, unusable. The researcher reviewed the interview records and found that a series of similar responses were identified which were sufficient for qualitative analysis. Hence, no additional interview sessions were conducted.