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how this has affected their use of ICTs. The study also took into
consideration the unit of analysis, or the sample with which to work with,
which could potentially involve indiViduals, groups of people, organisations
and social artefacts. In the case of this study, individual women and
organisations working with women formed the unit of analysis. The time
dimension of any study is equally important as observations may take place
at a particular time, in which case use is made of a cross sectional design, or
may be deliberately spread over a long period of time, which would warrant
a longitudinal design. This study adopted a cross sectional design as data
was collected at a particular point in time.
Selltiz (1976: 90) postulates that research design provides a plan that
specifies how research is going to be executed. Alternatively, Kothari
(1992:41) argues that research design should be able to yield· maximum
information and provide an opportunity for considering many different
aspects of a problem. According to Kothari, research design must consider
the following factors: the means of obtaining information; the skills of the
researcher and his/her assistants; the objectives or the problem under
scrutiny; the availability of time; and the money for research work. The
research design of this study took into account aspects such as the purpose
of the research, the level of accuracy reqUired in the results, and logistics,
such as the cost, time and labour involved.
6.4 Pilot-Survey
Teijlingen and Hundley (2001: 1) refer to pilot studies as mini versions of a
full-scale study, otherwise referred to as 'feasibility' stUdies, and include the
specific pre-testing of a particular research instrument, such as a
questionnaire or interview schedule. According to the authors, these studies
are a crucial element in the formulation of a good design as they increase
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