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6.5 Research Methods (Quantitative)
6.5.1 Survey Method
According to Bill (1995) the word 'survey' is most often used to describe a
method of gathering information from a sample of individuals. This way the
results can be reliably projected from the sample to a larger population. The
author notes that surveys serve a wide variety of purposes, and can be
conducted over the telephone, by mail, or in person. Accordingly, mail
surveys can be relatively low in cost and are most effective when directed at
particular groups, such as subscribers to a specialised magazine or members
of a professional association. Similarly, telephone interviews are an efficient
method for the collection of certain types of data, and are suitable in
situations where timeliness is a factor and the length of the survey is limited.
Likewise, personal interviews are conducted when complex information is
reqUired and are comparatively more expensive than the former two
surveys.
Due to the purpose and objectives of this study, the survey method was
considered a suitable method for the collection of quantifiable data. Using
survey research, an attempt was made to collect data from a cross section
of female members of the South African and Kenyan population in order to
determine their current status in relation to information and the use of lCTs.
6.6 Study areas and population
6.6.1 Study area
The study was carried out in two countries, namely Kenya and South Africa.
In South Africa, the study narrowed its focus down to the uMlalazi (KZ 283)
municipality. This municipality is located in Uthungulu District in the province
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