MDS 503 - Data Collection Presentation and Analysis Assignment

Assignment Task

Task 1 -  Recap of LA 4

a. Resubmit your UPDATED 20 PDF copies of Journals after the preliminary literature review in LA 4?

b. Resubmit an UPDATED Reference list of the 20 PDF copies of Journals submitted? APA style

c. After reviewing previous research on the SCOPE of the "WHAT IS THE ISSUE?", (the different aspects of the WHAT is the ISSUE” that prior research has looked at (TABLE 5-LA 4); what GAPS in the "WHAT" that were you able to identify that require further research?

Describe in Words

Research on cash transfers to the elderly in urban informal settlements highlights critical gaps that necessitate further investigation. While current studies provide valuable insights into the immediate effects of these programs, there is a noticeable lack of understanding regarding their long-term implications. Analyzing sustained benefits or potential drawbacks over an extended period could offer valuable information on the effectiveness of the program and guide future policy decisions. There is need to explore how cash transfers interact with the existing social services available to the elderly in these environments. Identifying synergies or gaps in service provision can help optimize support systems and improve overall outcomes for beneficiaries.

On the other hand, health outcomes also represent a significant area for exploration. While some research has touched upon the link between cash transfers and health outcomes among the elderly, further investigation is required to elucidate the specific mechanisms at play, such as access to healthcare and nutritional enhancements. Social dynamics within urban informal settlements demand attention. Research should delve into the impact of cash transfers on social inclusion, community cohesion, and intergenerational relationships. Understanding how these programs affect broader community dynamics can inform more comprehensive intervention strategies.

Exploring the financial literacy and management skills of elderly recipients is also crucial. Investigating how individuals handle and utilize cash transfers can offer insights into their financial empowerment and decision-making processes.

Another aspect is the psychological well-being that requires examination. Research should delve into the emotional impact of cash transfers, exploring factors such as self-esteem, autonomy, and resilience among recipients. It is important to examine the ripple effects on caregivers and family dynamics. Understanding how cash transfers influence caregiving responsibilities and family relationships can provide a more holistic understanding of their broader implications.

d. What are research questions did you formulate to address the gaps in the scope that you identified?

• What are the long-term impacts of cash transfers on the well-being and socio-economic status of elderly individuals residing in urban informal settlements?
• How do cash transfer programs interact with existing social services available to the elderly in urban informal settlements, and what are the implications for service integration and coordination?
• What specific mechanisms mediate the relationship between cash transfers and health outcomes among the elderly in urban informal settlements, including access to healthcare and improvements in nutritional status?
• How do cash transfer programs influence social inclusion, community cohesion, and intergenerational relationships within urban informal settlements, and what are the broader societal implications?
•  What are the financial literacy levels and management practices of elderly recipients of cash transfers in urban informal settlements, and how do these factors impact their financial empowerment and decision-making processes?

e. After reviewing previous literature on the scope of the "what is the WHOM", what are the gaps in "WHOM" that you were able to identify that be contextualized for further research?

Describe in Words

Most researchers do not explicitly mention the exploration of gender dynamics within cash transfer programs for elderly individuals. Understanding how gender influences access to and benefits from these programs is crucial for designing gender-responsive interventions that address the specific needs of elderly men and women. Also not mentioned is the engagement of key stakeholders such as community members, local authorities, and non-governmental organizations in the design and implementation of cash transfer programs. Involving stakeholders in decision-making processes can enhance program relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability. The consideration of cultural factors that may influence the acceptability and effectiveness of cash transfer programs among elderly individuals. Understanding cultural norms, beliefs, and practices is essential for tailoring interventions that resonate with the local context and promote community acceptance. Addressing these gaps through future research and program evaluations could contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the issues surrounding cash transfer programs for elderly individuals in Kenya and inform the development of more effective and

f. What research questions did you formulate to address the gaps in the scope of "Whom" that you identified?

• How do gender dynamics impact elderly access to cash transfers in Kenya's urban areas?
• What are stakeholders' views on cash transfer programs for the elderly in Kenya, and how can their involvement improve program effectiveness?
• How do cultural factors affect the success of cash transfer programs for elderly Kenyans, and how can interventions be culturally adapted?
• What are the specific needs of elderly Kenyans, and how can cash transfer programs address them?
• What factors affect elderly participation in cash transfer programs in Kenya, and how can participation be improved, especially among vulnerable groups?

g. What do you propose to be a "WHERE" that your proposed study can be contextualized to conduct your proposed dissertation research? Urban informal settlements.

Justify: The slums, referred as urban informal settlements are the target areas when scouting for beneficiaries of the cash transfer program, hence a keen interest in my side to focus there. I will start this time with the urban context and build deeper into the rural areas through a comparative study to see the dynamics of both contexts.

h. Formulate a working dissertation research topic that clearly clarifies "where" the study will be conducted to address gaps in knowledge identified in the literature reviewed

Examining obstacles to socioeconomic advancement among elderly recipients of cash transfer programs in urban informal settlements: A Kawangware slum case study.

i. What is the STATEMENT OF the research problem that is motivating your research in this topic?

• What is the problem?
• Who is affected by the problem?
• How are they affected by the problem?
• What are the gaps identified in literature (prior research) that potentially hinder policy efforts to find solutions to the problem?
• How will your dissertation research fill the gaps identified?

This study delves into the complex landscape of socioeconomic mobility among elderly individuals benefiting from cash transfer programs within urban informal settlements, specifically focusing on the Kawangware slum. By scrutinizing this demographic's experiences, the research aims to uncover the multifaceted obstacles hindering their advancement. Factors such as limited access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, coupled with social and economic marginalization, are scrutinized to paint a comprehensive picture. Understanding these challenges is crucial for policymakers and stakeholders to develop targeted interventions that address the unique needs of elderly recipients. Through in-depth analysis and empirical investigation, this study seeks to shed light on the intricate dynamics shaping the lives of elderly individuals in marginalized urban settings, ultimately striving for more inclusive and effective social welfare policies.

The elderly in urban informal settlements, particularly those reliant on cash transfer programs, face a multitude of challenges that significantly impact their daily lives and future prospects. Financial instability is a pervasive issue, with limited access to sustainable income sources leaving them vulnerable to poverty and unable to afford basic necessities like food and healthcare. This economic strain often exacerbates existing health problems, as inadequate access to medical services leads to untreated conditions and worsened health outcomes. Moreover, social isolation is common, stemming from marginalization within the community due to factors such as ageism and economic disparity. This isolation not only affects their mental well-being but also restricts opportunities for social engagement and support networks. Additionally, the lack of educational and skill-building opportunities limits their ability to pursue personal growth and economic independence. Consequently, many elderly individuals in these settings find themselves caught in a cycle of poverty, ill health, and social exclusion, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions and policy measures to address their unique needs and promote a more equitable society.

In the Kenyan context, literature examining the socioeconomic challenges faced by elderly recipients of cash transfer programs in urban informal settlements reveals critical gaps that hinder policy efforts to find effective solutions. Firstly, there's a prevalent lack of focused attention on the elderly demographic within these communities. While broader studies may discuss poverty alleviation or social welfare programs, the specific needs and vulnerabilities of the elderly population often receive insufficient scrutiny. Consequently, policies may fail to address the unique challenges faced by elderly individuals, leading to inadequate support and limited improvement in their socioeconomic conditions.

Existing research often lacks localization, with a scarcity of studies specifically exploring the experiences of elderly recipients within urban informal settlements like Kawangware. Understanding the dynamics of poverty, access to resources, and social networks within these specific contexts is crucial for developing targeted interventions that resonate with the realities of the elderly population in such areas. Most literature tends to address individual aspects of the challenges faced by elderly recipients, such as healthcare access or income generation, in isolation. There's a notable absence of comprehensive studies that delve into the interconnected nature of these challenges. Without a holistic understanding of how various factors intersect and exacerbate each other, policymakers may struggle to develop integrated strategies that effectively uplift elderly recipients out of poverty and improve their overall well-being.

There’s also a dearth of rigorous policy evaluation, hindering efforts to assess the effectiveness of existing interventions targeted at elderly recipients of cash transfer programs. Without robust evaluation mechanisms, policymakers lack crucial insights into which policies are successful, which need adjustment, and which are ineffective altogether.

Examning and looking at other literature is paramount for informing evidence-based policy interventions tailored to the specific needs of elderly recipients of cash transfer programs in Kenyan urban informal settlements like Kawangware. By bridging these gaps, policymakers can develop more targeted, responsive, and impactful strategies to uplift and empower the elderly population, ultimately contributing to broader efforts toward poverty alleviation and social inclusion. The dissertation research will fill the identified gaps by conducting localized, comprehensive studies focused specifically on the experiences of elderly recipients of cash transfer programs in urban informal settlements like Kawangware. Through rigorous analysis and policy evaluation, it will provide insights crucial for developing targeted interventions tailored to their unique needs.

j. What are your proposed FOUR (4) research questions that you wish NOW to focus for your Master dissertation after identifying the gaps in research in this area?

•  What are the specific socioeconomic challenges faced by elderly recipients of cash transfer programs in urban informal settlements like Kawangware, Kenya?
•  What are the existing policy frameworks and interventions aimed at addressing the needs of elderly recipients of cash transfer programs in Kenyan urban informal settlements, and how effective are they in mitigating socioeconomic disparities?
• How can policy interventions be tailored and improved to better support the socioeconomic advancement and well-being of elderly individuals in urban informal settlements, considering their unique circumstances and challenges?
• How do factors such as access to healthcare, educational opportunities, and social networks intersect to influence the well-being and socioeconomic mobility of elderly individuals in these settings?

k. What are your proposed FOUR (4) research Objectives that you wish to focus on for your Master Dissertation?

• To analyze the socioeconomic challenges faced by elderly recipients of cash transfer programs in urban informal settlements like Kawangware, Kenya.
• To investigate the intersecting factors such as access to healthcare, education, and social networks influencing the well-being and socioeconomic mobility of elderly individuals in these settings.
• To evaluate existing policy frameworks and interventions aimed at addressing the needs of elderly recipients of cash transfer programs in Kenyan urban informal settlements.
• To propose recommendations for enhancing policy interventions to better support the socioeconomic advancement and well-being of elderly individuals in urban informal settlements, taking into account their unique circumstances and challenges.

l. Suggest the data that one might collect for each your proposed research question

1. data: Access to healthcare services: Availability of healthcare facilities, utilization rates, and barriers to accessing healthcare.

Well-being indicators: Satisfaction with life, sense of security, social support networks.

Sources of income: Apart from cash transfers, sources of livelihood, remittances, and informal sector activities.

Housing conditions: Type of housing, access to basic amenities (water, sanitation, electricity), and housing, insecurity…

In-depth interviews or focus group discussions with elderly recipients: Explore their lived experiences, perceptions, and challenges related to socioeconomic well-being.

Key informant interviews with community leaders, social workers, and program administrators: Gain insights into community dynamics, program implementation challenges, and potential solutions.

2. data: Analyzing policy frameworks specifically targeting cash transfer programs for elderly recipients in urban informal settlements.

Examining reports and evaluations from governmental agencies, NGOs, and other organizations implementing cash transfer programs for the elderly.

Statistical data on program coverage, participation rates, and demographic profiles of elderly recipients in cash transfer programs.

Investigating specific case studies or pilot initiatives to address the needs of elderly recipients of cash transfer programs in urban informal settlements.

Comparing the policy frameworks and implementation strategies of cash transfer programs targeting elderly recipients in urban informal settlements with similar initiatives in other contexts or regions.

3. data: Conducting interviews with policymakers, government officials, community leaders, and representatives from NGOs to understand current policies and identify gaps and challenges.

Conducting surveys to gather quantitative data on the priorities, preferences, and perceived effectiveness of different policy interventions among elderly individuals in urban informal settlements.

4. data: Gathering data on the availability of healthcare facilities and services in urban informal settlements.

Assessing the availability of educational opportunities for elderly individuals, including adult education programs, vocational training, and literacy initiatives.

Assessing the availability of social support services and informal networks that provide assistance and resources to elderly individuals.

m. What is your proposed conceptual framework? Diagrammatic illustration showing your independent variables of interest and the proposed Dependent Variable

n. What is your proposed Research Design given your proposed research topic and research questions?

Mixed-Methods Research Design

o. Justify what the research design that you propose is appropriate given your research questions: The proposed mixed-methods research design is well-suited to address the research questions due to their multi-dimensional nature. By combining quantitative surveys to quantify socioeconomic challenges with qualitative interviews to delve into the lived experiences of elderly recipients, the design offers a comprehensive understanding. This approach ensures depth and context, particularly vital in exploring the complex dynamics of urban informal settlements like Kawangware. Additionally, documentary analysis and comparative case studies enable a thorough evaluation of existing policy frameworks and interventions, informing evidence-based recommendations. Triangulating data from various sources enhances the study's credibility and validity.

p. What is your proposed Target Population given your proposed research topic and research questions?

Elderly individuals aged 60 and above residing in urban informal settlements, particularly those who are recipients of cash transfer programs designed to alleviate poverty and support vulnerable populations.

q. What is your proposed sampling size? Around 100 participants including KIIs.

r. What are the three sources of sampling frames that you will need to access to inform your sampling and sample size? Government Records or Databases, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) or Aid Organizations and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) or Local Community Leaders.

s. What sampling technique will you use to recruit study participants given your proposed research topic and research questions?

Stratified Random Sampling and Purposive Sampling.

t. What data collection tools will you use to collect your data given your proposed research topic and research questions?

Structured survey questionnaires, in-depth Interviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Policy Document Reviews.

u. What data pre-testing procedures will you carry out to ensure reliability and validity of your data?

Before conducting the main data collection, pilot testing of survey questionnaires, interview guides, and other data collection instruments will be conducted with a small sample of participants from the target population. This pilot testing will help me identify any ambiguities, inconsistencies, or problems with the instruments, allowing for revisions to improve clarity and comprehension.

v. What data analysis procedures will you follow to analyze data collected given your proposed dissertation research topic and research questions?

Calculate descriptive statistics such as means, frequencies, and percentages to summarize the demographic characteristics, socioeconomic indicators, and other quantitative variables collected through surveys.

Conduct thematic analysis to identify recurring themes, patterns, and codes within the qualitative data obtained from interviews or focus group discussions. This process involves systematically coding and categorizing data to extract key insights and interpretations.

Integrate quantitative and qualitative data to provide a comprehensive understanding of the research topic. This may involve triangulating findings, complementing quantitative results with qualitative insights, or using qualitative data to contextualize and explain quantitative findings.

w. Populate the Table below to show a summary of your proposed research objectives, data sources and data analysis methods

Task 2

Questionnaire design, data collection & analysis: Is there a relationship between “Christian” religious affiliation and beliefs about poverty

Scholars have long debated whether the exists a relationship between religious affiliation and beliefs about poverty - Brimeyer, T. M. (2008). Research note: Religious affiliation and poverty explanations: Individual, structural, and divine causes. Sociological Focus, 41(3), 226-237.

However, there’s a paucity of research from the SSA region on this debate. Suppose you want to indulge your curiosity to explore this research question; you are provided with a questionnaire adapted from Brimeyer (2008).

1. Create a Google form and run across your networks – 15 or so young people - participants representative of THREE religious’ affiliations: Contemporary Pentecostal churches, Mainline Protestant churches, and Catholics
2. Download the data – import the data in SPSS – CODE appropriately.
3. Run reliability tests and basic descriptive statistics tests for the variables
4. Also, you can CODE the Variables from the questionnaire directly into the SPSS
5. Remember to seek consent from young people from your networks whom you wish to have them fill this survey for class exercise
6. Remember to affirm to participants about issues of privacy, confidentiality, anonymity, and voluntariness in the participating in the Google form survey.
7. Remember to affirm to purposively selected participants that this is purely a class exercise and not “research”

Task 3 - Refresher about Sampling; Observations, Measurements, Variables

A tax form asks people to identify their Age, Annual income, Number of dependents, and PIN.

For each of these four variables:

1. Identify the scale of measurement that probably is used, and,
2. Identify whether the variable is continuous or discrete.

Age:

i) Scale of Measurement: Age is typically measured on an interval scale. Interval scales have equal intervals between consecutive points, but they lack a true zero point.

ii) Continuous or Discrete: Age is typically considered a continuous variable. It can theoretically take on any value within a range (e.g., from 0 to infinity), and there can be infinitely many values between any two given ages.

b) Annual Income:

i) Scale of Measurement: Annual income is measured on a ratio scale. Ratio scales have equal intervals between points and a true zero point, allowing for meaningful ratios to be calculated.

ii) Continuous or Discrete: Annual income can be considered as either continuous or discrete depending on the context. In many cases, it is treated as a continuous variable since income can theoretically take on any value within a range. However, for practical purposes, it is often rounded to discrete values (e.g., whole dollars or thousands of dollars) for reporting.

c) Number of Dependents:

i) Scale of Measurement: The number of dependents is measured on a ratio scale. It has equal intervals between points and a true zero point.

ii) Continuous or Discrete: The number of dependents is a discrete variable since it consists of distinct, countable values (e.g., 0, 1, 2, 3, ...). You cannot have a fractional or non-integer number of dependents.

d) PIN (Personal Identification Number):

i) Scale of Measurement: The PIN is typically measured on a nominal scale. Nominal scales are used for labeling variables without any quantitative value. Each category represents a distinct and unrelated group.

ii) Continuous or Discrete: The PIN is a discrete variable. It consists of individual, distinct values (e.g., a specific combination of numbers or characters), and there are no intermediate values between them.

In summary:

• Age is measured on an interval scale and is continuous.
• Annual income is measured on a ratio scale and can be considered continuous or discrete depending on the context.
• Number of dependents is measured on a ratio scale and is discrete.
• PIN is measured on a nominal scale and is discrete.

A professor is interested in whether student performance on exams is better in the afternoon than in the morning. One sample of students was randomly assigned to receive the exam in the morning and another sample was randomly assigned to receive the exam in the afternoon. The following data were collected:

Task 4 - Descriptive statistical analysis using SPSS and Excel

During a survey on use of the university gym, a research noted the following reasons why a sample of participants visited the gym; relaxation, maintain or improve fitness, lose weight, and others mentioned - build strength.

• 9 participants who mentioned “relaxation”,
• 31 participants mentioned “maintain or improve fitness”,
• 33 mentioned “lose weight”, and,
• 17 mentioned “build strength”.

i. Use Excel spreadsheet to capture the data

ii. Use Excel to compute percent frequencies and generate Pie chart and Bar Graph

iii. What is n = ? : "n" refers to the total number of participants surveyed.

To calculate "n," you sum up the frequency counts of all reasons mentioned by participants.

In this case, n = 9+31+33+17=90.

So, the total number of participants surveyed is 90

iv. Re-run the data using SPSS and generate the TWO Graphs

v. Describe the findings obtained from the descriptive statistics -300 Words

The survey on the use of the university gym revealed several interesting findings regarding the reasons participants visited the gym.

To begin with, the majority of participants mentioned using the gym to maintain or improve fitness, with 31 out of the total 90 participants indicating this reason. This suggests a strong emphasis on physical fitness among the surveyed individuals, highlighting the importance placed on regular exercise and health-conscious behaviors.

Following closely behind, 33 participants mentioned visiting the gym to lose weight. This finding underscores the significance of weight management and body composition goals among gym-goers, reflecting a common motivation for engaging in physical activity.

Additionally, 17 participants reported visiting the gym to build strength. This indicates a subset of individuals who prioritize strength training and muscle development as part of their fitness regimen. This finding suggests a diverse range of fitness goals and preferences among gym attendees, with some focusing specifically on strength and muscle gains.

Interestingly, a smaller proportion of participants, comprising 9 individuals, mentioned using the gym for relaxation purposes. While relaxation may not be the primary reason for gym attendance for most participants, it highlights the multifaceted nature of the gym experience, where individuals may seek not only physical benefits but also mental relaxation and stress relief.

Overall, the descriptive statistics reveal a varied array of motivations driving gym attendance among participants, ranging from fitness maintenance and weight management to strength building and relaxation. These findings provide valuable insights into the diverse needs and preferences of gym-goers, which can inform the development of tailored programs and services to better meet the needs of the university gym's clientele.

Task 5 - Descriptive statistical Data Analysis:

Suppose that a researcher measures participants’ reaction times to a verbal prompt (in seconds) and observes the following scores:

Participant	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	I	J	K	L	M	N	O	P	Q	R
Reaction time	7	9	11	8	13	12	8	14	8	8	6	10	8	12	7	9	18	14

 

1. Use SPSS to capture data

2. Compute Sample size, total (sum), mean, median, mode, range, Std Dev

3. Use Excel to capture the scores

4. Generate an histogram for ungrouped relative frequency of scores

5. Use Excel Spreadshseet to capture the data reorganized using GROUPED FREQUENCY TABLE of scores group interval of 3

6. Use Excel to generate a grouped frequency histogram

7. Which is the MODAL Group? 

8. Use Excel to generate a frequency polygon for the grouped frequnecy scores

9. Describe the findings obtained from the descriptive statistics Words

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