CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This chapter outlines the techniques and methods used to conduct this study. This chapter
will be considered under the following subheadings:
Research Design
Area of Study
Population of Study
Sample and Sampling Technique
Research Instrument
Validation of Instrument
Reliability of The Instrument
Method of Data Collection
Method of Data Analysis
3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN
This study used a mixed-methods research strategy incorporating qualitative and
quantitative techniques. While surveys and data analysis are used in the quantitative component
to evaluate the effectiveness and adoption technology in the use of household implement, the
qualitative component comprises of interviews Stakeholders in the field of home economics or
sustainable development, including educators, policymakers, and technology developers.
3.2 AREA OF STUDY
The study will be carried in Surulere Mainland Local Government Area Lagos, Nigeria as
a case study. Surulere, Lagos was selected because of its thriving use of electronic household
equipment as one of Africa's top electronic hubs. The city offers a rich backdrop for investigating
the integration and effects of CAS technologies because of its diversified technological
ecosystem, including developed technologies and artisans.
3.3 POPULATION OF STUDY
The population of this study comprises of all the families in Surulere Mainland Local
Government Area Lagos who utilize different technological tools and services as its main
population. Smart home devices and energy-efficient appliances together with household
management apps make up examples of technological tools used by families in this research. The
project targets urban households because these areas demonstrate advanced technology usage
because of better resource access.
3.4 SAMPLE AND SAMPLING TECHNIQUE
In the vicinity of Surulere Mainland Local Government Area Lagos, simple random
sampling was used to select 100 households. The survey will thereby be carried out within this
100 random households in order to get the needed responses.
3.5 RESEARCH INSTRUMENT
The study will utilize a self-structured questionnaire and in-person interviews (for
household users). The questionnaire is divided into two sections: Section A gathers personal
information about the participants, while Section B includes a series of items related to the study
variables, with response choices such as Strongly Agree (SA), Agree (A), Neutral (N), Disagree
(D), and Strongly Disagree (SD).
3.5.1 VALIDATION OF INSTRUMENT
The research instrument will receive two validations through content and face validity
assessments. The project supervisor will examine and test the instrument to prove its capability
of accurately measuring target variables while meeting study requirements. The complete
assessment by a group of experts will establish the questionnaire's suitability alongside the
interview guide for the study.
3.5.2 RELIABILITY OF THE INSTRUMENT
The questionnaire reliability will be tested through a test-retest method. The research
utilizes two separate distribution occasions of a 100-person questionnaire which are two weeks
apart. The evaluation of participant response consistency between assessments will be achieved
through the utilization of Pearson's Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient. A reliable
correlation coefficient proves that the questionnaire generates predictable results which improve
research reliability outcomes. Research evaluation of technological impact on sustainable
practices can occur through repeated participant surveys taken during separate time intervals.
The reliability of the instrument grows stronger when the researcher finds consistent results
across different testing occasions.
3.6 METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION
Quantitative Phase: Surveys are distributed both online and in-person to the selected
population.
Responses are gathered and documented using digital tools to facilitate analysis. Develop a
structured questionnaire to measure the prevalence of technology usage and its perceived impact
on sustainability and reducing inequalities. Utilize Likert scales, multiple-choice questions, and
demographic questions.
Qualitative Phase: Interviews and focus groups are carried out, recorded, and transcribed
for analysis. Conduct semi-structured interviews with selected participants to delve
deeper into their experiences, perceptions, and barriers regarding technology use in
sustainable practices.
This phase offers in-depth, detailed insights to supplement the quantitative data.
3.7 METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS
A comprehensive method of data analysis should be used to adequately study how
technology advances sustainable household practices.
Comparative Analysis:
Performing a comparison study evaluates how households differ when they use advanced
technologies when opposed to households not using these technological tools. Research
evaluates sustainable results through comparison to determine the concrete advantages created
by implementing technology. To study the impact of different technological infrastructure levels
on household sustainability practices a multi-country analysis approach becomes feasible.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Dear Respondent,
This survey is intended for research purposes only. The questions focus on the influence of
the integration of technology into household practices and Computer-Aided Simulation (CAS)
technologies on the household practices. There are no correct or incorrect answers. Please
answer each question honestly, as your responses will be kept confidential.
Thank you.
ALHASSAN MARIAM OLUWABUKOLA
Researcher.
SECTION A: PERSONAL DATA
1. Name:
2. Sex: Male [ ] Female [ ]
3. Age: Under 18[ ] 18-24 [ ] 25-34 [ ] 35-44 [ ] 45 and above [ ]
4. Occupation: Student [ ] Others [ ] Please Signify:
5. Household Size (How many appliances do you use):
6. Marital Status: Single [ ] Married [ ]
7. Location (e.g., neighborhood or area, Lagos):
SECTION B
In the following statements, please carefully select the one that best represents your
opinion by ticking the appropriate box: STRONGLY AGREE (SA), AGREE (A), NEUTRAL
(N), DISAGREE (D), STRONGLY DISAGREE (SD)
RESEARCH QUESTION 1: What types of technology are currently being adopted by
households to promote sustainable practices?
A Item Statements SA A N D SD
1 I use energy-efficient appliances (e.g., LED lighting,
Energy Star refrigerators) to reduce energy consumption
2 I have installed smart home technology (e.g., smart
thermostats, smart plugs) to monitor and control energy
usage
3 My household practices water conservation using
technology (e.g., smart irrigation systems, low-flow
fixtures)
4 I use renewable energy sources (e.g., solar panels, wind
turbines) to power my home
5 My family engages in waste reduction through
technology (e.g., composting systems, recycling apps)
6 I utilize transportation apps to promote carpooling or the
use of public transportation as a sustainable practice.
7 I actively use digital tools to track my household's
carbon footprint and make necessary adjustments
8 I use online platforms to access local, sustainable food
sources (e.g., farmers' markets, farm-to-table delivery
services)
9 I have adopted eco-friendly technologies in my home
for heating and cooling (e.g., geothermal systems,
passive solar design)
10 I rely on technological solutions for sustainable home
improvement projects (e.g., energy monitoring software)
RESEARCH QUESTION 2: How effective are these technologies in reducing resource
consumption and promoting sustainable behaviors among households?
B Items Statement SA A N D SD
11 Smart thermostats help me reduce my energy
consumption
12 Energy-efficient appliances have significantly lowered
my household’s utility bills
13 I have changed my consumption habits due to the
availability of smart home technologies.
14 I believe that using resource tracking apps encourages
me to adopt more sustainable behaviors
15 Home automation can effectively reduce water usage in
my household
16 The use of renewable energy technologies (like solar
panels) motivates my household to be more
environmentally conscious.
17 I feel that my household uses fewer resources because
of the connected devices I own
18 The data provided by home energy management
systems has influenced my family's resource
consumption habits
19 I actively engage in recycling and waste reduction
practices due to reminders from smart home devices.
20 I find that these technologies make it easier to maintain
sustainable practices in my daily life.
RESEARCH QUESTION 3: What are the key barriers that households face in adopting
technologies for sustainable practices?
C Item Statements SA A N D SD
21 The initial cost of sustainable technologies is too high
for my household.
22 I do not have enough information about available
sustainable technologies.
23 Sustainable technologies are too complicated to install
and use.
24 Sustainable technologies are not readily available in my
area.
25 I am not interested in changing my current practices to
adopt sustainable technologies.
26 I am unsure if sustainable technologies will actually lead
to significant changes in energy savings or
environmental impact.
27 Sustainable technologies do not fit well with my current
lifestyle or household routine.
28 There are insufficient government policies or incentives
to encourage the adoption of sustainable technologies.
29 My friends or community do not support or practice the
use of sustainable technologies.
30 I am concerned about the maintenance and long-term
reliability of sustainable technologies.
RESEARCH QUESTION 4: In what ways does technology contribute to reducing or
exacerbating in access to sustainable resources within households?
D Item Statements SA A N D SD
31 Technology provides easy access to information about
sustainable resources (e.g., renewable energy sources,
water conservation techniques).
32 Technological innovations (e.g., smart home systems,
energy-efficient appliances) have made it easier for my
household to use sustainable resources efficiently.
33 Technology has helped reduce the costs associated with
accessing sustainable resources for my household.
34 The reliance on advanced technology has created
barriers that prevent some households from accessing
sustainable resources.
35 Social media platforms effectively raise awareness
about sustainable resource usage and management in
households.
36 Smart technology (e.g., apps, sensors) has improved my
ability to monitor and manage my household's resource
usage sustainably.
37 An increased dependence on technology can lead to
worse resource management in households when
technology fails or is unavailable.
38 Online shopping and technology have increased the
availability of sustainable products for my household.
39 Technology has provided valuable educational resources
that help my household understand and access
sustainable practices and products.
40 Technology facilitates community engagement in
sustainability initiatives, making it easier for my
household to participate.
RESEARCH QUESTION 5: What are the implications for policy and regulation in
promoting technology that supports sustainable household practices in the society?
E Item Statements SA A N D SD
41 Government should provide financial incentives for
households to adopt sustainable technologies (e.g., solar
panels, energy-efficient appliances).
42 Regulations encouraging the development of smart
home technologies can significantly reduce energy
consumption in households
43 Public awareness campaigns about sustainable
household technologies should be mandatory as part of
government policy.
44 There should be stricter regulations on the
manufacturing of non-sustainable household products.
45 Policies promoting technology sharing (e.g., community
solar gardens, tool-lending libraries) can enhance
sustainability in households.
46 Tax rebates for using environmentally friendly home
technologies should be increased.
47 Local governments should be more involved in
facilitating access to sustainable home technologies
48 The current regulatory framework adequately supports
the development and adoption of sustainable household
technologies.
49 There is sufficient collaboration between technology
developers and policymakers to enhance sustainable
home practices.
50 Government subsidies for environmentally friendly
technologies should be prioritized over traditional
energy sources.
END OF QUESTIONNAIRE.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND PARTICIPATION.