CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY
3.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter basically outlines the methods by which the research was conducted. It provides an
overview of how the survey was conducted and the methods with which the responses elicited
were analyzed.

3.2 TYPES OF RESEARCH METHODS

Research method can be classified into two types which is quantitative research method and
qualitative research method.

3.2.1 QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Quantitative data can used to analyze the problem by generate numerical data or data that can use
for statistics (ACAPS, 2012). Apart from that, the importance of using quantitative method is
that it is more reliable and objective can use as a statistic to generalize the finding, and test the
theories. Quantitative data methods are more structured than Qualitative data method. This is
because it consists of various types of surveys. For example, telephone survey, online survey,
questionnaire survey, personal interview and etc. (Susan, 2011).

3.2.2 QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Qualitative research is known as an interactive approach (Maxwell, 2012). This type of

approach is only involving the interviewer and also the interviewee only. Qualitative means
directly interact with the individual on one by one basis. Besides, it can give a better detail and
able to interact with the individual about the research area by using the language they feel
comfortable. Moreover, this type of research can use to uncover any trends in thought and
opinions. Besides, it also can dig deeper about the issue. Lastly, the sample size is small but the
respondents are chosen based on the criteria of the research.
 3.3 RESEARCH METHOD TO BE USED

The research method adopted to carry out this study was the qualitative research approach.

The qualitative approach seeks to gain insights and understanding people's perceptions. The
beliefs, understanding, opinions, views of people are investigated (Fellows & Liu, 1997).

The use of this research tool was to enables the researcher to predict, explain and understand
rising damp in buildings and it associated problems. However, interviews and developed
questionnaires were the means of gathering important information to the study.

3.4 DATA COLLECTION

To be able to achieve the stated objectives of this study, a number of relevant research methods
were utilized. The data collection sources were primary source of data and secondary source of
data.

3.4.1 QUESTIONNAIRES SRUCTURE

There was four (4) parts in the questionnaire. Part one (1) comprises of the respondent profile.
Part two (2) comprises of factors contributing to the rising damp in buildings and it associated
problems. Part three (3) gave effect of rising damp in buildings and it associated problems. Part
four (4) gave the possible measures to minimize the problem. Personals who felled under the
client and occupant section in the part one (1) answered or gave their idea for part three (3) only.

3.5 POPULATION

The target population for the study was focused on the building affected by dampness in the
(Sekondi – Takoradi Metropolis). The selected area in the Metropolis was Biahu. In all of 30
questionnaires including closed and open-ended types were given out to the selected
personalities who had much idea about the subject matter. The targeted respondent for this study
includes the site supervisors, consultants, client and the occupants. The selection of this
personals will enable the researcher obtain relevant information during the data collection
process.
3.6 SAMPLE AND SAMPLING TECHNIQUE

Purposive sampling method is a useful sampling method consisting of getting information from a
sample of the population that one thinks knows most about the subject matter (Walliman, 2005).
Therefore the researcher selected 30 respondents from the selected area at Biahu whom he thinks
they knew much about the subject matter.

3.7 DATA ANALYSIS

This research uses a mixture of descriptive statistics, relative important index, pie chart and
frequency tables to analyze the collected data. The detail analysis and interpretation is given in
next chapter. The formula for relative important index is shown as;

Ʃ𝒘 5𝑛𝟓 + 4𝑛𝟒 + 3𝑛𝟑 + 2𝑛𝟐 + 1𝑛𝟏

Relative important index [RII] = 𝑨𝑵 = 5𝑵

Where: w is weighting given to each factor by the respondent, ranking from 1 to 5. For example,
n₁= number of respondent for Strongly Disagree, n₂= number of respondent for Disagree, n₃=
number of respondent for Neutral, n₄= number of respondent for Agree and n₅= number of
respondent for Strongly Agree. A is the highest weight [i.e. 5 in the study] and N is the total
number of respondents.

Data analysis encompasses the compilation and interpretation of the data collected. Analysis was
depended on the nature and form of the data that has been recorded. Since the data has been
recorded using qualitative and quantitative approaches, the analysis was done accordingly.
Whether it is qualitative or quantitative data, the main rule of any form of analysis is to move
from raw data to meaningful understanding (O’Leary, 2004).

Data preparation was the initial step to convert raw data into structured format that are more
appropriate for the analysis. Tasks in this stage included tables and descriptive analysis which
provides a general overview of the results in order to make interpretations and discussions based
on the results.
A questionnaire designed in accordance with the aims and objectives based on comprehensive
literature review was used as data collection tool in this study. It aimed to retrieve perception of
the client, occupants, consultant and site supervisors on rising damp in buildings and it
associated problems. It were measured based on Likert-Scale of 1 to 5 where 1 represent. 1-
Strongly Disagree, 2- Disagree, 3- Neutral, 4- Agree, 5- Strongly Agree’.
Gathered questionnaire sets were analysed by using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences
(SPSS) to rank of causes and effects of rising damp in buildings and it associated problems.
 TAKORADI TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF BUILT AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING TECHNOLOGY
CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING & MANAGEMENT
QUESTIONNAIRES

Dear Respondent,

This questionnaire prepared to obtain necessary data for the partial fulfillment of an HND thesis
in Construction Engineering and Management at Takoradi Technical University. This
questionnaire seeks to collect data on the Topic: “Rising Damp in Buildings and It Associated
Problems”. Thank you in advance for your candid opinion on the subject matter. Be assured of
the confidentiality and anonymity for all the responses you will provide. I count on your
cooperation. Thank You.

PART ONE (1): RESPONDENT PROFILE

Please tick answers where applicable for the following questions: [√]

1. Which of the following do you fall within?

a. Client [ ]
b. Occupant [ ]
c. Site Supervisor [ ]
d. Consultant [ ]
2. How long have you been a site supervisor or a consultant?

a. 1 - 2 years [ ]
b. 2 - 4 years [ ]
c. 4 - 6 years [ ]
d. Above 6 years [ ]

NOTE: Respondents who fall under client & occupants section are to answer PART 3 ONLY.
PART TWO (2): FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO RISING DAMP IN
BUILDINGS AND IT ASSOCIATED PROBLEMS.
Please rank by ticking [√] in order of weight attached to the factors in scale 1-5
1- Strongly Disagree, 2- Disagree, 3- Neutral, 4- Agree, 5- Strongly Agree
No FACTORS 1 2 3 4 5

1 Poor workmanship
2 Inappropriate selection of materials
3 Environmental factors(rainwater, wind, and
temperature)
4 Poor layout
5 Limited time of construction
6 High cost of materials(damp proofing materials)
7 Defective roof
8 Architectural faults
9 Ventilation or Condensation factors
10 Climatic conditions
11 Thermal effects
12 Plumbing leaks and spill factors
13 High water-table

Please specify if there are any other factors which contribute to rising damp defects in buildings
and it associated problems.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
PART THREE (3): EFFECTS OF RISING DAMP IN BUILDINGS AND IT
ASSOCIATED PROBLEMS.

Please rank by ticking [√] in order of weight attached to the effects in scale 1-5

1- Strongly Disagree, 2- Disagree, 3- Neutral, 4- Agree, 5- Strongly Agree

No EFFECTS 1 2 3 4 5
1 Reduces the aesthetic or beauty of floor finish
(tiles)
2 Unsafe for living
3 Damage to wall finishes(paints)
4 Reduces the life span of the floor finish (tiles)
5 High maintenance cost
6 Poor quality achievement
7 Mold growth and bacteria
8 Additional expense for residences (redecoration)
9 Corrosion of materials (reinforcement)

Please specify if there are any other effects of rising damp defects in buildings and it associated
problems.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
PART FOUR(4): POSSIBLE MEASURES TO MINIMIZE OF RISING
DAMP IN BUILDINGS AND IT ASSOCIATED PROBLEMS.

Please rank by ticking [√] in order of weight attached to the possible measures to minimize the
problem in scale 1-5

1- Strongly Disagree, 2- Disagree, 3- Neutral, 4- Agree, 5- Strongly Agree

No POSSIBLE MEASURES 1 2 3 4 5

1 Replastering and Redecoration

2 Replacement of faulty damp-proof materials
3 Undertaking regular maintenance work
4 Good craftsmanship
5 Avoid construction of buildings at places with high
water table
6 Strict supervision of good works
7 Use of water repellant cement
8 Training and education on how necessary it is to
minimize dampness in buildings

Please specify if there are any other suggestions to reduce rising damp defects in buildings and it
associated problems.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Thank you for your cooperation!!