CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Introduction The research aimed at understanding the impact of internal displacement on children who were forced to move from their habitual places of stay to Kannagi Nagar, Chennai’s largest resettlement site. This chapter includes objectives, definition of terms, hypotheses, research design, universe and units of study, tools and methods used for data collection, processing and analysis. Limitations of the study and chapterisation is presented. Objectives of the research 1. To assess impact of internal displacement on children. This objective assesses the effect of internal displacement on children. Intrusion and avoidance of thoughts of the same in the current situation is assessed. The impact is evaluated by analysis of its various dimensions – physical, psychological, social and financial impact on the children due to internal displacement 2. To understand self- esteem of the children i.e. perception of the child with regard to self in the current situation. 3. To understand and analyse violations of rights of children with emphasis on Right to Survival, Right to Development, Right to Protection and Right to Participation in the current situation. In terms of right to survival the study focuses on understanding violations of the child’s right to food, water, healthcare, safe environment which aids in children staying healthy. The central theme
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CHAPTER III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Introduction
The research aimed at understanding the impact of internal displacement on
children who were forced to move from their habitual places of stay to
Kannagi Nagar, Chennai’s largest resettlement site. This chapter includes
objectives, definition of terms, hypotheses, research design, universe and
units of study, tools and methods used for data collection, processing and
analysis. Limitations of the study and chapterisation is presented.
Objectives of the research
1. To assess impact of internal displacement on children.
This objective assesses the effect of internal displacement on children.
Intrusion and avoidance of thoughts of the same in the current situation
is assessed. The impact is evaluated by analysis of its various
dimensions – physical, psychological, social and financial impact on
the children due to internal displacement
2. To understand self- esteem of the children i.e. perception of the child
with regard to self in the current situation.
3. To understand and analyse violations of rights of children with
emphasis on Right to Survival, Right to Development, Right to
Protection and Right to Participation in the current situation.
In terms of right to survival the study focuses on understanding
violations of the child’s right to food, water, healthcare, safe
environment which aids in children staying healthy. The central theme
82 Chapter III
of the right to development in this study includes the right to education,
play, leisure, cultural activities, and access to information and freedom
to pursue their goals. The main issues considered in right to protection
are rights ensuring children are safeguarded against all forms of abuse,
neglect, exploitation and protection and rehabilitation of children in
difficult circumstances. Participation rights in the study encompass
understanding of the children's freedom to express opinions, to have a
say in matters affecting their own lives.
4. To study adjustments made by children in the area of relocation
Adjustment made by the internally displaced child with regard to home,
school, peers, teacher, in general and total score, in terms of the
satisfaction the child derives from his/her interaction and relationship
with these significant individuals and oneself is studied. Scores
indicative of adjustment and maladjustment in these areas is analysed.
5. To understand specific needs of children, put forth recommendations
to prevent adverse consequences affecting wellbeing of children in
internally displaced situations.
This objective aims at understanding the specific needs of internally
displaced children which would aid in addressing issues and providing
scope for intervention and change.
Operational Definitions
Impact- effect of internal displacement on the child.
Internal displacement –is a situation which caused a child, his/her family to be
forced to move from their habitual residence of stay as a result of
environmental (natural disaster) or development related causes or because of
an impending threat of demolition of their home in the city of Chennai and is
Research Methodology 83
resettled permanently in an area provided by the Government, far from the
city. Internal displacement for research purpose includes the process of
eviction, displacement, transit and resettlement.
Child - an individual below the age of 18 years who had experienced internal
displacement as a result of environmental (natural disaster) or development
related causes in the city of Chennai and has been living in Kannagi Nagar, a
resettlement area for a period not more than six years prior to interview.
Right - is a legal entitlement and standard of human rights as listed in the
United Nations Convention for the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), assured to
every child below the age of 18 years. The UNCRC is a legally binding
international instrument which incorporates a full range of human rights for
the harmonious development of the child. India is also a signatory to this
Convention. The rights listed are broadly categorized as the Right to Survival,
Right to Development, Right to Protection and the Right to Participation
Disaster- is the disruption caused due to natural or manmade causes which has
resulted in widespread human, material and environmental loss and the loss
has exceeded the ability of the child to meet and cope using their own
resources.
Natural disaster induced displacement- is internal displacement which caused
the child, his/her family and community to be forced to move or faced the
impending threat of being forced out of their homes by the Government after
the floods or the Tsunami of 2004 as a measure of rehabilitation, as their
homes were damaged and lost in the disaster.
Man- made disaster -is internal displacement which caused the child, his/her
family and community to be compelled, obliged, or forced to move out their
homes or face the impending threat of being forced out of their homes by the
84 Chapter III
Government and other agencies who are given responsibility for developing
the city of Chennai. The main reasons of development induced displacement
in the city of Chennai include projects such as Metro Rail construction,
construction of elevated expressways, canal work, slum clearance and
projects for beautification of the city with an aim to place Chennai as a ‘ global
city’ on the world map.
Slum-is a compact area of population of about 300 persons or about 60-70
households of poorly built and congested houses, in an environment with
inadequate infrastructure and lacking in proper sanitation and drinking water
facilities.
Forced Eviction- is defined as the removal against the will of individuals,
families and/or communities against their will from their homes and/or land
occupied by them, without adequate rehabilitation and access to appropriate
forms of legal or other protection.
Self-esteem is the child’s overall sense of self-worth or personal value.
Adjustment-is the internally displaced child’s orientation to his/her home, peers,
school, teachers, in general in terms of the satisfaction he/ she derives from his
interaction and relationship with these significant individuals and oneself
Hypotheses
The following hypotheses was formulated and tested.
Hypothesis I
There is no significant difference in the impact of internal displacement
experienced by male and female respondents.
Hypothesis II
The impact experienced does not vary with the cause for displacement.
Research Methodology 85
Hypothesis III
There is no significant relationship between impact of internal displacement
and magnitude of loss of belongings.
Hypothesis IV
There is no significant difference in living conditions before and after
internal displacement.
Hypothesis V
There is no significant association between self- esteem and caste of
respondent.
Hypothesis VI
There is no significant association between self -esteem and academic
achievement.
Hypothesis VII
There is no significant difference in adjustment of respondents attending
school in Kannagi Nagar and schools outside
Hypothesis VIII
There is no significant association between sex of respondent and
adjustment.
Research Design
Keeping in mind the scope, this research is both exploratory and descriptive
in nature. The study is also partly intervention based as issues have been
addressed and resolved. A mixed method research design is used (Creswell,
2003). As a methodology, mixed method research involves collecting,
analysing, and mixing qualitative and quantitative approaches in the research
process, from the initial philosophical assumptions to the drawing of
conclusions. Use of quantitative and qualitative approaches in combination,
86 Chapter III
has provided better understanding of the research problem as it has helped
explore and describe the impact of internal displacement on children from
the point of understanding the several systems impinging on the life of the
child in the resettlement area. Due to complexity of the issues, this design
has encouraged collection of data which provides comprehensive evidence
for the problem under study and has helped in suggesting intervention to
facilitate change and development.
Place of Study
This research was undertaken at Kannagi Nagar, Chennai. Kannagi Nagar is
considered Chennai’s largest resettlement area located on the IT corridor
on Old Mahabalipuram Road presently known as Rajiv Gandhi Salai. This
three kilometer stretch on the eastern banks of the Pallikaranai marsh is
designated as reserved forest area. There are pollution related problems in
this area as a portion of the Pallikaranai marsh had been converted to a dump
yard and a place where garbage is burnt.
From the year 2000, houses in Kannagi Nagar, were constructed in a phased
manner under various programmes, grants and schemes (Flood Alleviation
Programme, Tenth Finance Commission Programme, Chennai Metropolitan
Area Infrastructure Development Plan, Tsunami Rehabilitation Programme).
There is limited availability of data regarding this resettlement area and its
residents. A fact finding survey undertaken by the People's Union for Civil
Liberties, Chennai (PUCL,2010) reports that there are totally 15,656 houses
constructed (though only14500 are occupied) in this area. It is expected that
another 8,048 houses are to be constructed in Kannagi Nagar (temporarily
stopped due to a court case). There is no data available on profile of
residents. Data pertaining to total numbers of children- school going, drop-
outs, disabled, employed is absent.
Research Methodology 87
Pilot Study
During preliminary visits to Kannagi Nagar, interviews were conducted with
This scale was developed by Pareek et al in 1970. Though called a Pre-
Adolescent Adjustment scale, it has been used in Indian studies with adolescents
(Rao, et al. 1975). It was developed using Thurstone’s method of equal
appearing intervals. The final form consists of 40 items chosen from a pool of
180 items based on judgments given by 190 judges. These items have different
scale values and measure adjustment towards home, school, peers, teacher’s,
adjustment in general and total adjustment. The test forms a major part of a
battery of preadolescent personality tests. On this scale the subjects are required
to check items that are correct in their case the instructions are given before they
start the test. It could be administered to pre adolescents with an age range of 8-
14 years. This time required to finish the test is 15-20 minutes. The Tamil
translation of the PAAS was obtained from the Workbook on Psychosocial Care
for Children in Difficult Circumstances (NIMHANS, 2008).
Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES)
The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES, 1965), developed by sociologist Dr.
Morris Rosenberg, is a self-esteem measure widely used in social-science
research. The scale is designed to measure adolescents’ global feelings of self-
worth. It has 10 first person statements and the responses are on 4 point scale of
“strongly agree,” “agree,” “disagree” and “strongly disagree.” Five of the items
have positively worded statements and five have negatively worded ones. The
scale measures self-esteem by asking the respondents to reflect on their current
Research Methodology 95
feelings. Scores range from 10 to 40, with higher scores indicating better self-
esteem. The Rosenberg self-esteem scale is considered a reliable and valid
quantitative tool for self-esteem assessment. The Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale
was translated for the research purpose.
Problem Tree Analysis
The problem tree analysis, a participatory technique was used in analysing and
assessing the problems reported by respondents with regard to their day to day
living in Kannagi Nagar .This technique was used during the Focused Group
Discussions (FGDs). After the group discussed the problems, the cause and
effect of the same was presented by the group as a diagram- a tree ,the root
symbolising the cause of problem, the trunk the problem and the crown, the
consequences or effects. Solutions were discussed and tabulated (Visual
presentation and analysis discussed in Chapter V).
Triangulation
Triangulation helped in mixing of data and methods for deeper understanding of
the topic under study. Primary data collected from children was validated with
experiences provided by children during in-depth interviews, focus group
discussions and problem tree analysis. As there were gaps in information
provided by the children in certain areas, especially with regard to understanding
issues related to ownership and tenure of house allotted and access to basic
facilities, interviews and discussion held with significant individuals influencing
their lives in the resettlement area provided clarity. Data and experiences of re-
settlers provided holistic understanding not only of the challenges children faced
but of the daily struggles and hardships of those living in Kannagi Nagar. Data
available in Governmental, Non-Governmental reports and in the public domain
were also used for understanding and analysis.
96 Chapter III
While observation was also used as a tool for data collection, interviews and
discussions were conducted with all significant individuals involved with
children. In-depth interviews and Focused Group Discussions were conducted
with children attending the school in Kannagi Nagar, children in two schools
outside Kannagi Nagar, with a group of children going to school at other places,
Parents, Teachers, Elders, NGO personnel and concerned officials.
Pre test
The interview schedule was pretested on fifteen children. Necessary changes
were made after pretest and the tool finalized for data collection.
Data Collection
Data was collected from December 2010 to July 2011. Data was collected
during the Drawing, Life skills, and Physical training (PT) periods during school
hours. Respondents were also interviewed before commencement of daily class,
during lunch and after school hours. Contact was established with children
attending schools outside the resettlement area through the staff at the MCDS
office. Interviews with children going to school outside were conducted in their
office premises. In-depth interviews were conducted with children who had
dropped out of school. Discussions were also conducted with all significant
persons including parents, teachers, self- help group members, elders,
representatives of Governmental and Non- Governmental organisations working
in the area. Inputs were also obtained from school authorities in two schools
outside the resettlement. In the course of data collection, some pressing needs
and concerns impacting life of children was addressed. The researcher was able
to address issues by education, counselling, networking, resource mobilisation
and advocacy.
Research Methodology 97
Methods of Data Collection
METHOD TARGET GROUP
Observation Bus journeys to and fro , bus stop, roadside gathering, petty shop, school, mobile clinic, community based rehabilitation centre, house visits
Interviews 228 school going children(155 in Government Higher Secondary School, Kannagi Nagar and73 children attending 18 schools outside Kannagi Nagar)
In-depth Interviews In depth interviews were conducted with 20 school dropouts, 6 children attending the Alternate Education Center, 8 caregivers of differently abled children.
Interviews were also conducted with the Panchayat representatives, parents, Head Mistress, teachers, Counsellors at schools away from resettlement officials from TNSCB, Assistants cooking meals at school, NGO personnel
Focussed Group Discussion(FGDs)
Children attending school at Kannagi Nagar(6), children going to school at other places(2), children at the alternate education centre (1)parents(1), teachers(1), elders(1)
Problem tree Children in school at Kannagi, children going to school outside Kannagi Nagar
Process of Data Collection
Prior to data collection an understanding of the problem under study was
obtained from all available sources–reports, newspapers, web resources.
STEP I
Contact was established with an NGO, Monfort Community Development
Services (MCDS). Personnel from the agency helped obtain permission to
98 Chapter III
conduct study in the school from the Head Mistress. Discussions were held
with the Headmistress and teachers in the school regarding methodology.
Timetable of all classes was obtained and teachers oriented about the study.
STEP II
Informal discussions were held with children.
STEP III
Contact was established with children during the Drawing, Life Oriented
Education, Physical Education classes and during the lunch break. As the
school does not have teachers for these classes, it was possible for the
researcher to meet students during these classes. Rapport was built as she
supervised these classes. Several ice breaking sessions to build rapport with
the children and vice versa were conducted. Life skills education, sensitization
on child rights and health education was facilitated through games, individual
and group activity which was interesting to children. Rapport was also built as
the researcher spent time interacting with them before commencement of
school during lunch and after school hours.
STEP IV
The researcher introduced the research undertaken in all the classes. All
queries regarding the same were answered. All students living in Kannagi
Nagar for a period not more than six years were identified in each class. The
researcher made preliminary enquires with each of these children and all those
fulfilling criteria for inclusion for the study were made note of. Care was made
to explain to other children why they were not being included in the study. The
researcher made three attempts in all classes to contact all absentees so that
they had a chance to be included in the sample.
Research Methodology 99
STEP V
Consent of the child was obtained for participation in the study. The child was
requested to inform and seek permission from the parent. Before interviewing,
all attempts were made to ease the child of any fear or apprehension. The child
was also assured confidentiality regarding all matters shared. During this
interaction, fulfillment of criteria for child’s inclusion in the study was
rechecked.
STEP VI
FGDs were conducted with students of all classes on problems faced by
displaced children in Kannagi Nagar. One FGD each was conducted with
students in two schools outside the vicinity on challenges faced by them in
studying in schools outside Kannagi Nagar .Problem tree was used as a tool to
collect data during the FGDS.
One FGD each was conducted with teachers, parents, NGO personnel and
elderly on issues and challenges facing children in the area. This information
collected validates the data collected from children.
Step VII
Contact was established through the NGO staff with children going to schools
outside Kannagi Nagar. An interview schedule with additional questions on
challenges faced by children studying away from area of stay was used for
children attending schools outside. Children were also interviewed in two
schools away from area of relocation. School authorities, teachers and the
Counsellor there were interviewed to gain more insight into issues concerning
internally displaced children in the school.
Children at the Alternate Education Centre and caregivers of the mentally
challenged children enrolled at the Community Based Rehabilitation Centre
(MCDS) who fulfilled criteria for inclusion were interviewed. As there is no data
100 Chapter III
on total numbers of school dropouts, school dropouts were chosen purposively
based on criteria for research and willingness to participate in the study.
STEP VII
Several issues were addressed through action and redressal.
Particulars regarding sample chosen- school going children
Class
Total Strength of Students School at
Kannagi Nagar during Data Collection
Percentage Interviewed
Students Going to Other Schools Interviewed
Total
6A 210(23.78%) 28 (18.06%) 12 (16.4%)
40 (17.54%)
6B 6C
7A 174(19.70%) 34(21.93%) 10(13.69%)
44 (19.29%)
7B 7C
8A 145(16.4%) 39(25.1%) 18 (24.6%) 57 (25%) 8B
8C
9A 154(17.4%) 21(13.54%) 8(10.95%)
29 (12.71%)
9B 9C
10A 99(11.21%) 13(8.38%) 9(12.32%)
22 (9.64%) 10B
11A 54(6.11%) 11(7.09%) 11(15.06%)
22 (9.64%) 11B
12 29(3.28%) 9(5.80%) 5(6.84%) 14
(6.14%)
TOTAL 883 (100%)* 155(100%) 73(100%) 228
(100%)
* Note - Total no. of children enrolled in academic year 2009-2010. Absenteeism was high in all classes
- Long absent- 5 students across classes who fulfilled the criteria but due to long absence, after 1st interview could not be contacted as their homes were reported to be locked with whereabouts of the family unknown
- Uncooperative- One student expressed unwillingness to be part of the study
Research Methodology 101
Intervention
Though not intended as methodology, in the course of data collection certain
issues were brought to the attention of the researcher which required urgent
action and redressal. The researcher addressed the same through education,
counseling, lobbying, advocacy, networking and resource mobilisation.
Some of the issues addressed and activities included
• Life skills education in all classes Standards VI-XII.
• Sensitisation on Child Rights and Health Education.
• Sessions on Career Choices for Standard XI students.
• Sensitisation of teachers on issues with specific reference to internal
displacement.
• Counselling and assistance to children in school in emergency
situations.
• Ongoing efforts continue for raising funds and resources.
• Advocacy on behalf of the school for construction of compound wall
with various individual philanthropists and corporate houses.
• Involvement in all activities of the school and NGO during the period
December 2010-2011. Association is continued.
• Motivating and enrolling children to the Alternate Education Centre
and to the school.
• Resource mobilization to meet material needs of differently abled
children.
102 Chapter III
• Disability pensions (with arrears from the year 2006) obtained for 7
special children by networking with the District Differently Abled
Welfare Officers, Chennai and Kanchipuram district.
• Provided assistance to other differently abled persons in the
community with regard to various needs.
• Petition submitted to the Directorate of Medical Services (DMS) to
set up Primary Health (PHC) Centre in Kannagi Nagar.
• Worked through the Self Help Group members and the Panchayat
representatives to address the stray dog menace in the community.
• Referrals provided for women in the community to obtain jobs.
• In order to address safety for students in the school, lobbied with the
police for increased patrolling in the vicinity of the school during the
day and night.
• As a member of the committee, the researcher had the opportunities
to present issues and has placed recommendations on issues on behalf
of internally displaced child and youth populations at the
Consultation meetings on the formulation of National Youth Policy
2010 and at all meetings of the National Adolescent Resource Team
organised by the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute for Youth
Development, Sriperumbathur (RGNIYD), Tamil Nadu.
• Networking with Heads of select schools for increasing bus services
from the schools in the city to the resettlement area.
• Counselling for students and parents with regard to various needs.
• Established need and scope for Social Work intervention in the
school setting among the Head Mistress and teachers. Access for
Research Methodology 103
MSW students into the school during concurrent field work was
obtained.
Data Processing and Analysis
A code book was prepared and data entered. Data was analysed using
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 16). Descriptive
statistics- frequency, percentage and mean values were calculated. For
testing of hypotheses, chi square test, chi square (goodness of fit) test, Mann
Whitney test, Kruskal Wallis test, Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was used.
Problem tree, a participatory technique was used to present and analyse data
obtained from discussions.
Ethical Considerations
Consent of the child and parent for child’s participation was obtained. All
questions pertaining to the research undertaken was clarified. As the
experience of internal displacement is traumatic to the child, study
predominantly focuses on the present and the future. For this purpose,
students of standard XII were met only after their board examinations.
Confidentiality was ensured. In some instances, the child became emotional.
Care was taken to help the child ventilate and share concerns if desired.
Where applicable, the researcher has followed up on the child and intervened
suitably. Sensitive information disclosed is withheld and not presented.
Limitations of the Study
There is limited data available on the total number of children residing in
Kannagi Nagar, total number of children attending schools outside, number
of children dropped out of school or the never enrolled. Hence, the sample is
chosen purposively based on the inclusion criteria listed, availability and
willingness of the children to participate.
104 Chapter III
Lack of cooperation from authorities to permit interaction with children in
schools and centers outside the resettlement.
As it was disturbing for the children to recollect and relive their experience
of internal displacement, the study is primarily focused on the current
situation with an aim to enhance life in the present and future.
In spite of explaining purpose of the interview and obtaining consent of the
student to be part of the study, there was an expectation of kind in return
after the interview. Few children were hesitant to provide details on income
of parents while some returned back the next day asking for a change in
income reported.
Due to lack of space, it was difficult to conduct one to one interviews in the
school premises. Hence, interviews were conducted in the corridors,
classrooms and playground. Often there was no privacy and single interviews
had inputs from others wanting to be part of the same. Also, when
interviewed in the presence of peers, students were hesitant to open up. Some
did not provide information or provided limited responses to ‘don’t know or
don’t remember!
School examination schedules prolonged data collection. Due to vigorous
coaching, special class schedules, tests, the students XII were difficult to
access. In order that they are there is no emotional disturbance of any kind, it
was planned to meet with this group only after their board exams.
It was challenging to establish contact with children attending schools
outside the resettlement area as they left early and returned late after school.
As interviews with the children were conducted at the NGO, many children
were accompanied by parents/ wards. Some of the parents/ wards influenced
responses/ insisted on sharing their views and experiences.
Research Methodology 105
As the interview schedule covered several aspects, it was time consuming
and few children showed signs of restlessness. In some cases it was
considered appropriate to continue the interview on the following day.
Children had other concerns and issues to be shared and addressed; there
were occasional breaks in the interviewing process.
Chapterisation
Data is presented in the following chapters
Chapter I- Introduction
This Chapter provides the overview and rationale of the study, the statement
of the problem, the scope of the study and its implications for Social Work
education and practice.
Chapter II- Theoretical Framework and Review of Related Literature
This chapter includes the theoretical framework and review of related
literature to provide an international and national perspective to the issue of
internal displacement with specific emphasis on the impact of the same on
children.
Chapter III- Research Methodology
This chapter includes the objectives and methodology used for study
purposes.
Chapter IV- Setting and Respondents
Setting-This section of the chapter includes details on the problem of internal
displacement in the city of Chennai. All relevant information about the
resettlement site where the study was conducted is presented.
106 Chapter III
Respondents-As a prelude to analysis of data collected, in this section of the
chapter in-depth interviews with children- school- going, drop outs, children
who have discontinued school, children with special needs is presented(not
used for statistical analysis).Demographic details of the school going
respondents is presented.
Chapter V – Analysis and Discussion
This chapter includes analysis of data collected. Data is presented using
tables, figures and validation results. The data is supported with qualitative
inputs. Analysis and discussion form the main body of this chapter.
Chapter VI- Findings, Suggestions, Recommendations and Conclusion
In the final chapter, the researcher puts forth suggestions to improve lives of
internally displaced children in the light of the findings of the study and
recommends areas for Social Work intervention. Areas for further research
that could be undertaken has been identified and suggested.