CHAPTER 4: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
4.1. Introduction
This research aims at evaluating the impact of the advent of the Open University of Mauritius towards creating adult and lifelong learning opportunities, support and success. The study also intends to examine the student perception about blended learning environments as well as determine whether or not there exists any difference in how students feel about blended learning environments based on generational differences. This chapter provides details regarding the population, instrumentation, data collection procedures, and treatment of data.
Though the literature review constitutes the necessary foundation for this research, a set of both deductive and inductive approaches are used therein.
The research methodology adopted in this study is mostly of quantitative nature.
This quantitative method utilised an objectivist epistemology with a post-positivist theoretical perspective. Objectivism claims that meaning is discovered, based on observed events, rather than being constructed or imposed
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The perceived experiences, satisfaction and benefits derived by OU students were addressed through ten closed-ended questions. These were designed to evaluate the learning process and outcomes with a view to examine the behaviour of adult learners within a learning environment comprising of fellow young learners, new technology and the blended system.
Section C deals with motivational factors and satisfaction level of the students. Six closed-ended questions relate to factors that have most influenced them in choosing the OU for higher studies and possible obstacles encountered and got over during their learning career. There was also one open-ended question allowing respondents to give their personal views on how any aspect of the service could be