E-Book, Englisch, 72 Seiten
E-Book, Englisch, 72 Seiten
ISBN: 978-3-95489-659-2
Verlag: Anchor Academic Publishing
Format: PDF
Kopierschutz: Wasserzeichen (»Systemvoraussetzungen)
Autoren/Hrsg.
Fachgebiete
- Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Politische Gewalt Terrorismus, Religiöser Fundamentalismus
- Geisteswissenschaften Islam & Islamische Studien Islamismus, Fundamentalismus
- Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Internationale Beziehungen Konflikt- und Friedensforschung, Rüstungskontrolle, Abrüstung
- Interdisziplinäres Wissenschaften Wissenschaften Interdisziplinär Friedens- und Konfliktforschung
- Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Militärwesen Ausrüstung & Waffen
Weitere Infos & Material
Textsample:
CHAPTER 3, METHODOLOGY:
The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the probability of al-Shabaab
obtaining weapons of mass destruction and to theorize which type of WMD it would likely
consider deploying based on regional support, probability of attainability, and current organization capabilities. The issue is explored by understanding the characteristics and attainability of chemical agents and toxins, biological agents and toxins, radiological materials, and nuclear materials. Additionally imperative to the study was the understanding of regional support to al-Shabaab. Combined, this information was used to answer the research question.
The previous two chapters presented the background of the problem, the purpose, the
nature of the study, the importance of the study, and reviewed the related literature. This
chapter provides an examination of the methodology used to conduct this research. The
following is an overview of the research design, the appropriateness of the design, the data collection procedures, and a description of how the data was analyzed.
Research Design:
This research used a combination of descriptive and exploratory studies to develop
further questions and reach conclusions. The methodology employed was deductive, relying heavily on qualitative research. The goal of qualitative research is to ‘gain insight and explore the depth, richness, and complexity inherent in the phenomenon” (University of Missouri 2012). Using this method, exploration of al-Shabaab, weapon materials, advantages and disadvantages of weapon use, and thorough analysis of realistic probabilities was achieved.
This subjective approach was used to provide meaning to the literature available on
this topic, determine gaps, and draw conclusions to fill those gaps. This research method was the appropriate choice because the researcher sought to explore the possibility of al-Shabaab obtaining and deploying weapons of mass destruction. Only through this exploration could the researcher achieve the goal of understanding what makes this a real-world possibility.
Appropriateness of Design:
Qualitative research is a ‘primarily an inductive process of organizing data into categories
and identifying patterns (relationships) among categories” (McMillan and Schumacher
1993, 479). Therefore, this type of research is appropriate when a research question cannot be answered by a simple yes or no. In this research, qualitative research method that relies 17 heavily upon document review was the appropriate choice because the topic of the study is complex.
Interviews were not practical during this research for two reasons: the probability of
obtaining truthful responses is very low and direct observation of the group was not logistically feasible—even if it had been feasible, the dangers outweigh the benefit for the researcher.
Quantitative methods are best used to ‘test relationships, describe, examine cause and effect relations” (University of Missouri 2012). Quantitative methods or mixed-methods of research were not appropriate choices because all the data necessary to answer the research question is in narrative form. In order to explore the issue of al-Shabaab’s potential for using asymmetric warfare, narrative based documents were used and a qualitative research case study method was deemed the most appropriate.
Data Collection Procedures:
When conducting qualitative research, Marshall and Rossman (2006) explain the four
primary methods for gathering information: setting participation, direct observation, in-depth interviews, and content analysis of documents and materials. Setting participation entails ‘firsthand involvement in the social world chosen for study…[allowing] the researcher to hear, to see, and to begin to experience reality as the participants do” (100). Direct observation entails ‘systematic noting and recording of events, behaviors, and artifacts (objects) in the social setting chosen for study” (98). In-depth interviews uncover the participant’s views all while respecting the manner in which the participant frames and structures his or her responses (Marshall and Rossman 2006). Content analysis of documents and materials ‘is an unobtrusive method, rich in portraying the values and beliefs of participants in the setting” (107).
Content analysis of documents of materials was the primary method for gathering information. Most of the literature relied upon was peer-reviewed scholarly published work;
however, it was necessary to review non-scholarly work as well. A combination of primary
and secondary data was used as available to the researcher. Primary data includes information provided by direct sources. Secondary data includes information provided by third parties either by account of events or recollection of past experiences. Due to the sensitivity of the topic of discussion, there was more secondary data as opposed to the preferred primary data. Data was collected based on the general topics following the hierarchy table established by the researcher to ensure the desired focus areas were explored. 18
Data Analysis:
Using various unclassified sources, the researcher reviewed and analyzed literature
that explored the nature and the effects of biological, chemical, radiological, nuclear, and
explosive weapons, which fall under the category of WMD as defined in US Code. In this
review, consideration was given to the detectability and ease of acquisition of materials. The material, cost, type of facility, the level of knowledge or expertise, and the potential end result of each of these types of weapons was also analyzed in efforts to eliminate the types of WMD that are the least probable. Using deductive methods, the researcher explored why certain groups are more prone to use chemical and biological weapons, which may pose a larger threat particularly because most countries are ill-prepared to deal with this level of public health menace (Geiger 2001, Perri 2006). Deductions where then made from the analyzed data.
Data was organized by categories and subcategories using hierarchy style charting for
each class of WMD and ist components, as identified in Chapter 4. The same was applied to the organization al-Shabaab and the surrounding countries that could potentially offer
immediate logistical support. As questions arose or as inconsistencies were discovered,
floating blocks were marked by different color shadings. Once the determination was made as to which surrounding country could or is more likely to offer support to al-Shabaab, all others were discarded and the focus remained on the probable/possible country of interest. Microsoft Word and notecards were the primary methods used to store research data. Patterns in the data were then analyzed and interpreted. These patterns were then compared to the existing research to ascertain if gaps in the existing research could be filled.
