Identifying sensitive issues in education in Limpopo province, South Africa
Researchers in the social sciences generally encounter problems in getting information when dealing with topics that are regarded as sensitive in school management. Principals regard certain issues as sensitive, and find it difficult to discuss them with researchers. We report on an inves tigation...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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University of the Free State
2010-03-01
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| Series: | Perspectives in Education |
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| Online Access: | http://196.255.246.28/index.php/pie/article/view/15 |
| _version_ | 1797257922572451840 |
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| author | Azwidohwi Philip Kutame |
| author_facet | Azwidohwi Philip Kutame |
| author_sort | Azwidohwi Philip Kutame |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description |
Researchers in the social sciences generally encounter problems in getting information when dealing with topics that are regarded as sensitive in school management. Principals regard certain issues as sensitive, and find it difficult to discuss them with researchers. We report on an inves tigation into such sensitive issues in Limpopo province, South Africa, as well as the reasons why principals regard them as sensitive. Interviews with 12 individual principals were conducted to gain an understanding of issues that they regard as sensitive. A 33 item self report questionnaire was administered to 180 principals drawn from 272 secondary schools. Results reveal a range of issues regarded as sensitive to report on that pervade the management of schools. Principals have re ported on the various reasons why they regard each of the aspects as sensitive, thereby making it difficult for them to provide the required information. Analysis of the different sensitive issues shows that certain biographical characteristics are significant mediators in principals’ perceptions of sensitive issues in school management. When researchers wish to elicit information on the issues identified in this study, they should consider methodological issues that may influence the in vestigation so that understanding and giving voice and visibility is not jeopardized.
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| first_indexed | 2024-04-24T22:45:20Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-013fd0fd6bb5468cbb6179be8ef6be05 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 0258-2236 2519-593X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-24T22:45:20Z |
| publishDate | 2010-03-01 |
| publisher | University of the Free State |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Perspectives in Education |
| spelling | doaj.art-013fd0fd6bb5468cbb6179be8ef6be052024-03-18T11:12:32ZengUniversity of the Free StatePerspectives in Education0258-22362519-593X2010-03-0128110.38140/pie.v28i1.15Identifying sensitive issues in education in Limpopo province, South AfricaAzwidohwi Philip Kutame0University of Venda Researchers in the social sciences generally encounter problems in getting information when dealing with topics that are regarded as sensitive in school management. Principals regard certain issues as sensitive, and find it difficult to discuss them with researchers. We report on an inves tigation into such sensitive issues in Limpopo province, South Africa, as well as the reasons why principals regard them as sensitive. Interviews with 12 individual principals were conducted to gain an understanding of issues that they regard as sensitive. A 33 item self report questionnaire was administered to 180 principals drawn from 272 secondary schools. Results reveal a range of issues regarded as sensitive to report on that pervade the management of schools. Principals have re ported on the various reasons why they regard each of the aspects as sensitive, thereby making it difficult for them to provide the required information. Analysis of the different sensitive issues shows that certain biographical characteristics are significant mediators in principals’ perceptions of sensitive issues in school management. When researchers wish to elicit information on the issues identified in this study, they should consider methodological issues that may influence the in vestigation so that understanding and giving voice and visibility is not jeopardized. http://196.255.246.28/index.php/pie/article/view/15Deceptive answersEducators chargedSensitive educational researchSensitive issues in educationSocial relations |
| spellingShingle | Azwidohwi Philip Kutame Identifying sensitive issues in education in Limpopo province, South Africa Perspectives in Education Deceptive answers Educators charged Sensitive educational research Sensitive issues in education Social relations |
| title | Identifying sensitive issues in education in Limpopo province, South Africa |
| title_full | Identifying sensitive issues in education in Limpopo province, South Africa |
| title_fullStr | Identifying sensitive issues in education in Limpopo province, South Africa |
| title_full_unstemmed | Identifying sensitive issues in education in Limpopo province, South Africa |
| title_short | Identifying sensitive issues in education in Limpopo province, South Africa |
| title_sort | identifying sensitive issues in education in limpopo province south africa |
| topic | Deceptive answers Educators charged Sensitive educational research Sensitive issues in education Social relations |
| url | http://196.255.246.28/index.php/pie/article/view/15 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT azwidohwiphilipkutame identifyingsensitiveissuesineducationinlimpopoprovincesouthafrica |