CHAPTER 2: METHODOLOGY AND PROCEDURE

2.1 DESIGN OF THE STUDY

The present study is a survey-type research, which aims to investigate the socio-economic conditions of the people residing in 16 No. Digholi village. A survey design was chosen because it allowed us to collect data from a large number of respondents in a relatively short period. The survey design also enabled us to gather information on various aspects of the respondents' lives, including their socio-economic characteristics, education, health, and livelihoods.

The survey was conducted in the villages of 16 No. Digholi and Khakandguri, which were selected as the study sites. The survey questionnaire was designed to capture both quantitative and qualitative data, and was administered through face-to-face interviews with the respondents.

2.2 SELECTION OF THE AREA

The villages, 16 No. Digholi is selected as the study sites for this research. These villages are located in the Tengani region of Golaghat,Assam. 

The selection of the village was based on several criteria:

- Geographical location: The village is situated in a rural area. 16 No Digholi village is located un the Dhansirib Sub-division of Golaghat District.

- Accessibility: The village is easily accessible by road, making it convenient for our research team to conduct the survey.

- Representation: The village has a diverse population, with a mix of different castes, religions, and occupations, making them representative of the region's socio-economic dynamics.

- Need for research: The villages face several socio-economic challenges, including poverty, illiteracy, and limited access to basic services, making them an ideal location for this research.

The selection of the village is also influenced by the research team's prior knowledge of the area and its socio-economic conditions.

2.3 POPULATION AND DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE:

As per the latest available data, the village has a total population of 487 individuals, comprising 245 males and 242 females. The village has a total of 156 households.

2.4 SELECTION OF THE SAMPLE

To select the sample for this study, a simple random sampling method was employed. This method involves selecting a random subset of individuals from the total population, ensuring that every individual has an equal chance of being selected.

A total of 5 households were selected from the village of 16 No. Digholi using the simple random sampling method. The selected households are:

a. Gunendra Basumatary (House No. 64)

b. Hubia Robidas (House No. 66)

c. Bhupen Robidas (House No. 66A)

d. Gopal Robidas (House No. 66B)

e. Hemaboti Robidas (House No. 68)

These households were selected randomly from the total of 156 households in the village.

2.5 TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES OF THE PRESENT STUDY

 To collect data for this study, the following tools and techniques were employed:

2.5.1 QUESTIONNAIRE

A structured questionnaire was designed to collect data from the selected households. The questionnaire consisted of several sections, including:

A. Facilities for studies

B. Level of expectations (parents/guardians)

C. Economic Status (of the fmily)

D. Shelter

E. Socio-Cultural Status

F. Miscellaneous

2.5.2 INTERVIEW

In addition to the questionnaire, in-depth interviews were conducted with the selected households to gather more detailed information. The interviews were conducted by the Teacher Trainees of College of Teacher Education, Golaghat to know more about the individuals of the village and were designed to explore the respondents' experiences, perceptions, and opinions on various aspects of their lives.

2.6 COLLECTION OF DATA

The data for this study was collected through a systematic and structured approach. With the permission of the village headman, house-to-house visits were conducted in the selected villages, 16 No. Digholi.

Teacher trainees conducted interviews with the household members using a pre-designed questionnaire. Although the questionnaires were printed in English, the teacher trainees explained the questions to the respondents in their local language, Assamese, to ensure that they understood the questions clearly.

The data collection process was completed within 3 hours during which a total of 5 (five) households were surveyed. 

2.7 STATISTICAL TREATMENT OF THE DATA

The collected data was subjected to statistical analysis to draw meaningful conclusions.

2.7.1 CALCULATION OF PERCENTAGE

The data was analyzed to calculate the percentage of various variables. The results are presented below:

- Total population: 487 (Male: 245, Female: 242)

- Total households: 156

- Sample size: 5 households

- Sample population: 18 (Male: 10, Female: 8)

    - Male percentage: 55.55%

    - Female percentage: 44.44%

- Literacy status:

    - Literate: 14 (83.3%)

    - Illiterate: 4 (16.7%)

- Educational qualification:

    - Primary: 1

    - Upper primary: 5

    - High school: 7

    - Higher secondary: 1

    - Graduation: 0

- Occupational status:

    - Daily wages: 20%

    - Service: 20%

    - Agriculture: 60%

These calculations provide a snapshot of the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the sample population.