CHAPTER III

Methodology of the study

3.1 Introduction
3.2 Methodology
3.3 Research Approach
3.4 Research Design
3.4. (a) Purpose of the Study
3.4. (b) Type of Investigation
3.4. (c) Researcher Interference
3.4. (d) Study Setting
3.4. (e) Unit of Analysis
3.4. (f) Time Horizon
3.4. (g) Procedure for Information Collection
3.4. (h) Sampling procedures
3.4. (i) Analysis of Information
3.4. (j) Reliability and Validity
3.5 Research Questions
3.6 Hypothesis
3.7 Weakness of the Research Method
3.8 Generalization/Predictions
3.9 Statement of the Problem
3.10 Research Based Definition of Radicalization in Pakistan
 CHAPTER III

3. Methodology of the study

3.1 Introduction

Methodological section of this research tells about the ways through which research has finally

made the way to reaching answers. The way highlighted is constructed over the reviews made

about by the previous researchers and sees what results they have managed to obtain. I have used

the method to approach the research problem in a descriptive manner.

3.2 Methodology

The chapter, which is prepared for the methodology is the basic course of action which is

required to be followed in developing the understanding of the studied problem under research

and the direction to get the solution through the implemented road map. In this chapter of the

research methodology, the purpose of the research is to set the way in knowing how to do and

what to do. The answers to the problem will be surely be obtained by following these guidelines

and the solution obtained will be consumed for the description of the chapter of data analysis,

which will be prepared after the collection of data. The data collection methods will be

thoroughly discussed and explained. Let’s develop understanding on the dynamics of this

chapter. The adopted method of analysis for the studying of political, social and economic

determinants of radicalization in Punjab is being done with the qualitative method. The

qualitative method will be presenting an in-depth analysis on the topic analyzed and it will be

throwing light on how the radicalization has established roots in Pakistan generally and Punjab

particularly and what will be the solution to the problem. This approach has been chosen to solve

the research problem with the aid of theoretical work. The literature studied here is focusing
primarily on the evolution, development and remedial measures on radicalization in general at

country level and in particular at selected provincial level. The investigation will be done

through the research question through assistance of first hand data and by examining various

authors’ work on the subject with the assumption that their arguments are insufficient in

answering the research question. Their argument will then be compared and contrasted with the

alternative explanation developed by this research.

3.3 Research Approach

It is descriptive research more or less like an essay, giving a compact and thoughtful insight of

the politico-socio-economic factors affecting an individual (with special context of Punjab)—

gradually paving the way towards radicalization.

A descriptive approach is chosen to investigate the most essential sponsors of radicalization.

Initially aim is to map the most relevant literature in the realm of radicalism studies. More

specifically, effort will be made to locate the authors and publications that contribute

significantly to the existing body of knowledge about the determinants of radicalization. As such,

selection of the relevant literature relies to a certain extent on my own reading of the field.

3.4 Research Design

The adopted method for analysis is qualitative and therefore, the design selected for the further

analysis is descriptive. The descriptive manner of research design is being adopted for the reason

of delineating the factors associated with the topic under research and then finding a solution to

the problem by explaining each and every step faced in nurturing, and generation of

radicalization in terms of political, social and economic contributing factor and its consequences

on the country of Pakistan and province of Punjab. With the help of the same design, the

explanation will be made on the methods adopted for solving the problems related to the
radicalization and the possible solution for the ending the same in Pakistan. The method of

research design adopted is constructed over the expressive mode, (Reinharz, & David Mann,

1992).69 It is because of adoption of methodological approach of being qualitative in nature.

Descriptive research is used to describe attributes of a phenomenon or population being

investigated. The mode of description being adopted is deductive and this is chosen so to present

the specific facts of radicalization in Pakistan at national and sub-national level. Deductive

method articulates that the description of the research data is being done with the general and

widest manner and the extraction of the precise findings has been made. The deductive approach

is a facet of the research in which the research discovers solution to the problem by following the

pattern of certain facts from the general observations. (De Marchi, & 15 Blaug, 1991).70

3.4. (a) Purpose of the Study

Since it is a descriptive study, this research is carried out as a way to determine and be able to

describe the characteristics and determinants of the radicalization with special reference to

Pakistan. Segregation of political, social and economic factors will be aimed as an attempt to

serve the purpose of this study.

3.4. (b) Type of Investigation

Because it is an inquiry to find out the key variables linked to the problem of radicalization, thus

it essentially becomes a correlational study.

3.4. (c) Researcher Interference

The study is carried out in natural environment and there is no manipulation of the variables

associated with radicalization. Thus there is minimal interference of the researcher with normal

flow of events and phenomena under study.

3.4. (d) Study Setting

The study is being conducted in Pakistan and more emphasis is made on province of Punjab. A

part from these restriction there are no boundaries within these areas of interest. Thus generally

saying, this study becomes contrived but, within the defined boundaries it becomes a non-

contrived study setting.

3.4. (e) Unit of Analysis

The unit of analysis is in fact the degree of aggregation of the data gathered after following data

analysis. In this research the units of analysis to understand the true nature of radicalization are

individuals, groups, organizations and culture.

3.4. (f) Time Horizon

It is a study in which data is to be conducted only once may be during the period of weeks or

even months thus it becomes a Cross-Sectional Studies in nature.

3.4. (g) Procedure for Information Collection

The data collection technique has gained mostly secondary data and to little extent primary data

as well. The primary data gathered from the primary research conducted is novel, genuine and

fresh in nature. The data collected by research is re-designed & used as per the requirement of

the research. Primary research conduction requires time and finances and thus not advisable

when authentic secondary paradigm is available and can be undertaken. Primary data collection

is incorporated with the conduction of interviews only. The secondary data collected for the

secondary research conduction is established over the used data. Secondary research conduction

does not require much amount of time and money resources and thus are being preferable than

the primary research. Secondary data collection has been amalgamated with the review of the

economic data, financial figures, political development, cross culture analysis, PIPS data, survey

reports issued by national and provincial governments of Pakistan, international insights, essays,
periodicals, journals, internet sources, news reports and T.V channels etc., (Reinharz, & David

Mann, 1992).71 So data collection, which is done here in this report is frequently based over the

secondary data. Moreover, secondary data collection will also be done from the different

websites, journals and reports. The data collection will be to analyze the data with the

observational and thematic approach.

3.4. (h) Sampling procedures

The sampling, which is drawn from the population, is made over the non-probabilities basis.

Non-Probability sampling is the method of assessment when the judgements and analytical skills

are being allocated to the samples which are required to be nominated, (Salomon, & Clark,

1977).72 The sampling which has been done here is done over the nonprobability based purposive

sampling. Personalities with having command, experience and relevance over the subject matter

of this research are selected based on purposive sampling technique. The purpose constructed for

the selection of the samples is relying over the updated data available about the problem being

investigated studied. Nevertheless, at some places it has also become indispensable to add the

historical data and thereby purposefully data is being segregated and examined. Samples are the

portion of the population and they have been consulted so to describe the research project. The

information extracted from the samples regarding research problem will be analyzed and it is

also ensured that they are true representatives of the population, (Salomon, & Clark, 1977) &

(Mertens, 1998).73

3.4. (i) Analysis of Information

A number of secondary sources have been compared and analyzed. A common conclusion has

been drawn based on the comparison of the research material. With the adopted methodology the

purpose is to gauge that what are elements causing the radicalization in the country and the
province of Punjab and subsequently categorize these factors into political, social, and economic

arenas. How Islamic settings and education system in Pakistan is fueling the negative feelings of

hatred for the other people, what have compelled people to alter their perception and behavioral

adaptation due to the US and Afghan war, what is the perception of the people about

radicalization, to what extent neighboring provinces are responsible for radicalization in Punjab,

and what is the role of the subsequent national and provincial governments in encouraging

radicalization. It has been analyzed that on average radicalization in Pakistan is the consequence

of differences in various politico-socio-economic factors, directly or indirectly affecting an

individual’s life. The assessment is going to help the people in getting the outcomes.

3.4. (j) Reliability and Validity

The testing for the reliability and validity becomes essential for the primary data. In the

secondary data this purpose is served as data is already being examined by previous researchers.

The reliability is scaled so to guarantee that examination of the data is also reliable and outcomes

gained are reliable too. The validity measurement is conducted with the consultancy

accomplished from subject matter experts (SMEs), (Reinharz, & David man, 1992). 74 These

experts know about the research and have expertise and knowledge to guiding others in knowing

free from error and valid generation of the results. They validate the research for the validity and

give assurance for the gaining of the data most close to accuracy.

3.5 Research Questions

1. With reference to Punjab, do Political, Social & Economic conditions echo in the

backdrop of radicalization?

2. Is radicalization only associated with northern areas of Pakistan? Are there any spillover

effects of radicalization from neighboring provinces into Punjab or vice versa?

 3. Can religion alone be regarded as a manifestation of radicalization? Or are there other

causes/forces instigating radicalism which is usually safely preserved behind the veil of

religion?

4. How much threat latent-radicalization poses for the Punjab?

5. Do available data on radicalization in Punjab commensurate with true amount of

radicalization taking place in the province?

3.6 Hypothesis

Latent and manifest Political, Social and, Economic factors are the major contributing causes in

triggering radicalism in Pakistan and Punjab.

3.7 Weakness of the Research Method

Weakness connected with the research work is the adoption of the qualitative paradigm. The

qualitative pattern has made this research based over thorough study. The weaknesses related

with this method is lacking of the analysis of the quantitative figures and numeric data. The

figures needed to be analyzed with the quantitative tools such as SPSS. There is no rational and

logical association of the data with the research project. The absence of the rationality is the

issue with this research. Furthermore, the assessment of the research is also established over the

subjective view. The associated way of qualitative is being enriched with the subjective views

and they provide deep assessment of the problem. Thereby it is lacking in the presentation of the

objective view. The objectivity lacking has made the research limited for having the objective

narration of the data.

The weakness prevailing in the methodology is about the addition of the biased views, (Salomon,

& Clark, 1977).75 This has happened due to the subjective nature of the research. There is no

assurance given against not adding the personal and biased views. Moreover, subjective views
may also add the prejudice and it may result in presenting the irrational outcomes, (Reinharz, &

David man, 1992).76 For the logical assessment of the outcomes, quantitative research approach

is the best one, which is not being adopted here.

3.8 Generalization/Predictions

A number of generalizations have been derived based on the primary and secondary data

available. It has been predicted that radicalization is an individual condition catalyzed by various

socioeconomic factors which include poverty, skewed education, ignorance, illiteracy,

economical differences, false religious beliefs, societal pressure, unemployment, political

interests, crisis of governance, and a number of external factors.

3.9 Statement of the Problem

Radicalization in Pakistan has occupied the center stage in debates traditionally not only at the

national and international front but recently at provincial level as well. The issue of

radicalization has become a big concern for government and the public. The process of

radicalization and its outcomes are having an adverse and direct impact on the lives of people.

This study has provided a general framework for understanding the politico-socio-economic

determinants of radicalization in Pakistan at sub national level i.e. Punjab.

3.10 Research Based Definition of Radicalization in Pakistan

Radicalization is a multidimensional phenomenon as there are number of factors, actors, and

processes involved in it. Keeping in view the time and the resources it was difficult to cover each

and every aspect of this complex process. However, this study suggested that radicalization is an

individual state which is significantly caused by amalgamation of political, social and economic

forces. This study only highlights those political, social and economic factors that negatively

provoked an individual to become a radical. In this study, “Radicalization in Punjab: Political,

Social, and Economic Determinants” the dynamics i.e. conditions and environment which

directly affects the individual’s behavior thus leading to radicalization have been discussed in

detail.