Technology

The research paradigms used in the current research are rooted on both positivism and anti-positivism, since it will utilise a mixed methods approach. Moreover, the study takes on a descriptive, comparative, and correlational research design. It shall discuss the following 1) family background, 2) educational attainment, 3) cultural values and beliefs, and 4) the use of social networking sites by Saudi Arabian and Australian women. In selecting the subjects, purposive sampling will be applied. The sample that will be drawn  shall be composed of young females, between the ages of 18 and 22 years old, who are locals of Saudi Arabia and Australia, respectively. The inclusion criteria are 1) must be a young female aged 18-22 years old 2) must a natural born citizen of Saudi Arabia or Australia 3) must have regular access to the Internet and 4) must have expressed consent in participating in the study.

Depending on the number of questions that shall be composed in the questionnaire, the research shall use the ratio of one survey item to 5 participants. Assuming that the survey will have 25 questions in total, there will be 125 Saudi Arabian women, and 125 Australian women who shall be targeted to participate. Two main instruments are used in gathering data for the study, namely, a survey and interview, representing the quantitative and qualitative approaches applied in the research. The first instrument to is an online survey and the second is an interview guide. The online survey shall be custom-designed by the researcher, and the latter shall ask the help of subject matter experts to validate the contents. A pilot study shall also be conducted from an initial 30 respondents from either country, to establish the reliability of the instrument and its subscales through the computation of Cronbachs alpha.

The quantitative data from the online questionnaires shall be statistically analysed by encoding and processing them onto the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 16.0. Descriptive statistics, the t-test for two independent samples, and Pearsons correlation coefficient shall all be computed for analysis. Thematic analysis, on the other hand, shall be used for analysing the qualitative data from the interviews.

Chapter 3
Methodology
3.1 Introduction
The current study makes use of a mixed methods approach which will be described in this chapter, along with a justification for the research paradigm and methodology that have been selected. The research methodology components, including the sampling plan, criteria for selecting participants, and the process for gathering data are thoroughly discussed all geared towards the topic of the influence of culture on womens use of social networking sites. The research design is rationalised, while ethical considerations were expounded on.

3.2 Justification for the Research Paradigm and Methodology
The research paradigms used in the current research are rooted on both positivism and anti-positivism, owing to the fact that it will make use of both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Brannen (2005) asserts that positivism involves the gathering of empirical data to be able to lend credence to theory. In the current study, the positivistic approach is seen from the primary data gathered from questionnaires, and which shall be utilised to make statistical computations and conclusions about the phenomenon at hand. On the other hand, anti-positivism, specifically phenomenology, has to do with the first hand experience of the participants. In the context of the present research, phenomenology is practised in the interview process, where selected women shall be interviewed regarding their experience on the use of social networking sites and the impact of culture on the latter.

The researcher has preferred to apply a mixed methods approach, involving the use of both quantitative and qualitative approaches, to arrive at substantive conclusions for the study. Using multiple methods when conducting research lends support to the study, increasing its validity and reliability. This is permitted by the fact that the problem or process is analysed from different angles (Brannen 2005). Moreover, a mixed methods approach helps in verifying the validity of the data gathered from one approach through the other approach. In short, a mixed methods research, balances the results from one research to another and reduces the possibility of misinterpreting data, since the number of means through which data are validated is increased (Mingers  Brocklesby 1997).

According to Green, Caracelli,  Graham (1989), there are a number of ways as to how the mixed method approach can improve the evaluation of results. First, it tests the reliability of the findings which have been acquired using various instruments and allows researchers to have more control over causes that may influence the results. It explains the results gathered from one method using another method that is, the results acquired from one approach influences the next steps to be taken in the research process. Moreover, the outcomes acquired from one method encourage new questions and challenges during the research process. Since the mixed methods approach is an extensive procedure that involves both statistics and qualitative data, it provides more detail and strength to the study, leveraging on the strengths of each research approach. All in all, the analysis of the current study will be enhanced as different methods are integrated, which are more likely to generate more insights on the influence of culture on womens use of social networking sites.

A mixed methods approach in determining the impact of culture on young womens use of social networking sites, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Australia. A mixed methods research, also referred to as multimethodology, is an approach that combines the gathering and examination of both qualitative and quantitative data (Creswell 2004). In a mixed methods research, the quantitative portion makes use of a scientific method that is primarily based on a logical or reasonable deduction. The qualitative portion, on the other hand, assumes a scientific method with which conclusions are drawn from observations. In a quantitative approach, the collection of data relies upon exact measurement along with information that has been validated with the use of rating scales, tables and graphs, to name a few. Therefore, the quantitative approach generates statistical reports that demonstrate correlations (Creswell 2003).

The qualitative approach, though, makes use of qualitative information with which majority of information collection can be gathered from the researcher himself with the use of interviews, focused group discussions, and other methods as well. Upon using this approach, the results of a research will generate a narrative report that includes a description of the surrounding conditions as well as direct quotations that have been obtained from the research material. It is known that both qualitative and quantitative methods each have its own strengths and weaknesses that may significantly affect the accuracy of any study. The primary aim of a mixed methods approach is to sum up all the positive portions of both the two approaches (qualitative and quantitative) and construct data that is precise and accurate (Tashakkori  Teddlie 2003). When applying more than a few methods during the research process, using the strength and minimizing the disadvantages of each approach will be the best step to take as a mixed method approach of information collection and evaluation is more likely to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of any information.

Research Design
The study takes on a descriptive, comparative, and correlational research design. It is naturally descriptive in a way that the study describes the 1) family background, 2) educational attainment, 3) cultural values and beliefs, and 4) the use of social networking sites by Saudi Arabian and Australian women. Such factors are analysed to determine their relationship with the impact of culture on the usage of social networking sites. The research is also considered comparative since there is an attempt to compare cultural values and beliefs and preponderance of use of social networking sites of Saudi Arabian women on one hand, and Australian women on the other.

The research design is also said to be correlational since it aims to determine whether there is a relationship between culture and the use of social networking sites among young females. The survey aims to ask a number of young females regarding their attitudes and opinions to find the relationship between these factors and their reported use of social networking sites. The interview component of the research includes a face-to-face meeting, with which the researcher shall ask the selected participants a series of questions in relation to the chosen variables including their family background, educational attainment, cultural principles, and their use of social networking sites.

Subjects and Sampling Plan
In selecting the participants for this research, purposive sampling will be applied. The sample that will be drawn  shall be composed of young females, between the ages of 18 and 22 years old, who are locals of Saudi Arabia and Australia, respectively. Purposive sampling prescribes the articulation of inclusion criteria considering the purpose of the study (Creswell 2003). Consequently, the sample is selected to include individuals of interest and exclude those who do not fit the purpose of the study. Considering the objectives of the current study, the criteria are as follows 1) must be a young female aged 18-22 years old 2) must a natural born citizen of Saudi Arabia or Australia 3) must have regular access to the Internet and 4) must have expressed consent in participating in the study.

Depending on the number of questions that shall be composed in the questionnaire, the research shall follow the recommendation of Chatfield  Collins (2000) to have a ratio of one survey item to 5 participants. Assuming that the survey will have 25 questions in total, there will be 125 Saudi Arabian women, and 125 Australian women who shall be targeted to participate. Owing to the nature of the study, it is appropriate to use snowball sampling as well, where participants are initially selected, and then they furnish the researcher with referrals of other women who are likely to be interested to participate. The referral process is repeated until the desired number of respondents is reached for both countries. A lesser number of participants will be interviewed 5 women from Saudi Arabia, and another 5 from Australia.

Procedure
By gathering information using books, journal articles, and other online sources, the review of related literature was drafted. All materials and resources were organised and combined to come up with pertinent information on the influence of culture on the use of social networking sites. These formed the secondary data for the research. Consequently, the researcher shall send out letters to young women from Saudi Arabia and Australia who may be interested to participate in the study. If they consent participation and accomplish the survey sheet, they will also be requested to make referrals, and endorse these lists to the researcher. This process of primary data gathering through snowball sampling is repeated until the desired number of respondents is attained.
 
Two main instruments are used in gathering data for the study, namely, a survey and interview, representing the quantitative and qualitative approaches applied in the research. The first instrument to be used, which is an online survey, will cover a number of variables in relation to the topic, including 1) family background 2) educational attainment 3) cultural beliefs and values and 4) internet usage. The online survey shall be custom-designed by the researcher, and the latter shall ask the help of subject matter experts to validate the contents. A pilot study shall also be conducted from an initial 30 respondents from either country, to establish the reliability of the instrument and its subscales through the computation of Cronbachs alpha.

The quantitative data from the online questionnaires shall be statistically analysed by encoding and processing them onto the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 16.0. Descriptive statistics, the t-test for two independent samples, and Pearsons correlation coefficient shall all be computed for analysis.

On the other hand, the interview will similarly ask questions on the foregoing variables and will place emphasis on how the use of social networking sites is influenced by ones culture. For instance, the questions will help identify the motives as to why the respondents have become involved in using networking sites. Cultural components such as their roles as women within their society, perceived behavioural control of family and school, and subjective norms within their circles shall be inquired about. The interview component requires the establishment of rapport between the interviewer and participant (Brannen 2005). This entails making them feel comfortable before the interview proper, and asking informal questions that will make them feel at ease. This shall increase the likelihood of gathering candid, valid responses from them.

The responses to the interviews will be written down, and will become the basis for a thematic analysis. Being able to recognise common themes that are present among all responses will allow the researcher to draw out useful conclusions from the qualitative data (Denzin  Lincoln 2003).

Moreover, using thematic analysis, conclusions may be generated to meet the studys objectives.
3.6  Proposed Method of Data Analysis
The quantitative data that have been gathered from secondary data shall be analysed through, documentary analysis that generally examines data in a systematic way, instead of merely describing it. The focus of such an analysis must revolve around a critical examination and will work best when the primary purpose is to be able to see clearly and spontaneously into the nature of a complex subject or situation (Boyatzis 1998). Such analysis of data can help the researcher in recognizing trends and patterns that may be present in themes presented in the literature.

On the other hand, the qualitative data collected using interviews during the research process will be examined based upon a thematic analysis with which results are analysed according to themes that are culled from the raw interview responses. The analysis of data is likely to be an ongoing process which can also take place during the actual process of collecting data (Creswell 2004). The researcher will then consider and reflect on the themes that may emerge during the data collection process, and allow opportunities for modifying the methods when apt.

Finally, descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage distributions, means, and standard deviations shall be generated. The t-test for independent samples shall be utilised to ascertain if there are significant differences between the attitudesbeliefs of the two groups of women, and their usage of social networking sites. This statistic determines significant differences between two group means. Moreover, Pearsons correlation coefficient shall be computed to determine if there is a significant relationship between attitudebeliefs and likelihood of using social networking sites.

3.5 Ethical Considerations
An important principle for the research process that has been applied for the current study is the security of all acquired information. The confidentiality of all participants is kept while the information that they have provided is held private, secure, and confidential. Preventing any bias during the research methods, particularly during the interviews, as well as having a high regard and consideration for participants are all critical when undergoing ethical research (Gregory 2003).

Participants will also be informed that they can freely choose to stop answering the survey or leave the interview if they prefer to do so. Moreover, for the Saudi Arabian participants who do not perfectly understand the English language, the researcher offers to provide the questions using their local language, for them to have a complete grasp of all the questions for the research.

3.6 Conclusion
 The mixed-method approach is a means of producing and creative alternatives to traditional or ways of gathering data and analyzing information. The current study makes use of such an approach of combining both the qualitative and quantitative means of collecting and examining information regarding the impact of culture on young womens use of social networking sites particularly in Saudi Arabia and Australia. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques shall be used to select 125 women from each country, for the online survey component of the research. Moreover, 5 women each shall serve as interviewees.  Statistical, documentary, and thematic analyses shall all be used in making sense of the raw data. SPSS v. 16 shall be used to analyse the quantitative data.