Experiences of Visually Impaired Researchers in Collecting and Analysing Data of Social Sciences

Abstract

Research activities require mastery in collecting and analyzing data. Visually impaired researchers pass through a similar process of collecting and analyzing the data. This study aimed to seek the experiences of visually impaired researchers in data collection and analysis in the field of social sciences. This research was qualitative and explanatory. 10 visually impaired researchers made up the study’s sample. The purposive sampling was utilized for data collection. Data were gathered using a self-designed semi-structured interview approach by keeping in mind the objectives of the study. The validity of the instrument was assured by expert opinion (N=03). Extensive literature was reviewed to assure the reliability. Thematic analysis was used to examine the data. From the thematic analysis, five main themes were identified: challenges, strategies, ensuring validity & reliability, collaboration, and suitable approaches. The results showed that the majority of participants indicated two common challenges i.e. software compatibility and mobility. This study recommends that higher education commission (H.E.C) of Pakistan should implement a quota system for the publication of visually impaired researchers to promote their research activities without any publication charges.