Chapters 1 and 2 presented an introduction to the study with key concepts involved in and related literature was reviewed respectively. The research process involved in the study was explained in chapter 3. This chapter consisted of different designs, methods used for the study and the administration of different tools and techniques applied in order to interpret the data.

1. Chapters 1 and 2 presented an introduction to the study with key
concepts involved in and related literature was reviewed respectively.
The research process involved in the study was explained in chapter 3.
This chapter consisted of different designs, methods used for the study
and the administration of different tools and techniques applied in
order to interpret the data.

2. • Research Design This section comprised of the study universe,
sampling frame, determination of sample size, selected study area
and sampling technique applied for the study. 3.2. Study Universe The
study universe was Women SHGs in Vellore District, TamilNadu
initiated and promoted by District Rural Development Authority
(DRDA).

3. • In this stage, districts were geographically stratified and selected. As
per the district classification, the Vellore district was stratified into 20
blocks. Among the 20 blocks, 4 blocks were chosen based on the
number of villages in respective blocks, namely Vellore Block (18),
Katpadi Block (21), with fewer villages and K.V.Kuppam (39) and
Gudiyatam (44) with more number of villages were selected.

4. • At this stage, SHG members were selected applying the stratified
random sampling method. From the four blocks selected, block-wise
20 SHG were selected among the groups, based on their
establishment of income generation activity. Groups that received the
revolving loan and the income generation loan were selected in order
to assess their growth, development, and empowerment after joining
the SHG programme

5. • This was the final stage of the selection of respondents. From the
selected 20 groups, 5 members from each group were randomly
selected for the study purpose. Thus, from each block, 100
respondents were selected. On the whole, from four blocks, a total
number of 400 respondents were selected for the study

6. • From 20 SHGs, 400 respondents were selected from each block of
Vellore District. The primary data was collected applying survey
method with the help of an interview schedule. The researcher
administered the interview schedule to the SHG members in the
selected sample and their responses about themselves had been
recorded. Secondary data were gathered from the SHG meeting
minutes, attendance book, and group accounts register, other
relevant documents and the annual reports of the Block Development
Office (BDO) and the related financial institutions.

7. • An interview schedule was designed to extract information about the
objectives. A questionnaire was developed on the basis of a pilot study,
discussion with SHG members, literature review and objectives of the
study. The schedule consisted of multiple choice answers and open-ended
questions based on the different criteria such as profile of self-help group,
income, expenditure, saving, loans, repayment, change in living standards,
type of house, increase in self-confidence, participation in social activities,
behavioural change and health, water supply and sanitation, political
participation, etc. In addition to the schedule, primary information has also
been collected through discussions with the microfinance organization
officials, respondents and personal observations made by the researcher
during the interactions with them. This information has been used in
appropriate places while analyzing the data and for arriving at appropriate
conclusions and suggestions.

8. • From the above table, it is inferred that the Cronbach’s Alpha value (p
= 0.694) near to 0.70 which is significant in social science research
and hence the researcher can continue with the questionnaire for his
studies. 3.11. Pilot Study From the sample, a small set of population
(50 respondents) was selected and the interview schedule was pre
tested. The researcher tested each and every variable with the
sample population and their responses were recorded. Based on the
responses, the schedule was modified accordingly. The important
observations during the pilot study are recorded and necessary
corrections are made in the interview schedule.

9. • Measurement Scales and Variables of the Study The scales of
measurement used in this study were nominal, ordinal and interval.
Accordingly, the variables were assigned. The table shows the types
of variables and scales used to measure each variable.

10. • In table 3.4, 70 variables have different measurement scales. To test
the hypotheses, two core variable types were considered:- i.
Dependent variable ii. Independent variable This study had used the
above variables according to the objectives that were formed. On this
basis, Table 3.5 illustrates the variables that were taken as dependent
and independent