Some coastal and inland residential areas in Ghana have deposits of granite outcrops, such as those found in Winneba, a coastal town in Ghana’s Central Region. Residential granite outcrop deposits mostly draw the people’s perception about their origin and why they appeared in such areas. The study was therefore aimed at finding out the perception of residents about the existence of granite outcrops in parts of Winneba Township.
The study was mainly descriptive using total respondents of 60 residents from three communities within the Winneba Township. These were selected through systematic and purposive sampling and were interviewed. The study also relied on first-hand information as well as documented literature. The results confirmed that the perception of most residents was influenced by their level of education and also traditional beliefs. Even those with higher education relied on historical myths and folk tales handed to them by their grandparents, either than scientific-based research. It however appeared that the varying perceptions of the residents mostly did not fit into the scientific explanation of the origin of the granite outcrops in the communities. Based on these findings, it was recommended that public education be carried out to create awareness about these outcrops, their preservation and utilization.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Methodology
3. Results and Discussions
3.1 Residents’ perceptions about the granite outcrops in parts of Winneba
3.1.1 Traditional belief related to granite outcrops
3.1.2 Respondents side with scientific explanation
3.1.3 Respondents’ age and their perceived causes of granite outcrop
3.1.4 Respondent’s duration of stay and their perceived causes of granite outcrops
3.1.5 Respondents’ gender and their perceived perceptional cause of granite outcrops
3.2 Residents’ perception and scientific explanation of granite outcrops in Winneba
4. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This study aims to investigate the perceptions of Winneba residents regarding the existence and origin of local granite outcrops, while comparing these subjective views against established scientific explanations. The research seeks to identify how socio-demographic factors influence the prevalence of traditional versus scientific beliefs in the community.
- Analysis of traditional beliefs and myths surrounding granite formations.
- Evaluation of the impact of education and gender on scientific literacy.
- Investigation into the influence of duration of residence on cognitive perception.
- Comparison between local anecdotal explanations and geological reality.
- Assessment of the role of granite outcrops in local community development.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1.3 Respondents’ age and their perceived causes of granite outcrop
The research probed the respondents on their thought and understanding of the origin and cause of the granite outcrops in their areas. The researcher hence categorized those responses as either being scientific or traditional. This was to help know whether the respondents had any scientific understanding of the outcrops in their communities. The results indicates that 22 of the respondents had some level of scientific understanding about the origin of the outcrop while 38 responses were related to traditional and superstitious beliefs which could not be proven scientifically.
Majority of the respondents who answered the question on the causes of the granite outcrops gave more traditional reasons and response than scientific ones. From the data it was released that 38 out of the 60 respondents representing 63.3% gave traditional explanations to the causes of the outcrops. Majority of that traditional response (that is 14 out of 38 representing 36.84%) came from the people between the ages of 26-35. Also out of the 21 respondents within this age group (that is 26-35), only 7 people (that is 33.33%) gave scientific explanation while 14 of them representing 66.66% gave traditional reasons. Most of those people within this age group assigned reasons similar to that of those within the 46-55 and 56 and above age groups.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Provides an overview of the formation of granite outcrops via volcanic processes and highlights the prevalence of misconceptions among residents in Winneba.
2. Methodology: Details the descriptive survey design, explaining the selection of 60 residents based on their length of residency to avoid bias from the local student population.
3. Results and Discussions: Presents data on how traditional beliefs, age, gender, and duration of residency influence perceptions, concluding that most residents rely on myths rather than scientific geological facts.
4. Conclusion: Summarizes the need for improved public education and infrastructure to foster a scientific understanding of geological resources and support regional development.
Keywords
Residents, Perception, Granite outcrop, Igneous rock, Traditional Beliefs, Volcanicity, Erosion, Socio-demographic, Winneba, Geological misconceptions, Public education, Sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research study?
The study investigates the perceptions of residents in Winneba, Ghana, regarding the origin and nature of local granite outcrops, examining why these perceptions often conflict with scientific geological evidence.
What are the central themes covered in this paper?
Key themes include the interplay between traditional myths and scientific knowledge, the impact of formal education on geological understanding, and the socio-economic implications of misinterpreting natural resources.
What is the primary objective of this research?
The research aims to determine how residents perceive the granite outcrops and to compare these subjective perspectives with actual scientific explanations of igneous rock formation.
Which scientific methodology was applied?
The author utilized a descriptive survey design, collecting data through interviews with 60 long-term residents selected via systematic and purposive sampling methods.
What is the core focus of the main body chapters?
The chapters focus on dissecting survey responses based on age, gender, and residency duration to identify why traditional, spiritual, and superstitious explanations remain dominant over geological facts.
What are the essential keywords characterizing this work?
Essential keywords include residents' perception, granite outcrop, traditional beliefs, volcanicity, igneous rock, and socio-demographic factors.
How does the author explain the high reliance on myths?
The author attributes the reliance on myths to high illiteracy rates, lack of access to secondary education, and the intergenerational transmission of folklore from older to younger generations.
What role does gender play in these perceptions?
The study found that male respondents were more likely to provide scientific explanations, likely due to a greater priority historically placed on male education compared to female education in the region.
Why is the "duration of stay" a significant variable?
Data suggests that longer residency correlates with a higher likelihood of adhering to traditional myths, as these stories have been passed down over decades, fading more slowly in long-term residents.
- Quote paper
- Ezekiel Otoo (Author), 2017, Granit Outcrops and their Reception by Residents, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1021431
