Limitations of the Study

7.3 Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. One of the limitations arose from the lack of data that affects this study‟s attempt to revise the conceptual schema of the Rambo Model and establish the sequence of the conversion stages. Diagram II on page 180 illustrates

the possible, typical sequence of the conversion stages according to the type of religious context within which the conversion occurs. However, the mapping and the sequencing of the conversion stages are far from complete. The relatively small number of studies that employ the Rambo Model as their analytical framework has restricted the extent to which the sequence of the conversion stages can be generalised. For instance, as already mentioned in Chapter 3, none of the studies were conducted in

a majority-religion context and as far as this study is concerned, the analysis of conversion process of the Dusun Muslim converts is the first case study to be carried a majority-religion context and as far as this study is concerned, the analysis of conversion process of the Dusun Muslim converts is the first case study to be carried

Dealing with an ethnic group that is not fully acquainted with research culture also poses a limitation on the process of data collection. It has been mentioned in Section

4.3.2 of Chapter 4 that there were potential informants who refused the invitation to participate, primarily because of their fear of saying the wrong things in their interviews. Despite the explanation given and the repeated assurance of confidentiality and anonymity, twelve individuals declined the invitation to participate in this study. Ten of these individuals were aged 60 and above. One main reason that seems to be causing their fear of saying the wrong things is because of my occupation as a civil servant. They were not confident in discussing their conversion experience, in fear of bringing up controversial issues that could be interpreted as criticisms of government policies and actions. The other two potential informants had not shown up on the interview day despite their initial consent to take part in the research. The reason for their refusal to be interviewed is not known as they could not be contacted on the day and afterwards.

Such decline to invitation should not be taken lightly as it essentially means that the sampling process needs to be restarted to identify new potential informants. Delays in the sampling process and schedules in many ways means the imposition of critical delays on the entire fieldwork process, where such delays in a sampling process which significantly affected the data collection process means longer time than originally anticipated was needed for the fieldwork to be completed properly. This is where the Such decline to invitation should not be taken lightly as it essentially means that the sampling process needs to be restarted to identify new potential informants. Delays in the sampling process and schedules in many ways means the imposition of critical delays on the entire fieldwork process, where such delays in a sampling process which significantly affected the data collection process means longer time than originally anticipated was needed for the fieldwork to be completed properly. This is where the

It might not be possible to adequately address the above limitations within the context of this study, particularly in terms of the paucity of the relevant data. However, such rarity of evidence to support the findings of this study can suggest the scope and direction that conversion studies should take in the future. A detailed discussion on the directions and prospects for future research is next.