Renewable Energy of Norway and Qatar - Research Proposal Example

Renewable Energy: A Comparative Case Study of Norway and Qatar By Table of Content Chapter 3: Research Methodology 3 3.1Research Approach 3 3.2 Research Philosophies 8 3.3 Research Methods 10 3.4 Data Collection: Design of Research Instruments and Research Target 13 3.4.1 Primary Data Collection 13 3.4.2 Secondary Data Collection 15 3.5 Data Analysis 16 3.5.1 Qualitative Data Analysis 16 3.5.2 Quantitative Data Analysis 17 3.6 Reliability 17 3.7 Ethical Issues 19 3.8 Significance of the Study 21 Chapter 3: Research Methodology 3. Introduction Both Qatar and Norway have corresponding needs for domestic energy (Wilhite, et al., 1996; Qader, 2009). While Qatar is the world’s second largest supplier of natural gas after Russia, Norway is the world’s third largest natural gas supplier (US Energy Information Administration, 2014). Thus energy production for both domestic use and export purposes in Qatar and Norway is a significant activity (Gross, et al., 2013). However, significant differences have emerged in the manner in which both Qatar and Norway manage and sustain efficient energy consumption through renewable energy incentives. Suffice it to state for present purposes, Norway is demonstratively better in terms of current renewable energy initiatives and the future trajectory of renewable energy usage. For example, nearly all of the electricity generated in Norway originates from renewable energy sources (Park, 2013). On the other hand, Qatar has an ambitious renewable plan but due to its ‘monopolistic electricity market’, putting renewable energy into practice has been hampered by a lack of competition (Talus, 2014, p. 399). The purpose of this research is to therefore compare and contrast renewable energy use, policies and strategies in Norway and Qatar. This chapter sets out the research methodology used in conducting the comparative case study. 3.1 Research Approach The collection and analysis of quantitative data in this dissertation takes a deductive approach. In taking a deductive approach to the quantitative data collection and analysis, this research starts with the “general” and moves toward the “specific” (Willis, 2007, p. 213). By moving from the general to the specific, deductive reasoning facilitates a strategy in which conclusions are logically drawn on the basis of the facts found. This is a top-down approach, or rather the deductive approach starts at the top and moves toward the bottom. In this regard, the researcher starts out with a conclusion which is generally expressed in the form of hypotheses or theories (Figure 1) (Evans, 1999). The researcher collects quantitative data and analyses the data with a view to confirming or disproving hypotheses or theories (Figure 2). In adopting a deductive approach, this dissertation starts at the top with hypotheses and theories and collects primary and secondary data with a view to testing the stated hypotheses and theories. Specifically, the quantitative data is collected, calculated and analysed with a view to testing three subcategories of motivation theories as set out in Chapter 3 of this dissertation: self-determined theory, hierarchy theory and hygiene theory. Thus the quantitative data tests the extent to which individuals act in terms of energy efficiency without the benefit of external/government influence through regulation and how individuals act or are influenced to act based on government/external interference. Figure 1: Deductive Approach INCLUDEPICTURE "http://cdn.expertz.me/wp-content/gallery/top-down-and-bottom-up-design/deductivereasoning.png" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "http://cdn.expertz.me/wp-content/gallery/top-down-and-bottom-up-design/deductivereasoning.png" \* MERGEFORMATINET Figure 2: Deductive Approach The collection and analysis of the qualitative data in this research is conducted using inductive reasoning. Inductive reasoning, unlike deductive reasoning takes a bottom-down approach or rather begins at the bottom and then sets about exploring and explaining the phenomenon investigated. This generally involves observing and examining patterns for meaning (Figure 3) (Roulston, 2010). Thus, rather than starting out with generalizations, inductive reasoning starts out with specifics and moves toward generalizations and theorizing. Unlike deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning does not seek to confirm or disprove hypotheses or theories, but attempts instead to form theories or contribute toward the formation of theories. Thus in collecting, calculating and analyzing the qualitative data, this researcher begins with a conceptual framework constructed around three theories under the umbrella of motivation theory: self-determined, hierarchy and hygiene theories. Together, self-determined, hierarchy and hygiene theories provide a conceptual framework for investigating how individuals behave relative to energy conservation absent external influences and how and to what extent external influences can alter how individuals behave in terms of energy renewal. Figure 3: Inductive Reasoning 3.2 Research Philosophies Two philosophies are used in this research: interpretivism and positivism. Interpretivism is used in the analysis and interpretation of the qualitative data results. Positivism is used in analysis and interpretation of the quantitative data results. Interpetivism is based on the assumption that the social world is different from the natural world and as such, it is not possible to uniformly and objectively calculate social phenomena. Social phenomena can only be measured by reference to how individuals perceive and interpret their own experiences and interactions and how they respond to their interpretations of their experiences and interactions. Therefore, a social phenomenon operates outside of the natural sciences’ paradigm and is focused on the causal ‘meanings’ and ‘understandings’ of ‘social actors’ (Crotty, 2005, p. 69). Interpretivism assumes that objective reality is not always discoverable and that subjective realities can be used to accumulate subjective evidence of what amounts to a close approximation of reality. This is because; social actors are subjective in their thinking, interpretations and reactions so that multiple realities exist. In this regard, interpretivism proceeds on the basis that meaning and understanding from multiple individuals can aid in arriving at a close approximation of reality and truth (Willis, 2007). Phenomenology is a category of interpretivism and forms the primary basis of the qualitative data collected and analysed in this research. A phenomenological approach involves focusing on the experiences of those participating in the study and how those experiences are interpreted and understood. In this regard, a phenomenological approach involves gathering data from those who experience or have experienced the social phenomenon under investigation (Crotty, 2005). Therefore, in taking a phenomenological approach to the renewable energy, use policies and practices in Qatar, this research uses semi-structured interviews to identify and interpret expert residents’ experience with energy policies and practices and their interpretation of their experiences and how they expect a successful and effective energy renewable market to operate. The objective is to determine, from the perspective of domestic experts, if Qatar’s renewable energy policies are sufficient to modify domestic patterns that are consistent with environmentally friendly outcomes. Positivism on the other hand looks for objective realities and proceeds on the basis that a phenomenon can be observed and measured. Thus from a positivist perspective, reality is objective and can be determined through natural laws and methods. Positivism assumes that anything that can be observed can also be measured and reduced to defined and quantitative results. A positivist approach to research therefore involves the formulation of hypotheses and testing of these hypotheses through the collection and analysis of empirical data. Theories may also be tested through empirical data, which is always reduced to statistical data forms (Blaikie, 2007). Put another way, positivism assumes that reality is objective and has an existence, which is segregated from the human mind. The objective reality is capable of measurement and reveals a discoverable objective reality (Byrne and Ragin, 2009). In taking the positivism approach to this study, surveys are administered to residents who are asked to rate their interpretation of and response to renewable energy policies in Qatar. These interpretations and responses are measured and reduced to statistical data for the purpose of calculating and defining an objective reality. 3.3 Research Methods This research study can best be described as an exploratory and descriptive study which seeks to identify attributes for and obstacles to, sustaining and implementing successful and efficient renewable energy policies. A comparative study is conducted for identifying the attributes that are present and lacking in one or both countries under investigation. Therefore the exploratory and descriptive case study is a desirable method for achieving the aim and objective of this research. The desirability of an exploratory and descriptive case study arises out of the fact that case studies accommodate flexibility and does not constrain the researcher to a fixed and unwavering research technique. In freeing the researcher of inflexible and rigid research techniques, the case study permits a free exploration of the social phenomenon investigated (Kumar, 2014). It is also important to note that as a case study however, this exploratory and descriptive case study proceeds as a snapshot. As a snapshot case study, the phenomenon investigated is restricted only to a one-time investigation and does not involve the collection of data at intervals for measuring changes over time (Kumar, 2014). As a result, this exploratory and descriptive research study focuses on perceptions and experiences of renewable energy policies and practices in Qatar and Norway and does not involve consequential or subsequent data collection. A pragmatic research method is also taken and involves a mixed methodology. In this regard both qualitative and quantitative methods are used in the collection and analysis of data (Johnson, et al., 2007). The collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data carries on “in many phases in the research process” and through taking this approach, the researcher gains and shares a more dynamic understanding of the “research problems than either approach alone” can produce (Creswell and Clark, 2011, p. 5). In using a mixed methods research approach, the researcher is cautioned to ensure that neither the qualitative nor quantitative data outcomes are permitted to be isolated. By interpreting the quantitative and qualitative results together, the researcher is assured of greater validity of the results (Tashakkori and Teddlie, 2010). According to Creswell and Clark (2011), the researcher is minded to merge and converge the qualitative and quantitative data. The idea is to ensure that the quantitative and qualitative data are supportive and complimentary of one another. Creswell and Clark (2011) further emphasis that it is inadequate for a researcher to “simply collect and analyse quantitative and qualitative data”, but rather the researcher is required to mix the data so as to “form a more complete” image of the “problem” (Creswell and Clark, 2011, p. 7). For the purposes of this research, a triangulation method was used in the mixed methods research. A triangulation mixed methods research requires that in addition to collecting qualitative and quantitative data, the researcher merges the two data sources and rely on the results for forming a better understanding of the “research problem” (Tashakkor and Teddlie, 2005, p. 28). In taking the triangulation mixed method, the researcher compares the two data results and observes and thinks about consistency in the results (Camerino, et al., 2012). According to Camerino, et al., (2012), the triangulation mixed methods approach is the most commonly used mixed methods and its purpose is to “obtain different, yet complementary, data” relating to the same phenomenon in order to provide optimal insight into the problem under research investigation (p. 8). In particular, a triangulation mixed methods approach aims at complimenting effects. The strengths and weaknesses of the quantitative data are complimented by the strengths and weaknesses of the qualitative data. For example, quantitative data usually involves large sample sizes while qualitative data involves smaller sample sizes. Therefore the weaknesses in the small sample size under qualitative data are complimented by the larger sample size in the quantitative data. However, since qualitative data involves small sample sizes, the data obtained is far more robust and detailed than the data obtained from larger sample sizes under quantitative data. Therefore, the quantity of quantitative data and the quality of qualitative data combine to improve research results (Camerino, et al., 2012). The triangulation mixed method used in this research involves the collection of primary and secondary data. The data results are compared and merged pursuant to consistencies and inconsistencies in the results. The results of each of the data sources are compared and contrasted for confirmation, complimentary and support implications. In other words the results of surveys, interviews, literature and other sources of secondary data are combined and converged for comparative and contrast values. 3.4 Data Collection: Design of Research Instruments and Research Target 3.4.1 Primary Data Collection A purposive and convenience sampling method is used in this research for the recruitment and participation of a population of experts in renewable energy in Qatar. A convenience sampling is used for the recruitment of and participation of a population of energy users in Qatar. The convenience sampling participates in the surveys while the purposive sampling participates in the semi-structured interviews. Purposive sampling is best understood as a non-random sample which is aimed at the collection of data from a population that is expected to have the requisite knowledge and experience for providing the information that the research study is aimed at obtaining (Teddlie and Tashakkor, 2010). In order to obtain a purposive sample population the researcher identified and recruited experts who have experience with managing efficient energy and promoting or advising on renewable energy and who have been exposed to renewable energy policies and practices in Qatar. The purposive population sample were asked to participate in and did participate in a semi-structured interview designed to identify their knowledge of and experience with renewable energy strategies and their experiences and perceptions of the reality of Qatar’s renewable energy policies and practices. This is a phenomenological approach which is compatible with purposive sampling since the aim of the interview is to gather data from individuals who have experienced or are experiencing the phenomenon under investigation (Creswell, 2007). Semi-structured interviews were used to provide the researcher with the flexibility to ask questions for clarification or for following up with additional questions in the event that new information was offered or it became clear that the interview subject wanted to offer information that was not included in the question. Semi-structured interviews involve a pre-prepared list of questions that permit the researcher to go off-script in appropriate circumstances (Wengraf, 2001). Thus the researcher prepared a list of questions that were merely preparatory in nature and with the understanding that the researcher would go off-script when necessary (Appendix 1). The convenience sampling technique is used to recruit individual citizens/residents of Qatar. Also known as “accidental” or “haphazard” sampling, convenience sampling is among the most popular sampling technique used in the behavioural sciences (Gravetter and Forzano, 2011, p. 151). In the interest of time, money and resources, convenience sampling involves the recruitment of individuals who are easy to reach. As Gravetter and Forzano (2011) explain that convenience sampling is best understood as a sampling technique in which individual participants “are selected on the basis of their availability and willingness to respond” (p. 151). In other words, residents of Qatar was approached and recruited electronically from social media networks and other online locations where relatively large populations gather. The convenience sampling is used to complete a survey designed to measure variables associated with attitudes toward renewable energy policies and practices and the participant’s own energy efficiency practices and knowledge. The survey is designed as a blind item in which statements containing the variables are rated pursuant to a Likert scale ranging from 1-5 as follows: 1=Strongly Agree; 2=Agree; 3=Neutral; 4=Disagree; 5=Strongly disagree (See Appendix 2). Each statement in the survey is accompanied by the Likert scale and participants are asked to select the appropriate rating for each statement. The survey also contains one or more open-ended questions. Open-ended questions permit the participant to freely express themselves (Creswell, 2007). In order to properly recruit participants for the semi-structured interviews all potential participants were provided a consent form (Appendix 2). The consent form informed the potential participants of the purpose of the research and the research topic. They were asked to sign the form if they agreed to participate in the study. The interviews and consent forms are presented almost simultaneously in that once a consent form was signed, the interviews commenced. The semi-structured interviews are arranged in person with the potential participant. The interviews are conducted face to face at a place and time convenient to both the researcher and the participant. Semi-structured interviews were slated for 30 minutes to 1 hour. 3.4.2 Secondary Data Collection Secondary data are archived data or data collected for a specific research or academic purpose other than the research conducted by the user. Secondary data can be found in a number of sources and are primarily found in the library or on-line libraries or scholarly sites such as Jstor (Stewart and Kamins, 1993). Thus secondary data is distinguished from primary data as the latter involves field collection (McNabb, 2010). There are a number of useful and available secondary data sources including governmental, organizational, and scholarly data sets compiled for the purpose of information or for the purpose of aiding in further research (Schutt, 2006). The secondary data is especially important for collecting material reflecting renewable energy policies and outcomes for Norway and Qatar. In order to identify the appropriate data source several key word searches were conducted using the Google search engine on the Internet. The key words used in the search are “Norway renewable energy” and “Qatar renewable energy”. Several data sources were identified as a result of the search and these data sources were collected and read for relevance and selected on the basis of an inclusion and exclusion paradigm. To be included, the most relevant articles, textbooks and other material were selected on the basis of similarity to the research topic and the most recent. 3.5 Data Analysis 3.5.1 Qualitative Data Analysis Qualitative data analysis involves looking at the results and exploring, observing and reporting what the data reveals. The researcher takes an approach in which the data is observed and all possible explanations are exhausted with the result that the most logical and reasonable explanation is left unchallenged. The researcher identifies commonalties and discrepancies in the data and attempts to determine whether or not the commonalities and discrepancies are linked (Caudle, 2004). In analysing the qualitative data the researcher used a coding process for distinguishing commonalities, categories and discrepancies. In this regard “coding refers to the categorizing of observations into a limited number of categories” (Monette, et al., p. 429). In this regard, categories are created and coded for each of the variables. For example, attributes of good renewable energy are coded as ARE (Attributes of Renewable Energy) and attributes of Qatar’s renewable energy policy are coded as AQRE (Attributes of Qatar’s Renewable Energy). 3.5.2 Quantitative Data Analysis Quantitative data analysis permits the collection of quantified data, which are statistically measurable (Wetcher-Hendricks, 2011). The results of the surveys are calculated using SPSS software and are reported statistically. In using the SPSS software, a multiple regression analysis is conducted. A multiple regression analysis identifies and measures the relationship between “two or more independent variables” and explains its relationship to “variations in dependent variables” (Allen, 1997, p. 76). The independent variables in the survey are perceptions of the government’s renewable energy policies, perceptions of the government’s renewable energy practices, perceptions of companies’ renewable energy policies and practices, and resident’s energy efficiency attitudes and practices. The dependent variables are the impact of government and corporate energy efficiency policies and practices on resident’s energy efficiency knowledge and practices. The independent and dependent variables are entered into the SPSS software and calculated using the multiple regression template. 3.6 Reliability Reliability refers to the degree to which the research report and the results are believable. To this end, a research report and its results are reliable when anyone who reads the report is confident that the results can be relied upon (Creswell, 2007). In order to ensure that anyone reading the research report can rely on or have confidence in the research results, a number of measures were adopted by the researcher. To begin with, the researcher created an audit trail documenting the collection, categorizing, coding and safekeeping of the data and its results. In other words, the researcher kept ‘track’ of interviews and surveys and in doing so, ensured that they were in the sole possession of the researcher and unavailable to anyone else (Cast, 2010, p. 1039). Interviews and contemporaneous notes taken at the time of the interviews were coded, and annotated and kept by the researcher to safeguard against loss, destruction and modification of the data. Field notes and recording were also necessary to ensure that the researcher did not have to rely on memory. Similarly, the surveys were kept in the sole custody of the researcher to ensure that the researcher did not have to rely on memory. In conducting the interviews, the researcher used a technique referred to as member checking to eliminate the risk of unreliable responses to a question. Member checking is a technique in which the researcher reads back or repeats a response to an interview question where the participant’s response is ambiguous or potentially misunderstood. After reading the participant’s response, the researcher asked the participant if that was what he or she meant to say (Harper and Cole, 2012). With regards to the surveys, a pilot test, was conducted among experts and colleagues. The purpose of a pilot test is to test the usability and validity of the research instrument. The survey is distributed among colleagues and experts and after completion the participants are asked a number of questions. Questions asked relate to the ability to understand the questions, the questions relevance to the research topic, and so on. By using a pilot test, the researcher has the opportunity to improve the survey instrument before distributing it for the purposes of this research (Panter and Sterba, 2011). Further, in ensuring that the results of the surveys and interviews were reliable, the researcher selected only questions that are relevant to the research objectives and research questions. This was a necessary strategy for eliminating the risk of obtaining information that was not relevant and therefore not usable. Moreover, the questions were kept as simple and clear as possible to reduce, if not eliminate, the risk of confusion and therefore unreliable responses. In order to safeguard against boredom and rushed responses, the surveys and interviews were designed to take the shortest time possible. The replicability of the study also contributes to the reliability of the study. Replicability refers to the possibility of the research results being transferrable to another study on the same or very similar research. In addition if the study can be applied to or conducted on the same population or a different population and produce similar or the same results, the research study and its results are replicable (Whitley and Kite, 2013). This research study was applied to a population of residents in Qatar and did not require special adjustments for the specific needs of the population, it is therefore highly replicable. In order to ensure further reliability, the interviews and surveys were administered in Arabic and English. The interview results as well as the survey results were then translated into English by a bilingual expert who verified that the results were duly and appropriately interpreted. Therefore, having regard to the measures adapted in this study, this research is reliable. 3.7 Ethical Issues Pursuant to ethical standards of research applicable to studies involving human subjects, the researcher took the measures necessary to ensure that all participants were both competent and voluntarily participating in the study. With regards to competence, all individuals were at least 18 years old and were therefore competent to consent to and participate in the study. Therefore age was not an ethical factor in this research. As Creswell (2007) cautioned, ensuring that participants are legally competent to participate in a study is necessary otherwise, consent may be obtained by someone who can give consent on the participants’ behalf. Each of the participants in the study were at least 18 years old and were at liberty to consent to participating in the study. Another ethical issue that had to be dealt with in this research study was voluntarily participating in the study. As demonstrated by the consent form, the participants’ were informed of the research topic and its purpose and this gave them an opportunity to determine whether or not the topic and purpose was one that they felt comfortable with (Appendix 3). The participants were also informed that they were at liberty to withdraw from the study at any time after they gave their consent. To further ensure that the participants were voluntarily participating in the study, the researcher did not offer rewards nor did the researcher in any way make the participants feel forced to participate in the study. The participants were not exposed to the risk of harm in any way. There may have been some form of discomfort with having to answer survey questions or to participate in face-to-face interviews. However, this discomfort was minimized as far as possible by keeping the interviews light and friendly. The surveys were simplified and short so that participants were not tied to a long and complicated ordeal. Moreover, the surveys and interviews were conducted at the convenience of the participants. In respecting and protecting the human rights of the participants, their privacy and confidentiality were not invaded. The surveys and interviews were blind items in that the identities of the participants were protected so that they are not identified by name or otherwise in the research report. In other words, no indications or identifiers are used in the research report. Moreover, the raw data is kept in the sole custody of the researcher and this data will be destroyed within a year of the publication of this research report. 3.8 Significance of the Study According to Colombo (2014) none of the GCC states, including Qatar have “undertaken any concrete measures for the promotion of energy efficiency” (p. 200). Specifically, although GCC states: …have recently adopted a more proactive approach towards environmental sustainability…despite some relevant initiatives, no consistent or coordinated strategies or policies have yet been established (Colombo, 2014, p. 200). Qatar however, has shown greater promise in terms of energy efficient initiatives in the GCC by its commitment to research on sustainable development and in particular its Energy City which is aimed at adopting the ‘latest green energy technologies and solutions for energy efficiency and pollution reduction’ (Colombo, 2014, p. 202). Other initiatives include the Cooperation Programme on Energy Efficiency relative to the Qatari Electricity Sector, Qatar Airlines’ Oryx Flies Green programme, and the initial stages of the Qatar National Plan for Energy Efficiency, Optimization and Resource Utilization (Colombo, 2014). As an oil rich country and one that depends on income from oil exports in a world where other countries are turning more toward renewable energy and alternative energy sources, Qatar’s reliance on energy and energy exports calls attention to its own sustainable development issues. This study is therefore significant for identifying the appropriate renewable energy and energy efficiency policies and practices for Qatar. Norway’s record of satisfactory energy efficiency provides a good reference point for evaluating the appropriate energy efficiency policies and practices in Qatar. 3.9 Conclusion This chapter set out the research methodology used in this dissertation and provided an explanation and justification for the collection and analysis of the data. The data described in this chapter is primary and secondary data. The research philosophy, sampling, validity and reliability of the study are also described. This chapter also states the significance of this study. Appendix 1 Semi-Structured Interview Questions 1. What are the attributes of efficient energy management? 2. What attributes of efficient energy management do you see in Qatar’s renewable energy policies? 3. Would you say that Qatar’s renewable energy policies are sufficient for energy efficiency in Qatar? Explain 4. What would you say are the strengths of Qatar’s renewable energy policies? 5. What would you say are the weaknesses of Qatar’s renewable energy policies? 6. What steps can Qatar take to improve upon the weaknesses of its renewable energy policies? 7. What do you think would happen to Qatar’s energy resources and environment should Qatar continue to manage energy as it is being managed? Appendix 2 Survey Part 1: Age: Gender: A) Male B) Female Marital Status: A). Married B) In a committed relationship C) Dating/Single Part 2: Please rate the following statements according to the scale below by circling the appropriate response: 1: Strongly Agree 2: Agree 3: Neutral 4: Disagree 5: Strongly Disagree 1. The Qatar government’s energy efficiency policy is clearly understood. 1: Strongly Agree 2: Agree 3: Neutral 4: Disagree 5: Strongly Disagree 2. I think the Qatar government’s policy for energy efficiency has clear objectives. 1: Strongly Agree 2: Agree 3: Neutral 4: Disagree 5: Strongly Disagree 3. I think the Qatar government’s energy efficiency policies have been put into practice quite well. 1: Strongly Agree 2: Agree 3: Neutral 4: Disagree 5: Strongly Disagree 4. As a result of the Qatar government’s energy renewable policy and practices, people are showing greater caution in energy use. 1: Strongly Agree 2: Agree 3: Neutral 4: Disagree 5: Strongly Disagree 5. As a result of the Qatar government’s energy renewable policy industries are acting with greater responsibility. 1: Strongly Agree 2: Agree 3: Neutral 4: Disagree 5: Strongly Disagree 6. I am more responsible with regards to energy use than I was before because of the Qatar government’s energy efficiency policy. 1: Strongly Agree 2: Agree 3: Neutral 4: Disagree 5: Strongly Disagree 7. I care about energy efficiency more than I did because of the Qatar government’s energy efficiency policy. 1: Strongly Agree 2: Agree 3: Neutral 4: Disagree 5: Strongly Disagree 8. I think the Qatar government is going everything it can to promote energy efficiency. 1: Strongly Agree 2: Agree 3: Neutral 4: Disagree 5: Strongly Disagree 9. I think companies are doing everything they can to comply with the Qatar government’s energy efficiency policy. 1: Strongly Agree 2: Agree 3: Neutral 4: Disagree 5: Strongly Disagree 10. I think Qatar’s energy efficiency policies and practices are as good as they can be. 1: Strongly Agree 2: Agree 3: Neutral 4: Disagree 5: Strongly Disagree Appendix 3 Consent Form I ______________________________ of Qatar agree to participate in an interview as a part of study conducted by ________________________________. I have been informed that the study is conducted pursuant to a university degree and involves an investigation of comparative energy renewable policies and practices. I have also been informed that my participation in the study is voluntary and that I may withdraw at anytime after I agree to participate in the study and at any time before the study is published. I have also been informed that my participation in the study is anonymous and that I will not be identified in the published report and that all of the raw data will be deleted within one year of the submission of the paper. 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