CHAPTER III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design
This study applies descriptive qualitative design. Qualitative research is used to explore
and understand phenomena in their natural context by analyzing non numerical data such as
words, texts, and observations. According to Ayton et al (2023), qualitative research focuses on
interpreting meanings, experiences, and patterns that occur in rela life situation.
This research is categorized as descriptive qualitative because it aims to describe the
phenomenon of language fossilization in students english acquisition without manipulating
variables. The researcher analyzes students language production in speaking and writing to
identify recurring errors, classify types of fossilization, and examine the factors that contribute to
fossilization. Descriptive qualitative research is appropriate when the purpose of the study is to
provide a detailed description of phenomenon (Creswell, 2014)
3.2 Research Setting and Participants
This research will be conducted at UPT SPF SMP Negeri 3 Percut Sei Tuan. The
participants of this study are ninth grade students (IX Grade) who have been learning english for
around three years. These students are selected because they are expected to have acquired basic
english structures, making it possible to observe fossilization in their language use. In qualitative
research, participants are usually selected purposively based in their relevance to their relevance
to the research objectives (Creswell, 2014).
3.3 Data Sources
The data in this study are categorized as qualitative data,which consist of words and
language expressions produced by students.
The data sources include:
1. Primary data
a. Students oral quiz responses (speaking data)
b. Students writing test result (written data)
2. Supporting data
a. Observation notes
b. Documentation (students work and recordings)
These data are used to identify patterns of recurring errors that indicate fossilization. According
to Miles, Huberman, and Saldana (2014),qualitative data can be collected from various sources
such as observations, interviews, and documents to gain a deeper understanding of a
phenomenon.
3.4 Techniques of Data Collection
To collect the data, the researcxher applies the following techniques:
1. Observation
Observation is conducted to understand students behavior and difficulties in learning english.
The researcher observes how students use english in the classroom and records recurring errors.
Observation allows researchers to collect data directly from natural settings (Cresswell, 2014).
2. Oral quiz
The oral quiz is used to collect data on students speaking ability. Students are asked to
perform short conversations based on selected themes. This technique helps reveal errors in
grammar, vocabulary,and pronunciation. According to Brown (2004), speaking tasks such as oral
performance can be used to assess learners’ language ability and identify errors.
3. Writing test
The writing test is conducted to analyze students written language production. Students are
asked to write descriptive text, which they have learned in the first grade. Writing tasks are
useful to identify grammatical and lexical errors in learners language (Harmer, 2007).
4. Documentation
Documentation is used to support the collected data. It includes:
a. Students writing results
b. Audio recordings
c. Photos and field notes
Documentation provides additional evidence to strengthen the data (Miles et al, 2014).
3.5 Instrument of Data Collection
The instruments used in this research are:
1. Oral quiz guidelines
2. Writing test intructions
3. Audio recorder / Mobhile phone
4. Documentation sheet
Research onstruments are toolsused to collect data in a systematic way (Cresswel, 2014).
3.6 Techniques of Data Analysis
The data are analyzed using qualitative data analysis techniques. According to miles,
Huberman, and Saldana (2014), qualitative data analysis consist of the following steps:
1. Data Collection
Gathering data from observation, oral quizzes,writing tests, and documentation.
2. Data Reduction
Selecting and focusing on relevant data, especially recurring errors.
3. Data display
Organizing the data into categories or descriptions.
4. Conclusion drawing
Interpreting the findings and drawing conclusions.
The researcher identifies errors,classifies the into types of fossilization, and analysestheir couses
and possible solutions.
3.7 Trustworthiness of the Data
1. Triangulation
Using multiple data sources and techniques to verify findings (Cresswell, 2014)
2. Consistency of Data
Comparing errors across speaking and writing tasks.
3. Thick description
Providing detailed explanations of findings.
These strategies help increase the credibility of qualitative research (Miles et al, 2014)