CHAPTER 2

DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the methods and procedures that were used to conduct

the study. It discussed the research design, locale of the study, participants, data-

gathering procedures, research instrument, validity and reliability testing, data analysis,

and ethical considerations.

Research Design

This study utilized a descriptive mixed-method design combining quantitative and

qualitative approaches. The quantitative component determined the level of enforcement

and the level of awareness of Republic Act No. 10054 (Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009)

among motorcycle riders using a structured Likert-scale questionnaire.

The qualitative component explored the barriers and reasons for helmet non-

compliance, providing deeper insights into the underlying personal, economic, social,

and enforcement-related factors influencing rider behavior.

This mixed design allowed for both numerical representation of trends and narrative

understanding of contextual realities (Creswell & Creswell, 2018; Saunders et al., 2019;

Bhandari, 2022).

Population and Locale of the Study

The study was conducted in Barangay Agbannawag, Tabuk City, Kalinga, a

predominantly residential and agricultural area where motorcycles served as one of the

primary modes of transportation for work, schooling, and market activities. The barangay

was linked by provincial and barangay roads that connected interior sitios to the city

proper, resulting in heavy daily motorcycle movement even for short-distance trips.

Agbannawag was purposively selected because motorcycles were the most practical

and accessible means of transport for most residents, and the area reflected the

common riding conditions found in both rural and peri-urban communities of Tabuk City.
 Design and Methodology 20

Its mixed road network and diverse rider population provided a realistic setting for

examining patterns of helmet use, levels of awareness of Republic Act No. 10054

(Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009), and the contextual barriers that affected consistent

helmet-wearing behavior.

The respondents of this study were motorcycle riders aged 18 years old and

above who were either residents of Barangay Agbannawag or regular commuters within

its road networks. A purposive sampling technique was employed to ensure that only

qualified riders participated.

The study was geographically limited to Barangay Agbannawag and therefore did

not generalize to all riders in Tabuk City or other municipalities of Kalinga. By clearly

setting these boundaries, the study ensured focus on the unique conditions of Barangay

Agbannawag while providing insights that could serve as a basis for targeted

enforcement strategies and barangay-level road safety programs.

Data Gathering Tool/s

The primary instrument for data collection was a structured survey questionnaire

developed by the researchers on helmet use and compliance with Republic Act No.

10054 (Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009). The questionnaire consisted of three main parts

aligned with the study objectives.

The first part determined the level of enforcement of RA 10054, using a 4-point

Likert scale.

The second part assessed the riders’ awareness of RA 10054, including safety

standards and penalties under DOTr–LTO Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01, using

a 4-point scale.

The third part focused on the barriers to helmet compliance, consisting of five

open-ended questions on comfort, cost, trip habits, peer influence, and enforcement

visibility.
 Design and Methodology 21

The instrument underwent content validation by experts in criminology, public

safety, and research methodology to ensure that items were clear, relevant, and aligned

with the study objectives. A pilot test was conducted among 15 motorcycle riders in a

nearby barangay with similar characteristics. The results were subjected to Cronbach’s

Alpha reliability test for the Likert-scale sections. A coefficient of 0.70 or higher was

considered acceptable. Items that did not meet the threshold were revised or removed.

Table 1

Reliability of the Instrument

Part 1. 0.967074 13

Part 2. 0953127 18

The coefficient of reliability computed in Part 1 was 0.967074 and in Part 2 was

0.953127; therefore, the scale demonstrated acceptable internal consistency reliability in

gathering the needed data for this study.

The questionnaire had two parts. Part 1 sought responses regarding the level of

enforcement of Republic Act No. 10054 in Barangay Agbannawag, Tabuk City, Kalinga.

Part 2 sought responses regarding the level of riders’ awareness of Republic Act No.

10054 and its implementing rules and regulations, including related legal requirements,

penalties, and product safety standards.

Data Gathering Procedures

The researchers personally administered the survey questionnaires with the

assistance of barangay officials in identifying eligible respondents. Before data

collection, permission was sought from the barangay council. Respondents were given a

short briefing on the objectives of the study, after which they were asked to sign

informed consent forms. The questionnaires were then distributed and completed on-site
 Design and Methodology 22

to ensure high response and retrieval rates. Supplementary clarifications were

conducted through short interviews with selected riders to enrich the responses.

The study adhered to ethical standards in research involving human participants.

Prior to data collection, approval was obtained from the barangay council. Respondents

were informed about the purpose of the study, and informed consent was secured. They

were assured that participation was voluntary and that they could withdraw at any stage

without consequence. Anonymity and confidentiality were strictly maintained, as no

identifying information was collected. The data were used solely for academic purposes,

ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines.

Treatment of Data

The responses from every item were tallied from information obtained through

the instrument. Percentages, averages, and statistical tools were used for a more

meaningful presentation and interpretation of the results.

The Four-Point Likert Scale was used to measure the responses regarding the level of

enforcement of RA No. 10054. The following scales were applied:

Table 2

Four-Point Likert Scale on the level of enforcement of the Helmet Law

3 2.51 – 3.25 Often

2 1.76 – 2.50 Sometimes

1 1.00 – 1.75 Never

Table 3

Four-Point Likert Scale on Rider’s Awareness of the Helmet Law

4 3.26 – 4.00 Very Much Aware

3 2.51 – 3.25 Aware

2 1.76 – 2.50 Somewhat Aware

1 1.00 – 1.75 Not At All Aware

The responses were tallied, tabulated, and analyzed using both descriptive and

inferential statistics.

The qualitative data gathered from the open-ended questions on barriers to

helmet compliance were analyzed using thematic analysis. Responses were carefully

reviewed, coded, and grouped into common themes based on recurring ideas and

patterns. These themes were used to support and explain the quantitative findings.