Chapter 2

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

The research design chosen for this study is a qualitative research design using

phenomenological descriptive method. According to Tenny et al. (2022), the qualitative

method can then help clarify the quantitative data and also help refine the hypothesis for

future research. Furthermore, with qualitative research, researchers can explore subjects

that are poorly studied with quantitative methods.

The objective of employing a phenomenological methodology in this study was to

reduce individual experiences with a phenomenon to a description of its universal

essence. Phenomenology looks into experiences from the individual's point of view.

Phenomenology is essentially a review of the participants' "lived experiences," with the

goal of determining how and why they behaved in a certain way from their perspective.

This method was chosen in order to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of

single mothers, particularly in terms of their difficulties and coping strategies.

Sources of Data

Single mothers of ages twenty-five (25) to sixty (60) years old, who are currently

residing in the City of San Fernando, La Union will be chosen as the research study's

target participants and primary sources of data. A total initial target of five (5)

participants will be interviewed in this qualitative study.

 23

The inclusion criteria includes unmarried mothers, unmarried mothers with

adopted children, women who are separated from or divorced, and widows would all be

eligible to participate in the research study as long as they do not currently have a partner.

Instrumentation and Data Collection

A semi-structured interview guide will be used to gather the data and responses of

the respondents. In using this method, the researchers can further support the data

collected through the interview that were answered by the respondents in order to

establish accurate data analysis. Five experts, specifically, registered psychometricians

will administer the validation of interview questions in the academe.

Respondents will be recruited using the non-probability sampling technique

specifically Snowball or Chain Referral Sampling. In qualitative research studies, the

snowball sampling, also known as chain referral sampling technique is commonly

used given that it is effective in gathering data. It’s premised on the idea that people

know people similar to themselves (Edanz Learning Team, 2022).

The researchers will keep in touch with single mothers they know and those who

will refer single mothers they know of, including friends, acquaintances, and the City

Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO). The Researchers will visit the

participants’ residences to conduct face-to-face interviews. Participants will also be

reached out via text messages, phone calls, as well as social media.

The researchers will conduct interviews for the research to be successful. A

consent form will be presented to the participants before the interview begins.
 24

Information will be gathered through interviews with respondents. For additional

information, researchers will ask follow-up questions. A recorded and in-person

interview will be used to collect and transcribe the proof and evidence resulting from the

research conducted. This document will be written in order to better comprehend the

results. The interview will continue until the researchers had gathered all of the necessary

information from the respondents. Following data collection, all responses will be

considered and validated in accordance with the research problem and the variables in the

study. The researchers will cease interviewing after reaching data saturation.

Analysis of Data

The study will analyze the collected data with reflexive thematic analysis.

According to Byrne (2021), the reflexive thematic analysis is an easily available and

theoretically flexible interpretative approach to qualitative data analysis that facilitates

the identification and analysis of patterns or themes in a given data set.

The reflexive thematic analysis is flexible as it can be applied to a variety of

theories and epistemologies as well as provides the researcher with a wide range of

options within the framework (Campbell et. al., 2021). The researchers of the study must

make certain important considerations regarding what counts a theme and also the type,

approach, and level of analysis in order to successfully carry out these choices
 25

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 32

APPENDICES

Appendix A. Letter to the Mayor

 33

CURRICULUM VITAE

SANDRA G. LACANARIA
Address: Langcuas, City of San Fernando, La Union
Mobile Number: 0997-527-1996
Email: sandra.lacanaria_2@[Link]

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Date of Birth April 20, 2002

Place of Birth City of San Fernando, La Union
Age 20
Citizenship Filipino
Religion Pentecost
Sex Female
Civil Status Single
Father’s Name Cesar Moilo L. Lacanaria
Mother’s Name Bella G. Lacanaria
Motto: Babae ka, hindi babae lang

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

2020-2023 Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University

Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Brgy. Catbangen, City of San Fernando, La Union

2019-2020 La Union National High School

Brgy. Catbangen, City of San Fernando, La Union

2019-2019 Union Christian College

Brgy. II, City of San Fernando, La Union

2008-2019 San Fernando South Central Integrated School

Brgy. Tanqui, City of San Fernando, La Union
 34

AFFILIATIONS

2022-2023 Treasurer
Psych Society
2022-2023 Treasurer
Speech and Debate Council

ACHIEVEMENTS

2021-2022 Dean’s Lister, Second Year Second Semester

2021-2022 Dean’s Lister, Second Year First Semester

2020-2021 Dean’s Lister, First Year Second Semester

2020-2021 Dean’s Lister, First Year First Semester

SEMINARS AND TRAINING ATTENDED

 VENI VIDI VICI: Embracing our Potentials in Public Speaking in the 21st
Century
Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University- Mid La Union Campus
Catbangen, City of San Fernando, La Union
November 29, 2022

 HITTING THE MARK: A Guide in Goal Setting

Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University- Mid La Union Campus
Catbangen, City of San Fernando, La Union
November 16, 2022

 MIND YOUR MIND: Breaking the Stigma Against Mental Health

Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University- Mid La Union Campus
Catbangen, City of San Fernando, La Union
October 28, 2022
 35

CURRICULUM VITAE

ANGELICA G. LOUCILLO
Address: Cabaritan Sur, Naguilian, La Union
Mobile Number: 0966-439-8372
Email: aloucillo02372@[Link]

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Date of Birth August 31, 2001

Place of Birth City of San Fernando, La Union
Age 21
Citizenship Filipino
Religion Roman Catholic
Sex Female
Civil Status Single
Father’s Name Dave P. Loucillo
Mother’s Name Emma Ruth G. Loucillo
Motto: “Even the greatest were beginners. Don’t
be afraid to take that first step.”

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

2021-2023 Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University

Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Brgy. Catbangen, City of San Fernando, La Union

2020-2021 Saint Louis College

Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Brgy. Lingsat, City of San Fernando, La Union

2014-2020 Christ the King College

Junior High School-Senior High School
Brgy. Sevilla, City of San Fernando, La Union

2008-2014 Saints Peter and Paul Learning Center

Elementary
 36

Brgy. Central East, Bauang, La Union

ACHIEVEMENTS

2020-2021 Dean’s Lister, First Year First Semester

SEMINARS AND TRAINING ATTENDED

 HITTING THE MARK: A Guide in Goal Setting

Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University - Mid La Union Campus
Brgy. Catbangen, City of San Fernando, La Union
November 16, 2022

 MIND YOUR MIND: Breaking the Stigma Against Mental Health

Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University - Mid La Union Campus
Brgy. Catbangen, City of San Fernando, La Union
October 28, 2022
 37

CURRICULUM VITAE

ARTURO CONSEJO R. GALVAN

Address: Brgy. Dal-lipaoen, Naguilian, La Union
Mobile Number: 0931-979-6094
Email: arturo.galvan_2@[Link]

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Date of Birth August 22, 2002

Place of Birth City of San Fernando, La Union
Age 20
Citizenship Filipino
Religion Roman Catholic
Sex Male
Civil Status Single
Father’s Name Raymund Arturo A. Galvan Jr.
Mother’s Name Fredilyn R. Galvan
Motto: Life is about creating yourself

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

2020-2023 Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University

Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Brgy. Catbangen, City of San Fernando, La Union

2019-2020 Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University

Brgy. Catbangen, City of San Fernando, La Union

2014-2019 Sacred Heart School

Brgy. Central East, Bauang, La Union

2008-2014 Santiago Elementary School

Brgy. Santiago, Bauang, La Union
 38

SEMINARS AND TRAINING ATTENDED

 ORIENTATION ON JUVENILE JUSTICE PROGRAM

Brgy. Dal-lipaoen, Naguilian, La Union
June 28, 2022

 HITTING THE MARK: A Guide in Goal Setting

Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-Mid La Union Campus
Catbangen, City of San Fernando, La Union
November 16, 2022

 MIND YOUR MIND: Breaking the Stigma Against Mental Health

Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-Mid La Union Campus
Catbangen, City of San Fernando, La Union
October 28, 2022
 39

CURRICULUM VITAE

JEE-ANNE B. JOSE
Address: Payocpoc Norte Oeste, Bauang, La Union
Mobile Number: 09457464070
Email: jee-anne.jose_2@[Link]

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Date of Birth February 11, 2002

Place of Birth City of San Fernando, La Union
Age 21
Citizenship Filipino
Religion Roman Catholic
Sex Female
Civil Status Single
Father’s Name Jessie R. Jose
Mother’s Name Maria Teresa B. Jose
Motto: Everything has its reason and purpose.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

2020-2023 Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University

Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Brgy. Catbangen, City of San Fernando, La Union

2019-2020 Union Christian College

Brgy. II, City of San Fernando, La Union

2017-2019 Angono National High School

Brgy. II, City of San Fernando, La Union

2016-2017 Don Eulogio De Guzman Memorial National High

School
Calumbaya, Bauang, La Union
2015-2016
 40

Sacred Heart School

Barangay Central East, Bauang, La Union,

2014-2015 San Nicolas Academy

San Nicolas, Batangas

2010-2014 San Nicolas Central School

San Nicolas, Batangas

2008-2010 Saints Peter and Paul Learning Center

Barangay Central East, Bauang, La Union,

ACHIEVEMENTS

2008-2020 With Honors

SEMINARS AND TRAINING ATTENDED

 HITTING THE MARK: A Guide in Goal Setting

Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University- Mid La Union Campus
Catbangen, City of San Fernando, La Union
November 16, 2022

 MIND YOUR MIND: Breaking the Stigma Against Mental Health

Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University- Mid La Union Campus
Catbangen, City of San Fernando, La Union
October 28, 2022
 41

CURRICULUM VITAE

KARYLL ANNE J. FERRER

Address: Lasip Malasiqui, Pangasinan
Mobile Number: 0976-389-2074
Email: kferrer02932@[Link]

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Date of Birth October 16, 2002

Place of Birth San Carlos City, Pangasinan
Age 20
Citizenship Filipino
Religion Roman Catholic
Sex Female
Civil Status Single
Father’s Name Ramil M. Ferrer
Mother’s Name Anniely J. Ferrer
Motto: No matter how hard it is right now, think of
what the result will make you feel.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

2021-2023 Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University

Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Brgy. Catbangen, City of San Fernando, La Union

2020-2021 Unibersidad de Dagupan

Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Arellano St. Dagupan City, Pangasinan

2014-2020 Perpetual Help College of Pangasinan

Montemayor St. Malasiqui Pangasinan

2008-2014 Malasiqui Central School

Montemayor St. Malasiqui, Pangasinan
 42

ACHIEVEMENTS

2021-2022 Dean’s Lister, Second Year First Semester

2020-2021 Dean’s Lister, First Year Second Semester

2020-2021 Dean’s Lister, First Year First Semester

SEMINARS AND TRAINING ATTENDED

● Peer Facilitators' Circle Training via Google Meet

Unibersidad de Dagupan
Arellano St. Dagupan City, Pangasinan
November 6, 2020

● Knew Knowledge Acquisition and Adaptation During Quarantine

Unibersidad de Dagupan
Arellano St. Dagupan City, Pangasinan
June 11, 2021

● Mental Health in an Unequal World

Unibersidad de Dagupan
Arellano St. Dagupan City, Pangasinan
October 28, 2021

● Unlocking the Difficulties: The Prevailing Economic Recression and Human Rights
Abuses Amidst Pandemic
Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University- Mid La Union Campus
Catbangen, City of San Fernando, La Union
December 16, 2021

 HITTING THE MARK: A Guide in Goal Setting

Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University- Mid La Union Campus
Catbangen, City of San Fernando, La Union
November 16, 2022

● MIND YOUR MIND: Breaking the Stigma Against Mental Health

 43

Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University- Mid La Union Campus

Catbangen, City of San Fernando, La Union
October 28, 2022