Chapter III
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY
This chapter deals with the research method used in the study. More
specifically, it contains discussion on the research method, population of the
study, research instrument, validation of research instrument, data gathering
procedure, statistical tools, and interpretation of data.
Research Method
This research proposal will utilize quantitative research methods
through descriptive survey approach to achieve its objectives. In this study,
the researcher adopted a descriptive research design. A descriptive research
design is a quantitative method used to describe and discuss the results of a
study. This will allow researchers to gather, summarize, present, and
interpret information appropriately. This quantitative method can analyze
data trends, patterns, and relationships to provide an in-depth understanding
of the events under study. (Siedlecki, 2020)
Descriptive research designs usually entail gathering data using
surveys, questionnaires, standardized assessments, or observations. In this
study, researchers will use specialized tools to assess
the various aspects of usage of technology gadget on academic performance
among fourth-year criminology students. These specialized tools will be
tailored to the specific objectives and variables of the study, providing a
comprehensive understanding of the usage of technology gadgets on
academic performance. In addition, they can collect data on significant
difference in the effect of technology gadgets to the academic performance
of 4th year Bachelor of Science in Criminology Students.
Source of Data
For the academic year 2023–2024, 4 th year criminology students at
Isabela College of Arts & Technology, Inc. will be the subjects of a
comprehensive study that will explore the difference between benefits and
usage of technology gadgets which focus on academic performance of the
respondents using data from a variety of sources. Primary data sources will
comprise of student-conducted surveys, questionnaires, standardized tests,
observations, and interviews. Quantitative information on demographic
profiles of repondents, benefits and usage of technology gadget, and
markers of academic success will be gathered using surveys questionnaires.
Standardized assessments, such as tests in pertinent areas and evaluations
of cognitive and technological literacy, will offer objective data on academic
perforamance.
Population of the Study
The study's participants are Isabela College of Arts & Technology, Inc.
4th-year criminology students enrolled for the 2023–2024 academic year.
This demographic is the target demographic from which information will be
gathered and examined in order to look in the difference between benefits
and usage of technology gadget which focus on academic performance.
Students who are actively pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Criminology
degree and enrolled in their fourth year of study during the designated
academic year will meet the inclusion requirements for the population.
Students from various age groups, backgrounds, and technological skill
levels may make up the population, which would provide a representative
sample for the research. By focusing on this specific population, the research
aims to generate insights and recommendations relevant to the academic
context of fourth-year criminology students at Isabela College of Arts &
Technology, Inc.
All of the 4th year Bachelor of Science in Criminology Students as the
research site was based on its convenient location and enthusiastic
willingness to be part of the study. Researchers can gain valuable insights
into the influence of gamification on student engagement and performance
by studying the school's diverse student population, which encompasses
various demographic backgrounds and academic abilities.
Research Instrument
The research tool for data collection will use a modified survey
questionnaire. This survey will be tailored to meet the specific goals and
context of the study, utilizing established survey tools with adjustments to
match the research emphasis. The questionnaire include items designed to
gather information on several key areas relevant to the study objectives,
including demographic profiles, usage of technology gadget and benefits of
technology. The academic performance of the respondents were
incorporated in the indicators under the usage and benefits of technology.
Validation of Research Instrument
The instrument that was used in this study will be a self made made
questionnaire. It composed of three (3 parts) which will tackle the key areas
of interest. Profile of respondents, benefits of technology gadget and usage
of technology gadgets focus academic performance of 4 th year criminology
students at Isabela College of Arts & Technology, Inc. for the academic year
2023-2024: The questionnaire, which will be the main instrument in
gathering the data, will be pre-tested to ascertain its validity and reliability. It
will also undergo content validation which will be done by soliciting
comments and suggestions from the panel members and experts of the field.
After The items on the generic skills will be pilot tested and the items got a
Cronbach’s alpha of .880 implying that the items were internally consistent
within a construct. According to Tavakol and Dennick (2011), an alpha score
of .700 or higher on an index of four or more indicators indicates good
reliability.
Validating a survey instrument ensures accurate and reliable results.
Researchers can identify biases, errors, and inconsistencies that could affect
survey validity during validation. By validating the survey instrument,
researchers can trust the results and draw relevant conclusions. Validation
ensures that the survey instrument measures what it should and generates
consistent and accurate results. This study's researcher prepared a survey
questionnaire before data collection to ensure validity. Three experts were
then consulted to improve the questionnaire's style, layout, language,
vocabulary, and content. After then, the researcher revises the
questionnaire. Elangovan & Sundaravel (2021) state that researchers can
validate survey instruments using several methods. Content, criterion-
related, and construct validity are used. Content validity measures how
relevant and detailed survey questions are to the research topic. Criterion-
related validity compares survey results to a criterion. Construct validity
evaluates whether a survey instrument measures desired constructs or
concepts. To ensure survey instrument reliability and validity before
collecting respondent data, researchers should use these validation
methods.
Data Gathering Procedure
Data collection will be made possible through the utilization of various
research instruments, such as questionnaires, tests, structured survey
schedules, and checklists. The study will utilize survey questionnaires as the
primary method for collecting data. The researcher will observe the following
step-by-step procedures in the collection of data.
Request for Approval to Conduct the Study. After the finalization
of the survey questionnaires, the researcher will write a letter asking for
approval from the Isabela College of Arts and Technology, Inc. campuses
dean. Once it is approved, the researchers will personally distribute the
instrument to the participants during their free time. The distribution will run.
The data will be analyzed to determine the generic skills and industry
readiness. The research methodology will involve conducting surveys, into to
gather data from students. Additionally, the potential benefits of conducting
this research will be highlighted.
Distribution of Questionnaires. After receiving the recommending
approval to conduct the study, the researcher will coordinate with the
possible respondents. The respondent was given assurance that their
answers would be held strict confidential. The researchers personally asked
questions to the respondents to ensure a 100 percent retrieval in the
questions and to entertain any query or problems that would be more likely
to arise in answering the questions during the survey. A schedule of the
distribution of questionnaires will be arranged with the school as to not
disturb classes of the respondents. Once the schedule is confirmed the
researcher will personally visit the school to distribute the questionnaires
and informed consent. The researcher will ensure that the distribution of
questionnaires and informed consent is done in a systematic and organized
manner. The purpose of visiting the school personally is to establish a
rapport with the respondents and address any concerns they may have. This
approach will also allow the researcher to clarify any instructions or provide
additional information if needed. Additionally, by visiting the school, the
researcher can ensure that the questionnaires are distributed to all eligible
respondents and collect them in a timely manner. This personal interaction
will also help in building trust and cooperation among the respondents,
increasing the chances of obtaining accurate and reliable data.
Retrieval of Questionnaires. The researcher will collect the
instruments after the respondents are finish answering, carefully checked if
there are any missed items. Once confirmed completion of all questionnaires
the researcher will thank the respondents for their participation in the study.
After the retrieval of questionnaires, the researcher will proceed to carefully
analyze the data gathered. Thereafter, the data generated will be coded and
encoded in excel format and sent to the statistician for statistical treatment.
This analysis will involve coding the responses, identifying patterns and
themes, and drawing conclusions based on the findings. The researcher will
also consider any limitations or biases that may have influenced the results.
Once the data analysis is complete, the researcher will then be able to draw
meaningful insights and implications from the study, which can contribute to
the understanding and enhancement of the topic under investigation. These
insights can be used to inform future research, develop interventions or
policies, and contribute to the existing body of knowledge in the field. The
findings may also be presented at conferences or published in academic
journals, adding to the collective understanding of the subject matter.
Overall, the data analysis stage is crucial in transforming raw data into
meaningful information that can drive further progress and advancements in
the field.
Statistical Treatment
To organize the data, descriptive statistics such as frequency,
percentage and mean distribution will be used to assess the difference
between benefits and usage of technology gadget which focused on
academic performance among 4th year criminology students at Isabela
College of Arts & Technology, Inc. for the Academic year 2023-2024. The
quantitative analysis of the data will utilize the following statistical tools
using Mega Stat:
Frequency Distribution: This tool will be used to summarize categorical
data, such as demographic profile of respondents (e.g., sex, age), types of
technology gadgets, benefits and usage of technology gadgets on academic
performance. Frequency distribution tables will present the number and
percentage of participants falling into each category, providing insights into
the distribution of responses across different groups.
Percentage Distribution: Percentage distribution will complement
frequency distribution by expressing the proportion of responses within each
category relative to the total number of participants. This tool will facilitate
comparisons between groups and help identify patterns or trends in the
data.
Mean. Statistical tools used to analyze the profile of the respondents with
respect to the selected variables of the survey questionnaire. Weighted
Mean was used to determine the central tendency, representing the average
value of a variable across the sample.
Mean formula
Standard Deviation. Measures the extent of scattering in a set of values.
Standard Deviation formula
T-tests are used to determine whether or not two sets of data have
statistically significant difference between benefits and usage of technology
on academic performance when grouped according to sex.
T-Test formula
ANOVA formula
Five-point Likert scales. Specify their level of agreement to a statement
typically in five points; (1) Strongly Disagree; (2) Disagree; (3) Neutral/
Uncertain; (4) Agree; (5) Strongly Agree.
Evaluation and Scoring
The evaluation and scoring process for the researcher-made
questionnaire will involve several steps to ensure the reliability and
validity of the data collected. Hence, will involve several key steps will
be assessed by the respondents using the following scale:
Assigned Numerical Verbal
Points Range Interpretation
5 4.20-5.00 Strongly Agree
4 3.41-4.20 Agree
3 2.61-3.40 Neutral
2 1.81-2.60 Disagree
1 1.00-1.80 Strongly Disagree
Legend: Significant at p-value<0.05
Interpretation of Data
The interpretation of data collected from the study on the difference
between benefit and usage of technology gadget on academic performance
among 4th year criminology students at Isabela College of Arts & Technology,
Inc. will involve analyzing the descriptive statistics and inferential findings to
draw meaningful conclusions.
The respondents will be provided with comprehensive information
regarding the objectives, procedures, risks, and benefits of the study before
the data collection process. In order to ensure the ethical participation of
each respondent, their informed consent will be obtained. The process of
collecting data for this study is carefully designed to prioritize the protection
and rights of the respondents, in compliance with the Data Privacy Act. Prior
to commencing data collection, all participants will receive detailed
information regarding the study's goals, methods, possible risks, and
advantages. The purpose of this information is to ensure that every
participant has a clear understanding of the study's nature and objectives.
This process will emphasize their voluntary involvement, the freedom to
withdraw from the study at any point, and the assurance of confidentiality.
They will have plenty of time to carefully read the consent form, inquire
about any concerns they have, and make an informed decision about their
participation. They will also be inquired about the most convenient time for
them to provide their responses to the survey questionnaire regarding
school-based management practices, innovations, and school reform, which
will serve as valuable input for the management framework.
Strict procedures were implemented to ensure the confidentiality of
respondents during the data collection process. We employed anonymization
techniques and ensured the secure storage of all the collected data. Every
participant was assigned a distinct identifier, and the data collected were
stored separately from any personal identifying details. Confidentiality was
strictly maintained throughout the study, ensuring that only the researcher
had access to the data.