CHAPTER 3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This chapter presents the research design, research sampling technique, population of
the study, research instrument, data gathering procedure, data processing, and statistical
treatment.
Research Design
This research study used Qualitative research as it focuses on the perspectives and
insights of the respondents. Similarly, this research focused primarily on the opinion and
viewpoint of the students in grade 11 who are currently below the age of 17. This study used a
phenomenological design in line with qualitative research, as it examines human experience
from the participants’ viewpoint. The researchers also wanted to examine the respondents’
perceptions, and beliefs on the backlash of being politically misinformed.
Research Sampling Technique
This study used Convenience Sampling in determining the samples of the study.
Convenience sampling is a sampling technique that qualitative researchers use to recruit
participants who are easily accessible and convenient to the researchers. Since the study is
intended to evaluate the ability to distinguish facts from false news by grade 11 HUMSS
students, the selected participants of the researchers relied on data collection from population
members who are conveniently available to participate in the study. The researcher contacted
the target population, SPNHS Grade 11 HUMSS students, via Google forms until the target 10
respondents, including one participant from each sections available in the strand of HUMSS
such as Broadcast Communication, Education, Journalism, Tourism, Legal Management,
Social Welfare, Civil Security, Psychology, and Public Administration were reached.
Population of the Study
The respondents are from the strand of HUMSS in both modular and online modality as shown
in the table below:
Total Number of
Section Online Modular
Respondents
Broadcast
1 1 2
Communication
Journalism 0 1 1
Education 0 1 1
Social Welfare 0 1 1
Civil Security 0 1 1
Tourism 1 0 1
Legal Management 0 1 1
Public Administration 0 1 1
Psychology 0 1 1
Total 2 8 10
Table 3.1 Population of the Study
Research Instrument
The researchers will utilize two sets of instruments in data collection to determine
whether a Sapang Palay National High School Grade 11 HUMSS student on the verge of being
granted suffrage could evaluate and identify factual and false political information, allowing
the researchers to analyze the backlash of the widespread transmission of political
misinformation. These two instruments include the use of interviews as well as a competency-
based binary questionnaire.
To identify the current level of knowledge of the participants, a prior-knowledge
assessment will be utilized. This is to assess participants' awareness of political misinformation
and how exposed they are to it, as well as how their political views have been influenced by
beliefs they hold to be true. For the first part of the data-gathering, the researchers will utilize
a competency-based combination of questions consisting of binary choices adapted from a
study of Swire, et al (2017). The primary objective is to see if the participants can tell which
data is true and which is not by presenting them with both correct and incorrect information
and asking them to choose which information they believe to be true.
In the second half of data collection, a one-on-one interview with four structured
questions will be used. The first question will start off simple as it is based on the assessment
conducted on the first half of the data collection, primarily asking how participants distinguish
which information is true and which is not, and what personal criteria they use to determine
which is true. The second and third questions ask participants which news sources they believe
provide the most unbiased reporting and how these sources help them distinguish between true
and false news. At last, the participants were asked to define "fake news" in relation to the
political party with which they hold their support.
Validity and Reliability
The researcher primarily obtained information from the internet, specifically news
websites and online research journals. The inclusion of a sample of respondents also
contributes to the study's validity; this occurs because it reduces bias against only one type of
outcome. The link to the survey forms was sent to the respondents via messenger, and they
were asked if they could complete it without any hindrances or difficulties. The validity of the
research study was also established when the instruments used by the researchers were
reviewed and approved by the research adviser.
In the initial draft of the questionnaires, the researchers had three sets of questions. This
draft was then submitted to the research advisor. The items were changed and revised in
response to their comments, suggestions, and corrections. The second draft was then shown to
the research adviser and given permission for content validation.
Data Gathering Procedure
In executing the data collection process, the researchers will administer a questionnaire
and conduct one-on-one interviews with the participants. Prior to the interview, the participant's
designated interviewer will provide him or her with a Google Form link for the first half of the
data collection - a competency-based binary choices questionnaire. To ensure that the answers
in the assessment are solely based on the participant's prior knowledge, a short allotted time
for answering will be given to limit the time required to search and browse the internet for the
correct information. Following the completion of the first set of instrument, a one-on-one
interview with the participants will be conducted through Google Meet.
The study's findings and conclusions can be used to develop and recommend programs
or projects to address concerns regarding misleading information circulating on social media,
and how this information affects young people's ability to build a strong foundation based on
reliable and unbiased information concerning their political perceptions and beliefs.
Data Processing and Statistical Treatment
Before the data analysis, the gathered data will be tabulated according to their usage as
two methods of data collection were utilized. The acquired data from the initial assessment will
be tabulated, analyzed, and treated statistically with the use of simple descriptive statistical
tools such as count, average, and frequency distribution for the first method and Thematic
Coding for the second method as the responses were obtained through the use of open-ended
questions.