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CHAPTER III
Methodology

This chapter presents the methodology that has been used by the researchers in

this study. It includes the research design, the respondents of the study, the instrument

used, validity and reliability of the study, gathering the data procedures and the

statistical tools that were used in this study.

Research Design

Mixed methods research combines elements of quantitative and qualitative

research to answer the research questions. This approach provides a more complete

picture than a standalone quantitative or qualitative study, as it integrates benefits of

both methods. Mixed methods research is often used in the behavioral, health, and

social sciences, especially in multidisciplinary settings and complex situational or

societal research (Johnson, Onwuegbuzie, & Turner, 2015).

This study employs a descriptive-correlational design. It is a type of quantitative

research that aims to describe the relationship between two or more variables without

manipulating them. Statistical tests are used to determine whether a dependent variable

has a statistically significant relationship with an independent variable and to estimate

the difference between two or more groups (McCombes, 2019).

Descriptive research is a methodological approach that seeks to depict the

characteristics of a phenomenon or subject under investigation. It serves as a

foundational tool for researchers aiming to observe, record, and analyze the intricate

details of a particular topic (Singh, 2023).

Correlational design examines relationships between two or more variables in a single

group, which might occur at several levels. It should be stated that the researcher is not

examining the cause-and-effect relationship. Correlational research looks into

relationships between variables without the researcher influencing any of them. A

correlation shows the intensity or direction of a relationship between two or more

variables, which might be positive or negative. Correlational research is a non-

experimental method for studying the relationship between two variables using statistical

analysis (Devi, Lepcha, & Basnet, 2023).

To complement the quantitative aspect, qualitative research is also

incorporated into the study. Phenomenological research is a qualitative research

approach that focuses on exploring and understanding human experiences as they are

perceived by individuals. It seeks to uncover the essence of phenomena by examining

how people experience and interpret events, situations, or concepts. Rooted in

philosophy, phenomenology is widely used in fields such as psychology, sociology,

education, and healthcare to gain deeper insights into lived experiences (Roller &

Lavrakas, 2015).

Respondents of the Study

The respondents of the study are the 50 randomly selected students in Naujan

Municipal High School, school year (2024-2025). Purposive sampling was used

because the researchers selected 16 respondents from the three STEM sections, 10

respondents from the two ABM sections, and 29 respondents from the six HUMSS

sections of grade 11 and 12 Senior High School students.

Table 1

Summary Table of Respondents of the Study

SHS Total Female and Percentage Respondents

STEM 24 25% 6
Thomas Edison

STEM 22 23% 5
Nikola Tesla

STEM 20 25% 5
Stephen Hawking

ABM 21 24% 5
Microsoft

ABM 23 22% 5
Tencent

HUMSS 19 26% 5
Nelson Mandela

HUMSS 21 24% 5
Rosa Parks

HUMSS 20 25% 5
Abraham Lincoln

HUMSS 16 19% 3
Mahatma Gandhi

HUMSS 13 23% 3
Harriet Tubman

HUMSS 16 19% 3
Mother Teresa
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Total 215 100% 50

Research Instrument

This study used survey questionnaires to collect information on the relationship

between cosmetology product usage and chemical awareness among LGBTQIA+ and

female students. The survey consisted of three sections. The first section gathered basic

demographic information such as gender identification, age, grade level, and frequency

of reading ingredient labels on products. The second section used a 5-point Likert scale

to measure the frequency of use of multiple cosmetology products, including hair dye,

shampoo, makeup, and skincare, ranging from "never" to "very frequent." The third

section evaluated chemical awareness by asking participants about their awareness and

comprehension of the chemical ingredients found in common cosmetology products,

using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree." The

survey data was analyzed to determine the relationship between cosmetology product

usage and chemical awareness levels among LGBTQIA+ and female students.

Reliability and Validity of the Instrument

Even if the items from the questionnaires are gathered from a standardized

source, the researcher ran a T-test to check its reliability. It was used in checking

whether there was a difference between the answers coming from respondents.
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Data Gathering Procedure

After confirming the reliability of the instrument and securing permission from the

principal of the school and the advisers of each section, the researchers took the

initiative to personally distribute the questionnaires to the students. To create a

comfortable environment, the researchers encouraged the students to answer the

questions honestly to emphasize that their candid responses were vital for the reliability

of the study. Clear and friendly instructions were provided to ensure that the students

understood the purpose of the survey and how to fill it out properly. The researchers

took the time to address any questions or concerns to foster an open atmosphere for

discussion. Students were given a short period of time to complete the questionnaires,

allowing them to reflect on their answers without feeling rushed.

Statistical Treatment of Data

This research will utilize a combination of descriptive and inferential statistical

techniques to analyze and interpret the data collected on cosmetology product usage

and chemical awareness among female and LGBTQIA senior high school students in

Naujan Municipal High School.

Descriptive Statistics:

Frequencies, Percentages, and Mean: These measures will be used to describe the

distribution of cosmetology product usage and levels of chemical awareness within the

sample.
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Formula for Frequency:

P×N
F=
100

Where:

F= Frequency

P= Percentage

N= Total number of respondents

Formula for Percentage:

F
P= × 100
N
Where:

P= Percentage

F= Frequency

N= Total number of respondents

Formula for Mean:

∑X
μ=
N
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Where:

μ = Represents mean

ΣX = Sum of all values in the dataset

N = Number of values in the dataset

Inferential Statistics:

The Pearson Correlation Coefficient (r) is the statistical standard for measuring the

degree of linear relationship between two variables. This coefficient provides a

numerical summary ranging from -1 to +1, where each endpoint represents a perfect

linear relationship, either negative or positive. An ‘r’ value of 0 indicates no linear

correlation between the variables. It reflects how much one variable can predict another

through a linear equation (Learn Statistics Easily, 2024).

Formula for Pearson's r:

n (∑ xy)−(∑ x )(∑ y )
r=
√¿ ¿ ¿

Where:

 ( n ) is the number of pairs of scores,

 ( x ) and ( y ) are the individual sample points,

 ( \sum xy ) is the sum of the product of paired scores,

 ( \sum x ) is the sum of the ( x ) scores,

 ( \sum y ) is the sum of the ( y ) scores,

 ( \sum x^2 ) is the sum of the squares of the ( x ) scores,

 ( \sum y^2 ) is the sum of the squares of the ( y ) scores.

This formula helps in determining how closely the data points in a scatterplot cluster

around a straight line. The value of ( r ) ranges from -1 to 1, where:

 ( r = 1 ) indicates a perfect positive linear relationship,

 ( r = -1 ) indicates a perfect negative linear relationship,

 ( r = 0 ) indicates no linear relationship.