THE FACTORS THAT DETERMINE THE CHOICE OF THE 4TH YEAR STUDENTS OF

HOLY CHILD CATHOLIC SCHOOL IN READING

NOVELS OR COMIC BOOKS

An Undergraduate Research
Presented to the High School Department
Holy Child Catholic School

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for the Subject Communication
Arts in English IV

By:
Christian Paul S. Granados
Stephanie Louise R. Cruz
Romeo Carlo P. Isaac
Nikka A. Dimayacyac
John Paul Z. Bernel
Carl Roie A. Roque
Terence S. Castillo

October 2011

Holy Child Catholic School

Plaza A. Hernandez, Tondo, Manila

High School Department

Communication Arts in English

Recommendation

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the subject COMMUNICATON ARTS

IN ENGLISH IV this UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH entitled: THE FACTORS THAT
DETERMINE THE CHOICE OF THE FOURTH YEAR STUDENTS OF HOLY CHILD
CATHOLIC SCHOOL IN READING NOVELS OR COMICS was prepared and submitted
to the High School Department by: Terence Sangueza Castillo, Stephanie Louise Rivera
Cruz, Romeo Carlo Peralta Isaac, John Paul Zapata Bernel, Nikka Aguirre Dimayacyac,
Carl Roie Alcoriza Roque, Christian Paul Sarte Granados is deemed satisfactory and is
therefore recommended for ORAL DEFFENSE.

____________________________________
Teacher

i
2

Holy Child Catholic School

Plaza A. Hernandez, Tondo, Manila

High School Department

Communication Arts in English

Approval Sheet

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the subject COMMUNICATON ARTS

IN ENGLISH IV this UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH entitled: THE FACTORS THAT
DETERMINE THE CHOICE OF THE FOURTH YEAR STUDENTS OF HOLY CHILD
CATHOLIC SCHOOL IN READING NOVELS OR COMICS was prepared and submitted
to the High School Department by: Terence Sangueza Castillo, Stephanie Louise Rivera
Cruz, Romeo Carlo Peralta Isaac, John Paul Zapata Bernel, Nikka Aguirre Dimayacyac,
Carl Roie Alcoriza Roque, Christian Paul Sarte Granados:
Approved by the Committee on Oral Examination on OCTOBER 17, 2011 with
the grade of ______.

_________________________
Panelist
Accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the subject Communication
Arts in English IV.

________________________
Teacher
ii
3

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First, the researchers would like to thank God for giving us the Holy spirit and for
his guiding light in making this research a success.
the researchers would like to thank Mr. Mark Angelo A. Tabaniag, the
Researchers adviser for helping the researchers in constructing and making this
research. For his patience in handling and guiding the researchers step by step. For his
suggestions and ideas for the advancement and progress of the whole research. Thank
you very much sir for giving idea and knowledge in doing a research paper and
preparing the researchers in college.
The researchers would like to mention Ms. Ria Mariz P. Nadora for helping the
researchers in finalizing the research and for her suggestions in the research.
The researchers would wish to thank IV-St. Bonaventure for their support and
encouragement in completing the research. Thank you and we hope to share more
memories and good times with you until March, and graduate together.
To the researchers parents and relatives, thank you for giving love and support
since we were born. For nurturing and forming us to what we are today. And for
understanding our mistakes and correcting them. The researchers love you and again,
thank you.
Furthermore, the researchers wish to thank all of our friends. Thank you for all
the times you spent with us. Thank you for sharing such wonderful memories and
unforgettable moments. You will always be in our hearts.

The Researchers
October, 2011

iii
4

DEDICATION

The researchers dedicate this research to all comic book fans

and novel lovers to continue reading books and
preserve its culture and to pass it to
the future generations
of readers.

iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Recommendation Letter

Approval Letter

ii

Acknowledgement

iii

Dedication

iv

Table of contents

Chapter
I

II

III

IV

Background of the Study

Introduction

1-2

Statement of the Problem

Significance of the Study

2-3

Scope and Limitation

Methodology

Instrumentation

4-5

Procedure

Results and Discussion

Problem One

7-8

Problem Two

Problem Three

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

10

Summary Findings

11

Conclusion

11-12

Recommendation

12
v
6

Appendix
A.

Survey Questionnaire

13-15

B.

Documentation

16-17

C.

Curriculum Vitae

18-24

Chapter I
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
INTRODUCTION
Through the ages, books have been a part of our civilization. Its a multi
paged compilation of papers containing various information and different topics. As
technology changes, books also take part of the changing too. Through the decades,
books have changed and many types of it have been created for different needs and
purposes. Different types were created that would satisfy every taste of readers, young
and old alike.
Nowadays, we can see not just novels, but cook books, encyclopedias, reference
materials, magazines others you can possibly imagine. Books are also used for
entertainment and recreation, and novels are just one of them. Novels have met its
match the day a new book was created. A book containing colorful images,
onomatopoeias of sound produced by impacts, characters wielding superhuman
abilities; a comic book. What is the difference between the two? You may find it very
confusing but once you learned it, youll know its very easy.
Conducting a research paper contrasting both sides is as interesting as knowing
who would be your future partner and besides, the researchers are eager and interested
to also know the results. By knowing both sides contents and elements, the readers will
know every detail about the said books. It will help them decide which book to write on
their list to grab for Christmas. Who will not be interested in that? The research team
thinks that the readers would definitely like and pretty much be interested in this.
8

Everyone is aware that novels and comics are the leading books used by people
nowadays for reading and for fun. By conducting a survey with selected 4 th year
students and use it as the main material of the research, concerning their thoughts on
novels and comics will help the researchers determine which book is catching more
interest to readers.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

What book is catching more interest among the 4 th year students of Holy child catholic
school?
1. What elements and standards determine the choice of the readers?
a. What are the effects of the book to their own life?
b. What content(s) of the book convinced them to choosing it?

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

To the Parents: Reading novel and comic books is a big factor in developing and
improving the quality time of the parents that they spend to their children. It is the best
time to bond to with one another.
To the Teachers: Reading novels and comic books help to develop the reading
memory. When it comes to teaching, it will be easier to the part of the teacher to teach
his or her students because his or her students are already nurtured by the novels and
the comics that they read.
To the Students: Students can be easily influenced in terms of their grammar and
english proficiency it will be a big help for the students to develop their knowledge and
9

vocabulary to new words that they will encounter in the novel or comic books it will
improve their grammar as well.
To the Researchers: The researchers are also students and are also reading novels
and comic books. It is significantly helpful for them to improve their knowledge and will
result to very positive grades. It will also be a good idea o read a novel or comic books
because aside from the fact that they will gain knowledge they will gain knowledge they
will also be entertained.

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

The research covers the percentage of 4 th year students in reading comics or
novels and how much it affects their life. The researchers will contrast both sides and
state their elements and contents. The researchers will also state the negative and
positive effects of both books to help the readers choose which book is much satisfying
to their tastes. This includes surveys, reference and of course researches about the
said contents that would be seen in this research paper. The research will not cover the
history of novels and comic books. Stating the history will not help the readers
determine what the effects of the said books are and will also not affect their choice
between novels and comic books. This research will also not cover all 4 th year students.
The researchers will only be selecting a number of students to conduct the survey.

CHAPTER II

10

METHODOLOGY

The researchers used statistical research in gathering data. The researchers

used this method to further understand the thoughts inside the minds of the readers
regarding their insights on reading comic books or novels and what factors they
consider upon choosing between the two books. The benefit that the researchers can
get from this process is that the researchers will be able to gather raw and reliable data
direct from the respondents. Although it is time consuming, the researchers can still
have very credible result from this data gathering procedure. This procedure involves
gathering responses from subjects through a printed medium simply known as a survey
questionnaire. The researchers will be distributing the questionnaires with selected 4 th
year students as the respondents. The researchers will then tally the results and the
data.

INSTRUMENTATION
The researcher used a survey questionnaire containing a variety of questions
concerning the topic and problems of the research. It targets the reasons why novels or
comics are chosen and read by readers. The survey questionnaire is based on the
problems and topics of the research.
The survey questionnaire contains two pages which includes questions prior to
the topic. The questionnaire consists of three parts. The first part contains fourteen (14)

11

questions. Six (6) for comics, and eight (8) for novels, it focuses on the reasons why
they read comics/novels. The second part contains thirteen (13) questions and centers
on the positive and negative effects of the books to their life. They will be rating each
item from one (1) to four (4) according to the closeness of each item to their experience.
The third part consists of five (5) questions wherein the respondents are asked for their
opinion.

For the factors that determine the readers decision in choosing between comic
books or novels and on the positive and negative effects of reading novels. The ratings
are as follows:

Numerical rating

Verbal interpretation

Very True

True

Sometimes

Not True

12

PROCEDURE
The Survey was conducted at Holy Child Catholic School with selected 4 th year
high school students. The researchers spread out in order to give the survey
questionnaires to the selected individuals. Although the students were quite confused
and found the survey a bit hard to understand especially in the last part wherein some
students failed to answer the questions, they still managed to answer the survey
questionnaire. They have cooperated very well. The researchers collected all data and
answers. The researchers analyzed and interpreted the answers then summed all data.

CHAPTER III
13

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Problem no. 1: What are the factors that determine the readers decision in
choosing between comic books or novels?
Table 1 shows the different factors that affect ones choice between
comics/novels. The table shows that the major reasons why the students read comics
because its shorter than novels and it provides fully colored pictures and illustrations of
the events happening in the story. This proves that short and attractive books catch the
attention and interest of readers.
Furthermore, the table also shows that the least effective factor why readers read
comics is comic books are direct to the point. This reveals that only a few readers
consider reading comics for being direct to the point.
On the other hand, the table also shows that the respondents reacted positively
to almost all the items in no. two (2) NOVEL. Especially items no. 2.1, 2.4, 2.7 and 2.8.
The researchers notice that the respondents seem to like novels considering the results
of the surveys. In addition to that, the researchers found out that according to the table,
the top factor that affects the readers on choosing novels is item no. 2.8 Novels
improve vocabulary skills. This only proves that readers read novels to improve their
skills and knowledge with unfamiliar words to improve their vocabulary skills.

TABLE 1: THE FACTORS THAT DETERMINE THE READERS DECISION IN

CHOOSING BETWEEN COMIC BOOKS OR NOVELS.
14

PERCENTAGE

TOTAL
RATING:

1.COMICS
1.1. Comics are much shorter than novels.
1.2.Comics provide fully colored pictures which gives the story life
1.3.Comics are much cheaper and very abundant in malls
1.4.Comics are lightweight and can easily be carried and read
anywhere
1.5.Comics are direct to the point
1.6.Comics are very easy to read and wont take too much time
2. NOVELS
2.1. Novels give us a long time to read all which is good so that we can
focus thoroughly on the book
2.2.Has a much deeper meaning and sends the readers an important
message
3.Contains many morals which can be applied to the real life
2.4.Contains no pictures which is good to enhance ones imagination
2.5.Novels can help during college years
2.6.Novels are affordable and its contents make it worth the price
2.7.Novels gives us insights of the literary culture of diff countries
2.8.Novels improve vocabulary skills

1
6.25%
0%
6.25%
25v

2
18.75%
15%
50%
6.25%

3
56.25%
31.25%
18.75%
37.5%

4
18.75%
43.75%
25%
31.25%

3
4
3
3

25%
12.5%

43.75%
18.75%

12.5%
31.25%

18.75%
37.5%

2
3

0%

6.25%

31.25%

62.5%

6.25%

1.5%

37.5%

43.75

0%
0%
6.25%
25%
0%
0%

25%
12.5%
25%
25%
0%
12.5%

6.25%
25%
18.75%
31.25%
50%
12.5%

68.75%
62.5%
50%
18.75%
50%
75%

3
4
3
2
4
4

TABLE 2: THE EFFECTS OF READING COMIC BOOKS/NOVELS.

PERCENTAGE

TOTAL
RATING:

1.POSITIVE
1.1. Reading novels or comics provide inexpensive entertainment.

1
0%

31.25%

50%

18.75%
31.25%

3
3

31.25%

0%

31.25
%
6.25%

56.50%
31.25
%
37.5%

31.25%

75%

37.5%

25%

12.5%

25%

12.5%

31.25%

25%

31.25%

0%

18.75%

12.5%

18.75%

6.25%

0%

6.25%

1.2. Reading novels or comics can help reduce your stress.

1.3Reading novels or comics will help you decrease your
boredom.
1.4. Reading novels or comics gets you away from digital
distractions.
1.5. Reading novels or comics develops your imagination.
2. NEGATIVE
2.1. When reading novels or comics became an addiction, reading
too much can take you away from your own life.
2.2. When you really want what you were reading, you wouldn't
like to sleep or rest.
2.3. When you got hooked about the story you might lack focus on
reality.
2.4. It is a lonely hobby; you might miss to socialize with others.

0%
12.5%

2.5. It might also have a negative effect on the behavior of the

reader/s if the novel or comics that they were reading has a bad
content.
2.6. Sometimes, because of what you read, you might be a lot
curious, so you will try it even though it's prohibited.

12.5%

31.25
%
43.75
%
31.25
%
62.5%

43.75%

50%

0%

25%
37.5%

Legend:
Numerical rating

Verbal interpretation

4
3
2

Very True
True
Sometimes

15

18.75
%
25%
25%

Not True

Problem no. 2: What are the benefits and positive effects a reader would get upon
reading comics/novels?
In Table 2, the respondents seem to agree with the same positive effect. That
particular effect is item number 1.5 reading novels/comics develop your imagination.
Amazingly, seventy five percent (75%) of the respondents rated it to four (4) which is
equivalent to Very true. This implicates that the respondents imagination is improved
because of reading novels/comics. The researchers were glad to find that out. The
researchers suggest the respondents to continue reading to further improve their
imagination.

Problem no. 3: What are the possible negative effects of reading comics/novels
and how can readers avoid it?
In the negative effects, as seen in table no. 2, the respondents answers implies
that the most factual negative effect of reading novels/comics is item no. 2.2 When you
really want what you were reading, you wouldn't like to sleep or rest this proves that
when the respondents are so much into the book, they seem to forget time and sleeps
late. Causing the readers to be late in school. While the negative effect that got the least
approval and perhaps the most untrue effect is item no. 2.6 Sometimes, because of
what you read, you might be a lot curious, so you will try it even though it's prohibited.
Receiving 43.75% of rating no. 1s of the respondents. This only means that even if

16

negative influences touch the mind and curiosity of the readers, it only has a minimal
possibility to affect and make the readers commit a bad thing.
CHAPTER IV
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
This chapter presents the summary of the research, the conclusion and
recommendation based on the findings of the survey.

The researcher used a survey questionnaire containing a variety of questions

concerning the topic and problems of the research. It targets the reasons why novels or
comics are chosen and read by readers. The survey questionnaire is based on the
problems and topics of the research.
The survey questionnaire contains two pages which includes questions prior to
the topic. The questionnaire consists of three parts. The first part contains fourteen (14)
questions. Six (6) for comics, and eight (8) for novels, it focuses on the reasons why
they read comics/novels. The second part contains thirteen (13) questions and centers
on the positive and negative effects of the books to their life. They will be rating each
item from one (1) to four (4) according to the closeness of each item to their experience.
The third part consists of five (5) questions wherein the respondents are asked for their
opinion.

17

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
1.) The result of the table shows that the respondents choose comics because it
provides graphical images which gives life to the story. It indicates that attractive images
catches interest.
2.) The biggest factor that determined the respondents choice concerning novels is to
improve their vocabulary skills. As seen in the table, this factor got the highest
percentage.
3.) In the positive and negative effects of reading comics/novels, the table shows that
reading comics/novels improves imagination. Not to mention it had a rating no. four (4)
equivalent to Very true. While for the negative effects, according to the respondents,
there is a possibility to forget time and sleep when you really like what you are reading.

CONCLUSION
In the process of the whole research, the researchers therefore conclude that:
1. The researchers found out that readers choose comics because it has very attractive
and fully colored pictures that show the happenings and events in the story. On the
other hand, readers choose novels mainly to improve their vocabulary skills.

18

2. Reading comics/novels bring positive and negative effects to readers. The research
proves that positive effects are more factual than the negative effects. Truly reading
comics and novels give readers more positive effects and less negative effects.
3. The negative effects of reading comics/novels are not that alarming since the survey
showed a high percentage of disagreement of the respondents. Meaning its not that
factual and doesnt occur much to most readers. The researchers can say that reading
comics/novels is pretty much fine.
4. Readers consider many factors in choosing a book they would want to read. Different
standards for different individuals. The researchers can conclude that every individual
has its own freedom and standards in choosing books, specifically between comics and
novels.
RECOMMENDATION
1. Readers must choose a book that caters to their needs.
2. Readers must choose a book that will not only cater their demands but as well as to
fulfill their knowledge and to fulfill their curiosity.
3. In order to fully appreciate the contents of the book chosen by a reader, further
research about the author or the book must be done in order to understand the
contents.
4. Readers must list down the various concepts, issues or topics that they had first
encounter by reading the book. In this way, appreciating the book that they have read
will be much easier.

19

APPENDIX A
Survey Questionnaire
To our dear respondents:
We, the graduating students of Holy Child Catholic School are conducting
a research about the factors that affect the decision of a 4 th year student in reading
between comics and novels, and its effects to their personal life. And we would like to
ask for your cooperation and participation in our research by simply answering the
questions written below. Your cooperation is highly appreciated.
I.THE FACTORS THAT DETERMINE THE READERS DECISION IN CHOOSING
BETWEEN COMIC BOOKS OR NOVELS
A. Directions: Please write the corresponding number that best describes your answer
in the columns provided after each item.
LEGEND:
4- Very True
3- True
2- Sometimes
1- Not True
No.
1

Category
COMICS
Comics are much shorter than novels.

2
3
4

Comics provide fully colored pictures which gives the story life
Comics are much cheaper and very abundant in malls
Comics are lightweight and can easy to carry and read anywhere

Comics are direct to the point

Comics are very easy to read and wont take too much time
NOVELS
Novels give us a long time to read all which id good so that we can
focus thoroughly on the book

2
3
4

Has a much deeper meaning and sends the readers an important

message
Contains many morals which can be applied to the real life
Contains no pictures which is good to enhance ones imagination
20

Answer

5
6
7
8

Novels can help during college years

Novels are affordable and its contents make it worth the price
Novels gives us insights of the literary culture of diff countries
Novels improve vocabulary skills

II. THE EFFECTS OF READING COMICS/NOVELS.

B. Directions: A. Directions: Please write the corresponding number that best describes
your answer in the columns provided after each item.
LEGEND:
4- Very True
3- True
2- Sometimes
1- Not True
No.
Category
Answer
POSITIVE
1
Reading a novel or comics provide inexpensive entertainment.
2
Reading a novel or comics can help to reduce your stress
3
Reading a novel or comics will help you to decrease your boredom
4
Reading a novel or comics gets you away from digital distractions
5
Reading a novel or comics develops your imagination.
NEGATIVE
1
When reading a novel or comics became an addiction, reading too
much can take you away from your own life.
2
When you really want what you were reading, you wouldn't like to sleep
or rest,
3
When you got hooked about the story you might lack focus on reality
4
It is a lonely hobby, you might miss to socialize with others
5
It might also have a negative effect on the behavior of the reader/s if
the novel or comics that they were reading has a bad content
6
Sometimes, because of what you read, you might be a lot curious, so
you will try it even though it's prohibited
III. Give meaningful and appropriate reasoning to the question given at each number.
1. What are the biggest factors that really affect your interest in books? Why?
______________________________________________________________________
2. How often do you read comics/novels?
______________________________________________________________________
3. How many novels/comics have you read?
21

______________________________________________________________________
4. in your own words, how did the books mentioned above in the
Survey affects your life and humanity? Are you at some point satisfied with its effect?
______________________________________________________________________
5. What might be the negative behaviors that the readers may develop if they got to read a
novel or comics that have bad effects?

22

APPENDIX C

Curriculum Vitae
Personal Information
Name:

Christian Paul Sarte Granados

Age:

16 years old

Birthday:

May 9, 1995

Height:

54

Weight:

120 lbs

Educational Attainment
Primary:

Holy Child Catholic School

2002-2008

Secondary:

Holy Child Catholic School

2008-present

23

APPENDIX C

Curriculum Vitae
Personal Information
Name:

Romeo Carlo Peralta Isaac

Age:

16 years old

Birthday:

November 7, 1994

Height:

Weight:

101 lbs

Educational Attainment
Primary:

Holy Child Catholic School

2002-2008

Secondary:

Holy Child Catholic School

2008-present

24

APPENDIX C

Curriculum Vitae
Personal Information
Name:

Nikka Aguirre Dimayacyac

Age:

16 years old

Birthday:

October 11, 1995

Height:

51

Weight:

99 lbs

Educational Attainment
Primary:

Cavite Elementary School

2002-2008

Secondary:

Holy Child Catholic School

2008-present

25

APPENDIX C

Curriculum Vitae
Personal Information
Name:

Terence Sangueza Castillo

Age:

16 years old

Birthday:

September 29, 1995

Height:

54

Weight:

110 lbs

Educational Attainment
Primary:

Holy Child Catholic School

2002-2008

Secondary:

Holy Child Catholic School

2008-present

26

APPENDIX C

Curriculum Vitae
Personal Information
Name:

John Paul Zapata Bernel

Age:

16 years old

Birthday:

August 14, 1995

Height:

57

Weight:

165 lbs

Educational Attainment
Primary:

Holy Child Catholic School

2002-2008

Secondary:

Holy Child Catholic School

2008-present

27

APPENDIX C

Curriculum Vitae
Personal Information
Name:

Carl Roie Alcoriza Roque

Age:

16 years old

Birthday:

May 16, 1995

Height:

58

Weight:

196 lbs

Educational Attainment
Primary:

Holy Child Catholic School

2002-2008

Secondary:

Holy Child Catholic School

2008-present

28

APPENDIX C

Curriculum Vitae
Personal Information
Name:

Stephanie Louise Rivera Cruz

Age:

16 years old

Birthday:

June 10, 1995

Height:

Weight:

125 lbs

Educational Attainment
Primary:

Secondary:

Marian School of Quezon City

2002-2007

Holy Child Catholic School

2007-2008

Holy Child Catholic School

2008-present

29

30