Chapter 3

Research Methodology
This chapter presents the methodology used in the study the
research

design,

sampling

procedure,

respondents

of

the

study,

instrumentation and the statistical treatment of data.

Research Design
Since the main objective of this study is to understand how study
habits of grade eight students affect their academic performance, this study
is a quantitative type research using the descriptive method of research,
specifically,

the

descriptive

survey

instrument.

Descriptive

survey

instrument is suitable wherever the subjects vary among themselves and

one is interested to know the extent to which different conditions and
situations are obtained among these participants. According to Arthur
(2012), descriptive research design is a scientific method which involves
observing and describing the behaviour of a subject without influencing it in
any way. Furthermore, the purpose of a descriptive research design is to
describe systematically the facts and characteristics of a given population
or area of interest, factually and accurately (Isaac & Michael, 1977). Using
a survey method research, participants answered questions distributed
through questionnaires. After the participants answer the questions, the
responses given were analyzed. The utilization of this method will be
effective in gathering reliable and valid data since the participants doesnt

need to adjust and change their attitudes while answering the survey.
Instead, they just need to answer the questions honestly and correctly to
ensure the validity of the information gathered.

Participants of the Study

The study was conducted in the main campus of New Era University. The
respondents of the study are thirty (30) 8th Grade students enrolled on
Academic Year 2014-2015 under the K-12 Education Program.

Sampling Procedure
Purposive sampling was used in determining the respondents.
According to Oliver (2006), purposive sampling is a form of non-probability
sampling in which decisions concerning the individuals to be included in the
sample are taken by the researcher, based upon a variety of criteria which
may include specialist knowledge of the research issue, or capacity or
willingness to participate in the research. This sampling procedure was
employed for the researchers to freely chose who will be the participants of
the study. Thirty (30) 8th grade students from the main campus of New Era
University (NEU) were sampled as participants of the study.

Instrumentation

Questionnaire: The type of questionnaire used was the structured

questionnaire. It has definite and concrete questions and initiates a formal
inquiry. It is a close ended questionnaire because responses are limited to
the stated alternatives.
Construction: Each questions were constructed in accordance to the
information needed to be gathered to understand how study habits affects
the performance of the students. Questions were carefully formulated by
dividing it into four parts to gather specifically data about a certain study
habit. The specific study habits are as follows:

Homework
Note-taking
Time Management
Test Performance

Validity: The constructed questionnaire were checked and approved by

the adviser and professor of the researchers to ensure that the data
gathered are valid.

Data Gathering Procedure

Since the researchers used purposive sampling technique in choosing the
respondents of the study, thirty grade 8 students that seemed to be capable
in answering and giving valid data for the study, were chosen to answer
the questionnaires.

The questionnaires was given to them and the

researchers let them answer the questions without a given time to ensure

that they are not going to be pressured and will give valid and accurate
information.

Statistical Treatment of Data

To analyze the gathered data, and for easier understanding,
interpretation and obtaining accurate results of

the data the following

formula, table and graphs are used:

1. Categorical Frequency Distribution Table was used to present the
percentage of how many respondents answered a certain letter in each
question. And also to present how many of the respondents is in certain
age.
The formula used to get the percentage was:
P = f/n X 100
Where:
P = percentage
f = frequency of the class that answered a certain letter
n = total number of respondents

2. Pie Graph was also used to present the age of the respondents.

Age

Figure 3.7.1 Pie Graph

3. The following columns were used to summarize the answers of the

respondents in a certain topic in the questionnaire:
5
4.5
4
3.5
3

Series 1

2.5

Series 2

Series 3

1.5
1
0.5
0
Category 1

Category 2

Category 3

Category 4

Figure 3.7.2 Clustered Column

5
4.5
4
3.5
3

Series 1

2.5

Series 2

Series 3

1.5
1
0.5
0
Category 1

Category 2

Category 3

Category 4

Figure 3.7.3 Clustered Cylinder

5
4.5
4
3.5
3

Series 1

2.5

Series 2
Series 3

2
1.5
1
0.5
0
Category 1

Category 2

Category 3

Category 4

Figure3.7.4ClusteredCone