CHAPTER III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter focuses on the methodology used in identifying the students’ level of

awareness as stewards of the environment. The research method and design, population

and sample, research instruments, data gathering procedures, and statistical treatment were

also introduced in this part to observe the validity of the study.

Methods and Techniques of the Study

This study made use of a mixed-methods approach specifically the explanatory

sequential design wherein the researcher collected and analyzed both quantitative (closed-

ended) and qualitative (open-ended) data.

In connection to the objective of this study which is to determine the level of

awareness of the students regarding their concern and behavior in taking care of the

environment, there were two phases conducted. The first phase was the administration of

a survey to the respondents and the second phase was the interview with the informants.

In using the explanatory sequential design, after the researcher collected and

analyzed quantitative data on students’ level of consciousness regarding their environment

to identify significant relationships of the study, the quantitative result was interpreted and

was prepared for the next phase’s utilization. After the interpretation, it was followed by

the second phase which was the collection of qualitative information. This was in the form

of face-to-face interviews and observation. Upon the completion of the second phase, the

researcher interpreted the qualitative results. Subsequently, the quantitative and qualitative
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results were both compared and contrasted in an attempt to explain in-depth the findings

and patterns that can be useful to the conduct of the study.

The discussion of the gathered data became the basis for designing a sustainable

development plan that could solve the existing problem of waste management, clean and

green drive, and pollution.

Population and Sample of the Study

The respondents of this study were Junior High School students from four grade

levels (Grade 7, 8, 9, and 10). The total student population of the Junior High School

Department of Holy Cross College is 887 in the S.Y. 2019-2020. Through the Slovin’s

Formula, the researcher computed for the population using the 5% margin of error. From

the total population of 887, only 275 were identified as the respondents of the study; hence,

simple random sampling was used. Below is Table 1 which elaborates the distribution of

the respondents.

Table 1

Distribution of Survey Respondents

Grade Total Number of 5% Margin Population

Level Population of Error Sample
7 244 .31 76

8 224 .31 69
9 216 .31 67
10 203 .31 63
Total 887 275
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Furthermore, teachers from the Junior High School Department and some of the

administrators were also part of the study who served as the informants. They were the

selected informants because they have a direct connection in crafting the different

environmental programs and projects of the school since most of them are subject

coordinators and organization advisers. Out of thirty (30) faculty members, only 15 were

selected as this is the standard number of informants for qualitative study considering the

time and resources. Below is the table of the distribution of the informants as well as their

positions.

Table 2

Distribution of Informants

Informants Positions
Teacher 1 Principal
Teacher 2 Assistant Principal
Teacher 3 Girl Scout Advisor
Teacher 4 Science Coordinator
Teacher 5 MAPEH Coordinator
Teacher 6 EsP Teacher
Teacher 7 TLE Teacher
Teacher 8 EsP Coordinator
Teacher 9 Science Teacher
Teacher 10 Filipino Coordinator
Teacher 11 TLE Teacher
Teacher 12 Senior Scout Outfit Advisor
Teacher 13 English Coordinator
Teacher 14 AP Coordinator
Supreme Student Government
Teacher 15
(SGG) Adviser
Total 15
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Research Instruments

This research utilized a researcher-made survey questionnaire and semi-structured

interview guide questions as instruments in gathering data. Before conducting the survey

and interview, the instrument was validated by three expert validators.

Part I of the questionnaire was comprised of quantitative items that are related to

the level of consciousness of the respondents in terms of waste management, clean and

green drive, and pollution specifically air, water, and soil pollution. There were ten

statements per area which were gauged using a Likert scale.

Part II focused on qualitative questions related to the different practices of the

school in uplifting students’ awareness about their environment.

Part III contained the different ways done by the school in uplifting the students’

level of awareness in taking care of the environment.

Part IV featured the challenges faced by the school in carrying out its environmental

programs, as well as, the solutions that were taken by the teachers and the whole institution

in addressing the problems.

Data Gathering Procedure

The researcher personally approached the school principal of the school

respondents to explain the goal of the study being conducted. Upon the approval of the

request, the researcher chose the respondents of the study and personally conducted the

survey. The respondents were oriented and were guided accordingly in answering the

questionnaires. This eliminated the possibility that the respondent might make mistakes in
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the manner by which they answer the questions, or may leave some items unanswered

which can affect the outcome of the study.

After administering the survey, the researcher interviewed casually and factually

the respondents to establish a rapport and to ensure a truthful response. Before the

interview process, the researcher oriented the informants about the purpose of the study for

them to be clarified. With the informants’ permission, the researcher also used an audio

recording device to better capture the data needed. All the informants were informed that

all the information elicited from them was treated with confidentiality.

The administering of the survey questionnaires and the conduct of the interview

were of different dates. This has given the informants ample time to answer the

questionnaires given to them. Moreover, the researcher needed enough time to interview

and generate answers from the informants which were important in coming up with a

sustainable development plan for the study.

Data Processing and Statistical Treatment

The statistical analysis and treatment involved weighted mean. After doing the

quantitative data analysis, content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. This

procedure was summarized into four steps: 1) identifying the key terms in responses; 2)

developing themes and categories; 3) classifying responses according to themes and

categories developed; and 4) summarizing the responses in each category in narrative

summary.
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Below is the Five Point Likert Scale which was used to interpret the computed

respondents' weighted mean for Part I of the questionnaire on the level of consciousness in

terms of waste management, clean and green drive, and pollution.

Range Weighted Score Descriptive Rating

5 4.21 – 5.00 Extremely Aware

4 3.41 – 4.20 Aware

3 2.61 – 3.40 Moderately Aware

2 1.81 – 2.60 Slightly Aware

1 1.00 – 1.80 Not Aware