CHAPTER 3
Research Methods and Procedure
This chapter presents the research method, instrument used, procedure and the statistical treatment employed in this study.
Research Methodology
This research study will use descriptive method wherein the researchers will employ the normative approach in organizing the data gathered. This method is a technique that determines that facts with sufficient analysis and
interpretation. It is also a general procedure employed in studies whose objective is to have a detailed description on existing procedure. However, it is not limited to routine fact gathering. Descriptive research is mainly done when a researcher wants to gain a better understanding of a topic. The main goal of this type of research is to describe the data and characteristics about what is being studied.
The researchers chose descriptive method to gain a better understanding about the topic. The researchers wish to have accurate result by conducting surveys. The researchers want to hear the voice of the BSN students about the negative effects of online gaming. The researcher wants to gain critics and opinions from BSN students of CEU Makati.
Finally, like qualitative research, descriptive research aims to gather data without any manipulation of the research context. In other words, descriptive research is also low on the "control or manipulation of research context" scale. It is non-intrusive and deals with naturally occurring phenomena.
Respondents of the Study
The study will be on Centro Escolar University, College of Nursing, Makati City Campus. The researchers will utilize two hundred (200) BSN students who are playing online games as the respondents of this research study. These two hundred (200) respondents were from four (4) year levels, every year level will represent 50 respondents, respectively.
The researchers decided to involve the above number of respondents because it is based on the estimated number of the nursing students who are playing online games.
Sampling Technique Used
The researchers employed purposive sampling in conducting the selection of the B.S. Nursing students of Centro Escolar University from all year levels.
The researchers considered it to be appropriate to perform the study to B.S. Nursing students, because they are the ones who are greatly reflecting the study’s purpose. A great number of B.S. Nursing students are engaged to online gaming and more likely, they are the ones to develop health problem due to much exposure to it.
Data Gathering Instruments
Phrase completion scales are a type of psychometric scale used in questionnaires. Developed in response to the problems associated with Likert scales, Phrase completions are concise, unidimensional measures that tap ordinal level data in a manner that approximates interval level data.
Phrase completions consist of a phrase followed by an 11-point response key. The phrase introduces part of the concept. Marking a reply on the response key completes the concept. The response key represents the underlying theoretical continuum. Zero(0)indicates the absence of the construct. Ten(10)indicates the theorized maximum amount of the construct. Response keys are reversed on alternate items to mitigate response set bias.
Sample question using the phrase completion method:
I am aware that playing online games affects my academic performance.
Never Continually 0 1 2 3 4 5
After the questionnaire is completed the score on each item is summed together, to create a test score for the respondent. Hence, Phrase Completions, like Likert scales, are often considered to be summative scales.
The response categories represent an ordinal level of measurement. Ordinal level data, however, varies in terms of how closely it approximates interval level data. By using a numerical continuum as the response key instead of sentiments that reflect intensity of agreement, respondents may be able to quantify their responses in more equal units.
Data Gathering Procedure
The researchers listed possible topics and presented it to their English professor, Mr. Alvin S. Sicat on January 8, 2010. The professor verified and approved the chosen topic which is “ The Impact of Online Gaming to Physical and Social Skills of BSN Students of CEU Makati”. The researchers started to gather data related to online games and technology in possible resources such as internet, magazines and books.
A consultation was done to arrive in to a formula and type of questionnaire to be used in the study. The researchers consulted an Electronic Engineer, Mr. Jomar Aplaon regarding the possible type of statistical method to be used. After the selection of formula, the researchers submitted a letter asking for the approval of the managers of the three nearest computer shop in CEU Makati, namely, Phoenix, I-hooked and Cosplay to conduct a survey. After the letters
have been approved, necessary instruments have been gathered by the researchers.
The procedure was done through asking the respondents to fill- up a survey form asking for the average number of hours the respondent has been playing each day and the respondent’s preliminary and midterm grades. The respondents will also need to indicate weight gain or weight loss within the semester, to evaluate the physical effect of excessive playing of online games. Our target day of survey will be until March 16, 2010, Wednesday.Scores were obtained by summing up the respondents’ responses for the number of hours they play online games, grades during the prelim and midterm period, and respondent’s weight for the past four months to evaluate the impact of playing online games.
Statistical Treatment
The following statistics will be used in this study:
1. Percentage.2This method computes for the score proportion or rate in
terms of the total representative sample.
where: f = frequency of scores
n = sample size
where: x = raw score
n = sample size
3. Standard Deviation. 4This method computes for the average deviation of
the individual scores from the mean score.
where: x = raw score
n = sample size
4. Chi-squared test.5 Chi-square is a statistical test commonly used to compare
observed data with data we would expect to obtain according to a specific hypothesis.
Where: observed = observed data
NOTES
1 “Likert Scale,” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Likert_scale
2 Rosita G. Santos, et al., Statistics. (Manila: Centro Escolar
University, 2006), 35.
3Rosita G. Santos, et al., 46.
4Rosita G. Santos, et al., 64.