CHAPTER V- METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK
5.1 Type of Research Study
Descriptive Research, also known as Statistical Research, describes data and characteristics about the population or phenomenon being studied. Descriptive Research answers the questions who, what, where, when and how.21
This kind of research is the most commonly used; and the basic reason for carrying out Descriptive Research is to identify the cause of something that is happening. However, if the research is to obtain useful results, whoever is conducting the research must comply with strict research requirements in order to obtain the most accurate figures and results possible.22
A descriptive research approach was developed by having a diagnosis of the classroom setting conditions. This was done in order to know the conditions of classroom setting and motivation of students to learn. Descriptive research is also called Statistical Research which belongs to the quantitative research. The main goal of this type of research is to describe the data and characteristics about what is being studied. The idea behind this type of research is to study frequencies, averages, and other statistical calculations.
21 Wikipedia. “ Descriptive research” Free Encyclopedia on Line 27 Sep. 28 Jul. 2010 ‹ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Descriptive_research ›
22 DJS Research LTD. “Descriptive research” Research Portal Ltd on Line 2005-2009. 28 Jul.2010
‹http://www.marketresearchworld.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=800&Itemid=64 ›
5.2 METHOD, TECHNIQUES AND INSTRUMENTATIONS
5.2.1. Research Method
To carry out this research study, it will be necessary to use Quantitative Method. Quantitative Research is used to measure how many people feel, think or act in a particular way. Structured questionnaires are usually used incorporating mainly closed questions.23
DEFINITONS OF QUANTITATIVE METHODS
In Quantitative Research, the researcher is ideally an objective observer who neither participates in nor influences what is being studied.
Quantitative Observation is structured: Observers are trained to count, record, and summarize data about pre-determined phenomenon.
Quantitative Research is the systematic scientific investigation of quantitative properties and phenomena and their relationships. The objective of quantitative research is to develop and employ mathematical model, theories and/or hypotheses pertaining to natural phenomena. The process of measurement is central to
23 DJS Research Ltd. “Web Quantitave Research “Market Search World. 10 Jun. 2002. 12 Nov. 2009 Nov 12th 2009 <http://www.marketresearchworld.net >
Quantitative Research, because it provides the fundamental connection between empirical observation and mathematical expression of quantitative relationship.24
Quantitative Researchers adopt a structured and standardized approach toward their inquiries. This approach involves forming research hypothesis which are then subjected to control testing and statistical measurement procedures. 25 Hypotheses are “preconceived”, or, in other words, they are based on previous evidence which provides the rationale for considering the hypothesis worthy of testing. The researcher intervenes in the research context with a view to detecting cause and effect relationships between the phenomena they wish to investigate. In order to identify these relationships objectively, the researcher controls o eliminates variables in the research context which may affect the outcomes; quantitative researchers work with a limited number of variables which are specifically identified as part of the research procedure.
The strength of quantitative approaches to research lies in the clarity and rigor of the procedures adopted. They offer ways of testing hypotheses that are widely accepted and standardized. Another advantage is that because an experimental approach offers clear definitions and controls of variables, studies can be replicated and comparisons made across different studies.
24 Quantitative Research, “Web Quantitave Research “Market Search World.03 Jun.2008. Dic. 1st 2010<http:
//en. wikipedia.org. wiki/Quantitative research>
25 Hernández Sampieri, Roberto. Carlos Fernández- Collado and Pilar Baptisa Lucio. Metodología de la Investigación. México: McGRAW-HILL/ INTERAMERICANA EDITORES, S.A DE C.V. 2006.
Some advantages of the Quantitative Method are:
Values objectivity though the discovery of facts or truths.
Test pre-established hypotheses through the collection and measurement of date.
Establishes cause and effect relationships.
Intervenes in the research context and controls variables.
Reduces data to measurable quantities.
Generalizes beyond the research population.
Focuses on research outcomes that confirm or disconfirm hypotheses.
Strategies:
It permits the researcher to infer from a segment of the population (from which it is more feasible to collect data) than to the whole population. Obtaining a random or representative sample (based on probabilities) besides quantitative methodology it is also necessary to rely on another research methodology called: Descriptive.26
DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH
It allows researchers to be specific on meaningful properties and characteristics of people or group of people intended for an observation process. A list of features is selected and each is studied and measured in isolation in order to describe the phenomenon that has been investigated27.
26 Bogginino, Norberto and Kristin Rosekrans. Investigación Acción: Reflexión critica sobre la Práctica Educativa.
Argentina: HomoSapiens Ediciones. 2004.
27 Tipos de Investigación El Método Científico. Otros Métodos El Proceso de Investigación Enfoques. México:
Método Descriptivo, 2008.
The Descriptive Method studies phenomena using the observation technique for data collection and it emphasizes on gathering and interpreting data.
A common process for a Descriptive Method consists of the following stages:
a) Theoretical framework: description of the phenomenon on existing studies elaborated by other researchers.
b) Observation of the same phenomenon but as it is observed in the current reality.
c) Gathering information from different sources.
d) Making comparison of phenomenon in two stages: similarities, differences and other characteristics that may arise.28
28Tipos de Investigación El Método Científico. Otros Métodos El Proceso de Investigación Enfoques. México:
Método Descriptivo, 2008.
5.2.2 Research Techniques
A. OBSERVATION
Observation consists of observing behavior and interactions in the classroom seen through the eyes of the researchers. An Observational Technique, is a form of naturalistic inquiry, it allows investigation of phenomena in their naturally occurring settings. For this research study, participant observation will be very helpful. It will be done lively and also through a video camera. Participant observation is where the researcher joins the population or its organisation or community setting to record behaviours, interactions or events that occur. They engage in the activities that they are studying, but the priority is the observation. This immersion to the act of teaching will be used to collect in-depth information.
B. SURVEY
This technique will be applied through the administration of an instrument to the students, English teacher and principals. Survey is used to collect data through an interview or a poll, and it gives a more personal space for the population to give answers that sometimes can be very private. It is a very useful mean of compilation, that helps the researchers find the truth in order to the hypothesis stated.
C. PERFORMANCE CHECKLIST
A performance checklist consists of a list of behaviours made up by performers. As an instrument for data collection it is used to determine whether or not an individual behaves in a certain way when completing a particular task. To this research study in particular, this technique will be used to assess how students behave in English class. It will have two stages. In the first one, students will be observed while attending an ordinary English class with no special preparation of classroom setting. On the second stage, the classroom will be setup, following the principles of Suggestopedia, classroom management, and multiple intelligences among other education related theories. Students’ attitudes will be observed on two different situations. The objective is to find differences on students’ behaviours by contrasting their attitudes before and after the classroom setup. (Annex 3).
5.2.3 RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION
A. QUESTIONNAIRE
The questions will be closed ended to an amount of: 18 questions to students; 10 questions to school principals; and 13 questions to teachers.
This instrument will be applied twice. The first time will have a diagnostic aim.
Researchers will apply it personally. Students will have 15 minutes to finish the multiple choice test. This will be applied to a sample of 276 students enrolled in Junior High School (A sample of 28.28% of the total student population).
STUDENTS´ QUESTIONNAIRES: Student Questionnaires “Before” contains 18 questions: Most of the questions (Numbers 1,3,4,5,7, 9,11,14,15,17 and 18) are closed, so that interviewer will have to decide which is the appropriate answer in only two options. Questions 2,6, 8,10,12, 13 and 16 measure a variety of options related to furniture, classroom organization, participation, resources and equipment (See annex 1).
The questionnaire for “After” contains 21 questions. The types of questions are the same of those explained above. Three questions were added in order to obtain extra information to conclude this study (See annex 8).
TEACHERS’ QUESTIONNAIRES: This instrument was designed to diagnose the existence and use of didactic resources and classroom environment available in the classroom before and after the classroom setting. It contained 13 items.
1,3,4,5,6,7,9,11,13 numbers were structured as closed questions (Yes/No) The respondent has to decide the appropriate one. The rest of the questions (2,8,16) had multiple choices. (See annex 2).
PRINCIPALS’ QUESTIONNAIRES: This tool diagnosed the existence and use of teaching resources and school facilities available for the English class. This included 10 items designed mostly with closed questions (Yes/No). One of them, nevertheless, had multiple selection options (Question 5). (See annexes 10).
B. PERFORMANCE CHECKLIST
It consisted of an instrument containing 14 statements that were observed during the English class. Such statements were related to students’ behavior and were marked with a check in categories such as: always, usually, sometimes, seldom and never. The same instrument was applied twice (Before and After Classroom Setting) See annex 3.
5.3 UNIVERSE, POPULATION AND SAMPLE
5 .3.1 Population
The population of this research project belongs to 12-07 school district in San Miguel City. This district has four urban public schools (see table below) and they will be the target population. The students who participate in this survey study will be those enrolled in sections “A” only during the year 2010. There are 4 English teachers engaged in that level and the amount of students is 976. The list of students and teachers grouped by each public school are displayed in the following table:
LIST OF SCHOOLS INCLUDED IN THIS INVESTIGATION
INFRASTRUCTURE
CODE NAME OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
NUMBER OF
TEACHERS CITY ADDRESS
13021 CENTRO ESCOLAR "COLONIA CARRILLO, " 12 - 07 227 1 San Miguel Calle principal Colonia Carrillo 13014 CENTRO ESCOLAR "COLONIA SAN JOSE" 12 - 07 213 1 San Miguel Calle el progreso # 6 colonia 14 de julio
12998
CENTRO ESCOLAR "INGENIERO VICTOR JOSE
BATARSE" 12 - 07 537 1 San Miguel
Colonia la Presita avenida Rió Grande de San Miguel
10051 CENTRO ESCOLAR "RESIDENCIAL LA PRADERA II" 12 - 07 199 1 San Miguel
Final avenida principal Bello Horizonte Residencial la Pradera
TOTAL 976 4
A. SAMPLE
The sample population was obtained in the following way:
All the English teachers in the four schools were included. They are all certified with an English teacher degree.
DISTRIBUTIONS OF ENGLISH TEACHERS SAMPLE
There are 4 teachers who work with 7th, 8th and 9th graders in urban public schools. The research takes in account the schools belonging to district 12-07.
See the table below
Nº SCHOOLS POPULATION
1 Centro Escolar “Colonia Carrillo” 1
2 Centro Escolar “San José” 1
3 Centro Escolar “Ingeniero Victor José Batarse” 1
4 Centro Escolar “Residencial La Pradera” II 1
TOTAL 4
DISTRIBUTIONS OF SAMPLE OF SCHOOL PRINCIPALS
The sample obtained of school principals in district 12-07, San Miguel is 4.
They are displayed in the following table:
Nº SCHOOLS POPULATION
1 Centro Escolar “Colonia Carrillo” 1
2 Centro Escolar “San José” 1
3 Centro Escolar “Ingeniero Victor José Batarsé” 1
4 Centro Escolar “Residencial La Pradera” II 1
TOTAL 4
STUDENT SAMPLE
The entire population was represented by the selection of a representative portion; the sample was made and distributed as follows.
From all the student population, which is 976, the sample was calculated using the following statistical formula, which is found in the book "Métodos Prácticos de Inferencia Estadística II” of the Salvadorian author Gidalberto Bonilla 29.
29Bonilla, Gidalberto. Métodos Prácticos de Inferencia Estadística II. San Salvador: UCA, 1992.
NO SCHOOLS
SAMPLE STUDENTS POPULATION
TOTAL
PARTICIPANTS BY SCHOOL
STUDENTS IN ROLLED IN THIRD CYCLE
TEACHERS POPULATION 7th
“A”
8th
“A”
9th
“A”
1
CENTRO ESCOLAR "COLONIA
CARRILLO " 22 21 21 64 227 1
2
CENTRO ESCOLAR "COLONIA
SAN JOSE" 20 20 20 60 213 1
3
CENTRO ESCOLAR
"INGENIERO VICTOR JOSE
BATARSE" 32 32 32 96 337 1
4
CENTRO ESCOLAR
"RESIDENCIAL LA PRADERA II" 18 19 19 56 199 1
TOTAL 92 92 92 276 976 4
To determine the sample of students population belonging to section “A” of 7th, 8th and 9th grade in Junior High School in urban public school District 12 - 07 in San Miguel City”, it was made use of the following formula to obtain reliable and valid target population:
Statistically Formula
In which: Using the following values:
n = Sample size ?
Z 2 = Coefficient of trust 1.96
P = 50% Probability that happens the event 0.5 Q = 50% Probability that doesn’t happen the event 0.5 N = Size of the population 976
E 2 = Sampling error accepted 0.5
Calculating from N = 976
n = (1.96 )2 x 0.5 x 0.5 x 976 (976 - 1) x 0.052 + 1.962 x 0.5 x 0.5
n = 3.8416x 0.25 x 976
975 x 0.0025 + 3.8416 x 0.25
n = 0.9604 x 976 2.4375 + 0.9604
n = Z 2 .P. Q.N (N – 1) E 2 + Z 2 P. Q
n = 937.3504 3.3979
n = 275.8616
The sample is 276 pupils and they were distributed according to the four public institutions that have Junior High School in basic education specifically with Section “A” of each school. Such school grades were object of the following statistic process:
Nh x (n) where Nh = Sub universe (students for schools)
N = Universe (976 ) n = Total sample (276)
“Colonia Carrillo”, School = 227
Nh x ( n ) 227x 276 = 64.19 = 64.2
N 976
“San José”, School = 213
Nh x ( n ) 213 x 276 = 60.23 = 60.2 N 976
“Ing. Victor José Batarsé”, School = 337 Nh x ( n ) 337 x 276 = 95.29 = 95.3 N 976
“Residencial La Pradera II”, School = 119
Nh x ( n ) 119 x 276 = = 56.3
N 976 n = 276
DISTRIBUTIONS AND SAMPLES FOR EACH SCHOOL.
Nº INTITUTIONS SAMPLE
1 “Colonia Carrillo” , School
64 2 “San José” , School
60 3 “Ingeniero Victor José Batarsé” , School
96 4 “Residencial La Pradera II” , School
56 TOTAL
276
A. SAMPLING METHOD
Teachers and schools principals were all included in this research study. As for students, they were included only in a representative proportion from those enrolled in sections “A” from each Junior High School grade (7th, 8th and 9th). This is because some schools may have more sections or groups attending the same grade level while others may have only one. So, all schools will participate only with the first section of every grade from Junior High School. Students were listed and the sample was taken through a table of random digits. The number of participants was ruled by a statistical formula:
5.3.2 TRIANGULATION OF DATA
The triangulation is used as criteria of validation of data when applying the Quantitative Method. The perspective triangulation has been selected by multiple analysis. It is a result of the interweaving of techniques and methods of investigation and constitutes the selected way to validate the results of the investigation. The objective of the triangulation of data is to obtain and increase the credit of the interpretations.
The principle of the triangulation is to reunite diverse techniques of investigation; to intertwine them and to look for points of contact or interrelationship.30 The triangulation searches to validate the results through, at least, three sources that allow an approach to an interpretation of the facts.
Besides, it helps to reach trustful results through a single technique.
METHODS AND TECHNIQUES IN THE INVESTIGATION
The methods and techniques applied to this work were:
a) The Interview: This leads to pick up opinions, perceptions, ideas and feelings of facts and situations of interest for the investigating team and the subject of investigation. One is made up of a series of questions that allow reaching open answers on the part of the four English teachers interviewed. Therefore, Principals can both contribute to include and understand the situation in a wider approach.
30Bogginino, Norberto and Kristin Rosekrans. Investigación Acción: Reflexión critica sobre la Práctica Educativa. Argentina: HomoSapiens Ediciones. 2004. 81
The answers will lead us to analyze and to process the data in order to find recurrences and meaning. That is, excellent information about the investigated phenomenon.
b) The Questionnaire: This instrument was applied to the students from Junior High School and English teachers. It has some similarities with the interview; but the main difference is that the answers were structured in close- ended questions. There are also some multiple selection ones as well and open questions that leaded to measure statistically some important facts of classroom setting. In this research study, the collected information will allow the graphic representation of data which is important for a quantitative approach.
c) Performance Checklist: It was used to observe the existence of English teaching materials as well as teaching strategies there was in the classroom. This consisted of a group of indicators arranged by category where researchers observed and checked the existence of supporting material, classroom rapport, and class participation during English class.
STRATIFIED RANDOM SAMPLING
To carry out this research study the stratified random sampling was suitable.
Stratified Random Sampling is a process in which certain subgroups or strata are selected for the sample in the same proportion as they exist in the population. So
the numbers of participant students per school will vary according to the total amount of students there in Junior High School.
SAMPLE PROCEDURE FOR SELECTING SAMPLE POPULATION
a) All urban public schools (12-07 district) were listed in a table (See page 46) b) The number of total population was identified, 976 students enrolled in
Junior High School and 4 English teachers.
c) Students enrolled in section “A” in each Junior High School grade were listed and selected through a random digit table. The results were the following:
STUDENT SAMPLE POPULATION
Nº SCHOOL LIST
Students in 7th grade
“A”
Students in 8th grade
“A”
Students in 9th grade
“A”
Total
1 “Colonia Carrillo”, School 22 21 21 64
2 “San José” School 20 20 20 60
3 “Ingeniero Victor José Batarse” School 32 32 32 96 4 “Residencial La Pradera” II School 18 19 19 56
TOTAL OF STUDENTS BY GRADE: 92 92 92 276
