Chapter 3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The following elucidation outlines the research design, research environment,
sampling design, research respondents, research instrument, data collection procedure,
and data analysis relevant in determining the relationship between the availability of
learning resources and learning efficiency among senior high school STEM students at
Nueva Vizcaya General Comprehensive High School for the school year 2023-2024.
Research Design
The objective of this quantitative research study entails the utilization of a
descriptive-correlational research design. Specifically, the study aims to ascertain the
statistical relationship between the availability of learning resources and learning
efficiency among senior high school STEM students, concurrently identifying potential
significant differences that may exist between demographic profiles and the availability
of learning resources. According to Kutu et al. (2020), educational resources exert a
moderate influence on student performance compared to factors such as school
management, accountability, and student motivation. This underscores the necessity for a
comprehensive approach to enhance educational achievements. Learning materials,
including textbooks, online resources, and other educational tools, play a crucial role in
furnishing students with the requisite information for academic success. Furthermore,
access to quality learning materials can foster student motivation and engagement,
thereby contributing to improved academic performance.
Research Environment
The study will be conducted at NVGCHS (Nueva Vizcaya General
Comprehensive High School), which is located along Mabini Street, Don Domingo
Maddela, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. This institution offers both Junior and senior high
school programs and has a population of more than 5,000, which designates in an
appropriate setting for the study.
This research is pertinent to investigating the statistical outcomes concerning how
students navigate their socio-economic circumstances. The capacity to access learning
resources is intricately linked to the financial situations of their families. Within Nueva
Vizcaya General Comprehensive High School, a diverse range of economic situations is
commonly observed among students. Some students benefit from substantial financial
support, while others encounter limitations in accessing essential learning resources. This
economic diversity provides a distinctive opportunity to derive statistical results
regarding how family income influences the availability of learning resources,
particularly among STEM students.
Sampling Design
The study employed a stratified random sampling technique to ensure a
representative and balanced selection of participants. The formula used to determine the
sample size within each stratum is as follows.
N
n= 2
1+ N e
Where:
n= total desired sample size
N= No. of population
e= The margin of error commonly used is 0.2
Additionally, the following formula was utilized to determine the sample of males
and female.
no . of male∨female
nmale or female= x total sample
N
size
Where:
n= sample size of male or female
N= no. of population
Research Respondents
The respondents for this research are the senior high school STEM students of
Nueva Vizcaya General Comprehensive High School. STEM, an acronym combining
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, has evolved to integrate these
disciplines, emphasizing the use of modern tools for innovation and complex problem-
solving (Kennedy and Odell, 2014). Moreover, the STEM strand encompasses a diverse
range of subject matters compared to other senior high school strands. Consequently,
students are exposed to numerous concepts and ideas applicable to both their daily lives
and future studies.
According to the Overview of the STEM Strand and Curriculum (2022), many
lessons within the STEM strand involve hands-on activities, including practical lessons
and learning experiences that necessitate direct interaction with materials, objects, or the
physical environment. This pedagogical approach encourages students to utilize essential
learning resources for academic success.
The total number of STEM students is 284, comprising 166 Grade 11 STEM
students and 118 Grade 12 STEM students. The selection of respondents for this study
employed a stratified random sampling method across six (6) sections, determined based
on the population of each section, as illustrated in the table below.
Table 1: Distribution of Population and Sample
Grade Section No.of No. Of Population Sample
Level Boys Girls
(N) (n)
Grade 11 Hydra 20 34 54 17
Arion 23 31 54 17
Phoenix 19 38 57 17
Grade 12 Apolinario Mabini 15 25 39 15
Andres Bonifacio 15 24 39 15
Emilio Aguinaldo 13 26 39 15
Total 285 96
However, with a margin of error of 0.2, the table below shows the number of
respondents according to their sex:
Table 2: Sample Male and Female
Grade Level Section Sample in Male Sample in Female
(n) (n)
Grade 11 Hydra 6 11
Arion 7 10
Phoenix 6 11
Grade 12 Apolinario Mabini 6 9
Andres Bonifacio 6 9
Emilio Aguinaldo 5 10
Total 36 60
Research Instrument
A researcher-designed questionnaire will serve as the primary instrument for data
collection from the study participants. The questionnaire is structured into multiple
sections aimed at addressing the research inquiries and accomplishing the study's
objectives. Part 1 encompasses the demographic profile of the participants, including
variables such as sex, age, section, grade level, and economic status. Meanwhile, Part 2
comprises 10 checklist items designed to elicit responses pertaining to the availability of
learning resources, and Part 3 consists of 10 checklist items intended to gauge the
efficiency of these learning resources.
To assess the participants' perspectives, the researcher will employ a Likert scale,
allowing respondents to express their views by selecting from options such as "Strongly
Disagree," "Disagree," "Agree," and "Strongly Agree." This structured approach aims to
provide a comprehensive understanding of both the perceived availability of learning
resources and the efficacy of these resources in facilitating learning.
Using the Likert scale, the table below illustrates both the mean scores and
qualitative descriptions for the respective factors:
Table 3: Four (4) Point Likert Scale
Rating Mean Score Qualitative Description
4 3.25 - 4.00 Strongly Agree
3 2.50 - 3.24 Agree
2 1.75 - 2.49 Disagree
1 1.00 -1.74 Strongly Disagree
Data Collection Procedure
The survey questionnaire will undergo a validation process, and subsequently, the
researcher will draft an approval letter addressed to the research teacher, seeking
permission to conduct the research. Following approval, the researcher will proceed to
prepare printed copies of the survey questionnaire and a letter emphasizing the
confidentiality of the collected data. Additionally, one of the researchers will apprise the
respondents of the study's objectives before distributing the questionnaire to those who
voluntarily consent to participate.
Respondents will be allocated a five-minute timeframe to complete the
questionnaire, with researchers available to provide assistance in addressing any inquiries
that may arise during the process. Moreover, in adherence to ethical principles, the
researcher will capture photographs to document and substantiate the data collected in
this phase. As a concluding step, researchers will express gratitude to the participants
upon the collection of completed questionnaires.
Data Analysis
The researcher will employ frequency distribution to summarize the data related
to the demographic profile of the respondents, in anticipation of subsequent comparisons
with the availability of learning resources. To assess both the availability of learning
resources and learning efficiency, participants will utilize a Likert scale to provide
responses. The determination of the average level will be facilitated by calculating the
mean based on the participants' responses.
The table below illustrates the interpretation of the economic status of the
respondents.
Table 4: Interpretation of Socioeconomic Status
Qualitative Description Interpretation
Below 20,000 Low Income
20,000 - 30,000 Middle Income
31,000 - Above High Income
The following table illustrates the interpretation of qualitative descriptions that
measure the availability of learning resources:
Table 5: Availability of Learning Resources Interpretation
Rating Qualitative Description Interpretation
4 Strongly Agree Always available and accessible
3 Agree Available, but limited
2 Disagree Available but not accessible- Restricted
1 Strongly Disagree Not available
The following table illustrates the interpretation of qualitative descriptions that will
measure the learning efficiency:
Table 6: Learning Efficiency Interpretation