WRITING CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY
Research methodology pertains
to the processes undertaken by
the researchers in order to
identify the respondents, design
the tools for collecting data,
gather information, and analyze
collected data.
This chapter presents the
- research design
- subject of the study
- research instrument
- data gathering procedure and -
method utilized in analyzing data.
 RESEARCH DESIGN

This part presents the type of research,

and the research design appropriately
chosen by the respondents dependent on
the aims of the undertaking.
In writing this part, one may start with a
description of the main goal of the study
stating the type of research it is
categorized.
Example:

“This study which deals with the lived

experiences of adopted individual is a
qualitative research conducted using
the phenomenological approach.”
The type of research is also defined,
the source of the definition is also
given.
The research approach is also
defined, the source is also cited.
The reason why the type and
approach were chosen to fit the
aims of the study is also given.
Example:
“ The qualitative method of research is inclined
towards having thorough and profound details
of the understanding of different individuals
and their experiences when they underwent a
certain phenomenon (Creswell, 2012) and
perceiving those experiences in their most
natural context which aims to let the
researchers have a glimpse of the point of view
of the participant (Harwell, 2011).”
 “ The phenomenological approach of
qualitative research best suits the aims of
this undertaking, this approach suggests
that experiences can be explained by
participants based on their own
perception and that those data are the
only ones that are true and certain
(Groenewald, 2004).”
 “ The phenomenological type of
research best suits this undertaking
as this study deals with the lived
experiences of adopted individuals.
This study aims to explore the
experiences, the struggles, and the
challenges faced by an adopted
individual.”
 SUBJECTS OF THE STUDY

This part discusses the subject of

the study. The description of the
subjects, the sampling method used
in choosing the subjects, the criteria
used in choosing the subjects, and
the reasons for choosing the
subjects.”
 “ The subjects of the study are eight (8)
adopted individuals believed by the researchers
to effectively represent as key informants of
the undertaking. The researchers used
purposive sampling technique in choosing the
respondents. Purposive sampling allows the
researchers to pick their participants
deliberately by considering who can be
“information rich” to reveal the aims of the
undertaking (Creswell, 2012).”
 “ The researchers made sure that the
following criteria were satisfied: the
subjects must be at least 15 years old, an
adopted child – regardless of whether the
adoption is legal or not, has full
knowledge of his/her being adopted child,
the adoption must be open to the parents
and family, and who are willing to narrate
his/her experiences as an adoptive
individual.”
 RESEARCH INSTRUMENT

This part discusses the main instrument

used by the researchers in collecting the
data. Instruments can be a
questionnaire, a checklist, an
observation schedule, a journal or a
narrative account, or an interview guide.
The development process of designing,
creating, and finalizing the instrument is
also discussed.
Example:
“ The researchers used a semi-structured in-
depth interview guide to make sure that the
flow of the questioning was the same for all the
participants. Semi-structured interview is
appropriate to use for the study because it
aims to determine the experiences of the
participants specifically on their identity
construction, and relationship with others in an
open and rich manner.”
“ The semi-structured interview guide is a
combination of questions which are
specific and exploratory. This type of
interview guide made the atmosphere
lighter and comfortable during the
discussion. It helped the researchers raise
the same questions leading the interview
in the same direction to lessen the bias
during the interview proper.”
 “ The interview guide was developed
through several stages. A draft guide was
prepared by the researchers. The draft
was submitted to the adviser and
necessary revisions were made. Experts
were also consulted in finalizing the
interview guide. A pilot interview using the
guide was conducted to determine if the
guide can serve the purpose of the study.”
 DATA GATHERING PROCEDURE

This part discusses the step-by-step

procedures undertaken by the
researchers in gathering the data.
This may include identifying the
respondents, scheduling interviews,
conducting the interview proper,
preparing the transcript of the
interview, and other procedures
conducted by the researchers.
Example:
“ The researchers looked for participants
using the “patanong-tanong” method. The
researchers randomly asked people if they
know someone who is adopted, and whose
adoption is open to the family. Though
sampling is purposive, snowballing was also
used. The researchers ask participants to
recommend other individuals who can also
qualify as a subject of the study.”
 “ After identifying the participants, the
researchers assessed whether they fit the
criteria of the subject of the study. The
ones who qualified were informed about
the research. For participants who are not
of legal age, parental consent was sought,
and interviews were conducted with the
presence of a guardian. Confidentiality of
data was ensured by the researchers.”
 “ Establishing rapport and confidence was
also important. Interviews were scheduled in
the time preferred and convenient among
the subjects. After setting the appointments,
face-to-face interviews were conducted. The
interviewing team was composed of two
persons, the interviewer and the recorder.
After all the interviews were completed, the
researchers prepared the transcripts of the
interviews.”
 DATA ANALYSIS METHOD

This part of the study discusses the

method used by the researchers in
analysing data. A description of the
method, its definition, and the
reason why the method suits the aim
of the research is also discussed in
this part.
Example:
“ This study used thematic method as a basis of
analysis because it offers a profound and
thorough explanation of the data which may be
complex but will be beneficial for the study
(Braune & Clark, 2006). The researchers took
the advantage of the “anything goes” (Antaki
et. al., 2002) characteristics of this method to
properly explore and comprehend the
phenomenology of adopted individuals.”
 “ Aronson (1994) explained the steps of this
type of method. Primarily, the researchers
inquire about the concepts and experiences
that the participants had as adopted
individuals. Then, they identified patterns and
themes that are common to the participants
and all the statements that suit a specific
category will be grouped together. The next
step is to associate interrelated patterns into
sub-themes.”
 “ The next step is to look for related
literatures which support the arguments
for the themes that emerged. After the
themes have been formed and the
arguments had been supported by
literatures, the researchers formulated
theme statements to cultivate and
developed a story line.”
Thank You!!!