Chapter 3: Research Methodology – Comprehensive Guide
Introduction to Chapter 3
Chapter 3, known as the Methodology chapter, explains how you will conduct your research. It
describes the research design, instruments, data collection, sampling techniques, and analysis
methods you will use. A strong methodology ensures your study is reliable, valid, and replicable.
This guide provides you with a clear structure and detailed explanations to craft a
comprehensive and professional Chapter 3.
Introduction to Methodology
What is Methodology?
Methodology refers to the systematic plan for conducting your research. It ensures that your
methods align with your objectives and that data is gathered and analyzed properly.
Why is Methodology Important?
● Ensures research is systematic and objective.
● Allows others to replicate your work.
● Provides credibility to your findings.
Example Opening Statement:
"This chapter outlines the research methodology employed in this study, including the research
design, sampling procedures, data collection instruments, and data analysis techniques."
Page 2 - Research Design
What is Research Design?
Research design refers to the overall strategy you choose to integrate different research
components in a coherent way. It determines if your study is descriptive, experimental,
qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods.
Common Types of Research Designs
Design Type Description Example
Observes and describes the
Measuring student opinions on
Descriptive characteristics of a population or
online classes.
phenomenon.
Involves manipulation of variables Testing fertilizer effects on
Experimental
to test cause and effect. plant growth.
Relationship between screen
Examines relationships between
Correlational time and academic
variables.
performance.
Combines qualitative and
Mixed Methods Survey + Interview.
quantitative techniques.
Example Statement:
"This study employs a descriptive quantitative research design to determine the levels of
awareness and perceptions of students on the ethical use of AI in healthcare."
Research Locale
What is Research Locale?
This section describes where your study takes place — the physical or virtual location where
data is gathered.
What to Include:
● Specific school, community, or laboratory.
● Why this location was selected.
● Brief description of its relevance to the study.
Example:
"The research was conducted at St. Cecilia’s College, Cebu City, where Grade 10 science
students participated in the study. The school was selected due to its active integration of STEM
programs and AI-related discussions in its curriculum."
Population and Sampling
Population vs. Sample
● Population: The entire group you want to study.
● Sample: A smaller group selected from the population.
Sampling Techniques
Method Description Example
Random Every individual has equal
Drawing lots from class list.
Sampling chance.
Purposive Choosing students from AI elective
Selected based on criteria.
Sampling classes.
Stratified Divides population into Sampling equal numbers from STEM
Sampling subgroups. and non-STEM classes.
Example Statement:
"The population of this study consists of 200 Grade 10 students from St. Cecilia’s College. A
stratified random sampling technique was used to ensure representation from both STEM and
non-STEM sections."
Research Instruments
What are Research Instruments?
Instruments are the tools you use to gather data — questionnaires, interviews, observation
checklists, etc.
Examples of Research Instruments
Instrument Purpose
Questionnaire Collect quantitative data (e.g., awareness levels).
Interview Guide Gather deeper insights (qualitative).
Observation Checklist Observe behaviors in natural setting.
Validity and Reliability
● Validity ensures your instrument measures what it intends to measure.
● Reliability ensures consistency when applied repeatedly.
Example Statement:
"A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect data, covering 3 sections: demographic
profile, awareness level, and perceptions on ethical AI use. The instrument was validated by
three experts in science and research."
Data Collection Procedures
Steps in Data Collection
1. Securing Approval from School or Authority.
2. Conducting Pilot Testing (optional for refining the questionnaire).
3. Distributing Survey Instruments.
4. Collecting Responses.
5. Securing and Storing Data.
Ethical Considerations
● Informed Consent
● Confidentiality
● Voluntary Participation
● Anonymity
Example Statement:
"After securing approval from the school principal, questionnaires were distributed to selected
Grade 10 students. Participants were informed about the study’s purpose, and their consent
was obtained before participation."
Data Analysis Techniques
What is Data Analysis?
Data analysis refers to processing collected data into meaningful conclusions.
Quantitative Data Analysis
Technique Purpose
Frequency and Percentage Describe demographic data.
Mean and Standard Deviation Measure average perceptions and variability.
Correlation Analysis Examine relationships between variables.
Qualitative Data Analysis
Technique Purpose
Thematic Analysis Identify recurring themes in interviews.
Coding Group responses into categories.
Example Statement:
"Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency counts,
percentages, and means. The SPSS software was used for data processing."
Research Ethics
Importance of Ethics in Research
Ethical conduct builds trust and integrity. This section highlights how you upheld ethical
principles.
Ethical Considerations to Discuss
● Informed consent forms.
● Right to withdraw anytime.
● Data confidentiality and anonymity.
● No manipulation or coercion.
● Fair and unbiased interpretation.
Example Statement:
"The study adhered to the ethical guidelines of St. Cecilia’s College. Informed consent was
obtained from all participants and data confidentiality was strictly maintained."
Research Timeline
What is a Research Timeline?
The timeline outlines when each stage of the research occurred.
Activity Duration
Proposal Preparation 2 weeks
Instrument Validation 1 week
Data Collection 2 weeks
Data Analysis 1 week
Final Writing and Revision 1 week
Example Timeline Statement:
"The entire research process was conducted from January to March 2025, following the
schedule below."
Summary of Methodology
Recap the Key Points
Briefly summarize the content of Chapter 3 to wrap up this section and smoothly transition to
Chapter 4.
Example:
"In summary, this study employed a descriptive quantitative design, gathering data through
validated questionnaires distributed to stratified randomly sampled Grade 10 students of St.
Cecilia’s College. Ethical protocols were strictly observed, and data was analyzed using
appropriate statistical methods. The next chapter presents the results and interpretation of the
collected data."
Additional Tips for Writing Chapter 3
✅ Use clear and precise language — avoid vague terms.
✅ Use tables or diagrams to summarize sampling techniques and timelines.
✅ Follow APA format or the required citation style for any external sources you mention (e.g.,
✅ Consistency is key — make sure methods align with research questions and objectives.
for ethical guidelines).
✅ Ask for feedback from your teacher, adviser, or peers.
