Chapter 3

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

This chapter provides an in-depth exploration of the methodology employed in this

qualitative research study. The primary objective of this chapter is to outline the

research design, data collection methods, participant selection criteria, and data

analysis techniques used to address the research questions and achieve the

study's purpose. By establishing a strong methodological foundation, this chapter

ensures the validity, reliability, and trustworthiness of the research findings.

The objective of the methods section is to describe exactly what you did, and

how, in sufficient detail such that any average reader with the same resources at

their disposal would be able to reproduce your study. There must be a method

described for every result you intend to include in your results section – i.e., you

cannot present the results of a test or analysis that was not mentioned in the

methods. Conversely, if details of any or all procedures have previously been

published elsewhere, then a brief summary will suffice, accompanied by a

reference to the relevant publication.

Research Design

Guidelines: In general, provide the research designs that you will employ in this

study. You should start by specifying the design of the study

(prospective/retrospective, randomized or non-randomized, double-blind or open-

label, controlled, crossover, factorial. . .).

The researchers will employ ethnographic and descriptive – observational

type of qualitative research and experimental research methods. (Arrange the

discussion of research methods by order of research questions.)

 Then, cite literature that will define the type of research and discuss how

will the type of research design be applied in this study. Any choices of unusual

methodology for the design of the study should be justified, either by appropriate

references or guidelines, or an explanation of the specific context calling for your

particular approach.

Example: According to Author, ethnographic research usually involves

observing target users in their natural, real-world setting, rather than in the

artificial environment of a laboratory or focus group. The aim is to gather insight

into how people live; what they do; how they use things; or what they need in their

everyday or professional lives. Ethnographic research relies on techniques such

as observation, video diaries, photographs, contextual interviews, and analysis of

artifacts such as for example devices, tools or paper forms that might be used as

part of a person’s job.93 In this study, the ethnographic research involves the

interview to the…. (Add more details depending on your research question)

This study will use the descriptive-observational research method.

According to Krishnakumar, descriptive research refers to a study that provides

an accurate description of the characteristics of the subjects. 94 This type of

research may use observation of a field setting which involves prolonged

engagement in a setting or social situation.95 In this study, the descriptive

93
Alpha Government, “Ethnographic Research”, retrieved from
https://github.com/alphagov/government-service-design-manual/blob/master/service-
manual/user-centreddesign/userresearch/ethnographicresearch.md in November 18,
2022
94
Vaisali Krishnakumar, “Various Types of Researches”, PowerPoint presentation,
retrieved from https://www.slideshare.net/vaisalik/types-of-research in November 14,
2022
95
McNabb, Connie, “Descriptive Research Methodologies”, PowerPoint
presentation, retrieved from
http://www.powershow.com/view/3ccf05-ZTdhM/Descriptive_Research_Methodologies_B

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research involves the use of interviews with the local residents in the selected

research locales in Puerto Princesa City about the gross morphology, physiology,

and uses of the selected gingers and observation of each of the plants by

naturalistic observation. (Add more details depending on your research question)

Sampling Technique and Procedures

Guidelines: Like the research designs, provide the sampling technique

and procedures that you will employ in this study. Then, describe the Sample,

Sampling Technique, Procedure of Sample Section Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria in

Selecting the Sample. Provide an extensive narrative for each.

Example 1: The researcher will employ snowball sampling techniques in

locating key informants and Zingiberaceae species in the selected locales,

respectively.

According to Johnson (2014), snowball sampling is a non-probability

sampling method selection that is commonly used to easily locate key informants

that will be valuable for the study. It relies on recommendations from initially

sampled respondents to other persons that are believed to be knowledgeable

about the topic.96 In this study, the snowball sampling will be used to locate key

informants that have ample knowledge of the botanical description of the selected

Zingiberaceae species. The key informants will be selected based on the

following criteria developed by Tremblay (cited by Socrates, 1993) and (cited by

y_Connie_McNabb in November 18, 2022

96
Timothy P Johnson, “Snowball Sampling: Introduction”, retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/316414208_Snowball_Sampling_Introduction in
November 17, 2022

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Villarosa, 2006)97: 1. Role in the community; in which the informant in the

community may expose the researcher to the nature of the community being

studied. 2. Knowledge; the informant has knowledge of the information about the

community. Lastly, 3. Willingness; the informant must be willing to share his/her

knowledge with the researcher. This will not include the…

Aside from this, the DOST standard procedures for collecting plant

samples will also be employed in the collection of available plant samples where

the researcher will rely on sampled key informants’ recommendations. (Discuss

the DOST Standard Procedures)

Example 2: According to Burns and Grove (1993:779), a population is

defined as all elements (individuals, objects and events) that meet the sample

criteria for inclusion in a study. The study population consisted of all adult

diabetic patients and their living-in family members in the Mopani District who

utilise the Nkhensani Hospital and Giyani Health Centre.

A convenient sample of 64 subjects was selected from the two institutions.

Mouton defines a sample as elements selected with the intention of finding out

something about the total population from which they are taken. 98 A convenient

sample consists of subjects included in the study because they happen to be in

the right place at the right time.99 The sample included 32 diabetic patients and 32

family members. Available subjects were entered into the study until a sample

size of 64 was reached. Subjects who met the sample criteria were identified by

97
Tremblay, 156.
98
Mouton, 134.
99
Polit & Hungler, 176.

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the researcher at the Giyani Health Centre and in the wards and outpatients

department of the Nkhensani Hospital.

The sample size of 32 patients and 32 family members were the total of

subjects who were willing to participate in the research and who met the sampling

criteria during the six-month period of data collection.

Subjects included in the sample were selected to meet specific criteria. The

diabetic patients had to meet the following criteria to be included in the sample.

They should have had the disease for at least 5 years or more, be mentally sound

in order to consent to participation, be willing to participate, be 16 years or older,

obtain the consent of parents/guardians to participate if they are less than 18

years of age and be of either sex or any race.

The family members of the diabetic patients had to meet the following

criteria to be included in the sample. They should be living with the diabetic

patient, mentally sound, willing to participate, 16 years or older and of either sex

or any race.

Instrumentation

Guidelines: Describe the instrument (its parts and construction), and Validation

of the instrument. Also, include a discussion of validity and reliability set against

Cronbach Alpha.

Example:

Semi-structured interviews were chosen as the primary data collection instrument.

This method allowed for a flexible yet focused approach to gather rich, in-depth

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information from participants. An interview guide was developed to guide the

interview process, consisting of open-ended questions and prompts that explored

various aspects related to the research objectives. The guide was designed to

ensure consistency across interviews while allowing for exploration of individual

experiences and perspectives.

Data Gathering Procedures

Example:

The data collection process consisted of conducting face-to-face interviews with

the participants at a mutually agreed-upon location that provided privacy and

comfort. Each interview session was audio-recorded with the participants'

consent, and field notes were taken to capture non-verbal cues, observations, and

contextual details.

The interviews were conducted by the primary researcher, who had received

appropriate training in qualitative research methods and interviewing techniques.

The interviewer established a rapport with the participants, explained the purpose

of the study, and ensured confidentiality and voluntary participation. The

interviews followed a conversational style, allowing participants to freely express

their thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to the research topic.

Probing questions and prompts were used to encourage participants to elaborate

on their responses, provide specific examples, and clarify any ambiguities. The

interviewer actively listened, reflected, and sought clarification to ensure a

comprehensive understanding of participants' perspectives.

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Data Analysis

Example:

This section presents the data analysis method used in this research study,

specifically employing thematic analysis. Thematic analysis is a widely used and

robust qualitative analysis approach that aims to identify and explore patterns,

themes, and insights within the collected data. Through a systematic and iterative

process, this method allows for a comprehensive understanding of the research

phenomenon and addresses the research questions effectively.

Thematic analysis was chosen as the data analysis method due to its flexibility

and ability to uncover meaningful themes and patterns in qualitative data. The

process involved several key steps to derive rich and nuanced insights:

1. Familiarization with the data: The researcher thoroughly read and immersed

themselves in the collected data, such as transcripts of interviews or field notes. This

allowed for a deep understanding of the content and context.

2. Initial coding: The researcher engaged in open coding, which involved

generating initial codes by identifying significant ideas, concepts, or phrases within

the data. These codes were assigned to specific portions of the data to capture their

essence.

3. Theme identification: The researcher organized the initial codes into

potential themes by grouping similar codes together. This involved reviewing and

comparing the codes to identify patterns and connections.

4. Theme development: The identified themes were further refined and

developed through an iterative process. The researcher examined the relationships

between codes within each theme and determined the boundaries and characteristics

of each theme.

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 5. Review and revision: The researcher reviewed and revised the identified

themes, ensuring they accurately represented the data and aligned with the research

questions. This iterative process allowed for the creation of robust and meaningful

themes that encompassed the essence of the data.

6. Theme naming and definition: The researcher named and defined each

theme based on its content and relevance to the research questions. The themes

were described in clear and concise terms, capturing the core ideas and concepts

they represented.

7. Supporting evidence: The researcher supported the identified themes with relevant

quotes or excerpts from the data. These examples served as evidence to

demonstrate the presence and significance of each theme within the dataset.

To ensure the rigor and trustworthiness of the analysis, the researcher

maintained reflexivity throughout the process, acknowledging their own biases and

assumptions. Peer debriefing sessions were conducted, where other researchers

reviewed and provided feedback on the identified themes. This collaborative

approach enhanced the credibility and validity of the analysis outcomes.

Ethical Considerations

Example:

Ethical guidelines were followed throughout the data collection process. Informed

consent was obtained from each participant prior to the interviews, clearly explaining

the purpose of the study, the voluntary nature of participation, and the rights of

participants to withdraw at any time without consequences. Participants were assured

of confidentiality and anonymity, and pseudonyms or participant codes were used to

protect their identities during data analysis and reporting.

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This research study was conducted in accordance with [mention the relevant ethical

guidelines or regulations, such as institutional review board (IRB) approval] to ensure

the ethical treatment of participants and the protection of their rights and well-being.

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