Chapter 3: Research on the Negative Effects of Radiation in Davao City

Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY

            In this chapter, the researchers present the method used, sources of data, data-gathering instruments, sampling techniques, procedures of the study and the statistical treatment employed in the study.

Method Used 
                In this study, the researchers made use of descriptive research design.  All the variables were analyzed using primary data gathered through survey questionnaires from among the respondents who are residents of Davao City.  According to Calmorin (2006), this method is the most appropriate method in determining the level of awareness of the public on the ill effects of radiation.

Sources of Data

            There were 400 respondents who are residents in Davao City. Slovin formula was utilized in the determination of the sample size. Purposive random sampling was utilized by the researchers.

Data Gathering Instrument

            Questionnaires were used by the researchers in the gathering of data.  This was constructed personally after thorough readings from the internet and other reading materials.  The preliminary draft was shown to the adviser for corrections.  It was submitted to the panel of experts for validity and after their corrections and suggestions, the questionnaire was modified as to its present form. The panel of experts who checked and validated the questionnaire are

Mr. Nonito C. Dela Torre, MBA, a Special Operations Officer; Ms. Ida A. Gauran, who graduated in Master in Management, Major in Human Resource Management and a full-time faculty member at Davao Doctor’s College;

Engr. Emmanuel Mercado, Health Physicist DOH XI; Engr. Nestor V. Patnugot, an OIC-Chief in the Legal and Environmental Education Division in Environmental Management Bureau XI; and Ms. Marichu P. Yanoyan, who graduated in Master of Science, Major in Environmental Resource Management, and a Laboratory Analyst at DENR, Region XI.  The questionnaire was rated Very Good with the mean score of 3.88.

            The first part of the questionnaire determined the demographic profile of the respondents particularly with regards to age, gender and highest educational attainment.

            The second part of the questionnaire determined the level of awareness of the public on the ill effects of radiation on people’s health and on the environment.  There were two indicators in the questionnaire and there were six questions in each indicator.  The respondents were made to answer the questions regarding the diverse ill effects of radiation.  The level of awareness of the respondents was measured using a five-point scale developed by Likert. 

            For purposes of analysis, the subsequent range or interval with its equivalent and interpretation are as follows:

            Range of Means                     Level                               Interpretation

                                                         4.50 – 5.00                         Very High      

                                                         3.50 – 4.49                         High    

                                                         2.50 –   3.49                       Moderate                                                          1.50 – 2.49                         Low                                                          1.00 – 1.49                         No Awareness          

Sampling Technique

            The researchers made use of the Slovin formula in the determination of sample size.  There were a total of 400 respondents taken from the infinite number of population in Davao City.

Data Gathering Procedure

 The questionnaires were administered personally by the researchers.  The questionnaires, which were the research instruments, were retrieved after they were answered by the respondents.  The questionnaires were tallied and tabulated for statistical analysis.

Statistical Treatment

            The following statistical tools were used by the researchers.

Frequencies and Percentages.  This was used by the researchers in determining the demographic profiles of the respondents.

Mean.  This was used to determine the level of awareness of the public on the ill effects of radiation.

T - Test.  This was used to determine the significance of the difference in the level of awareness of the public on the ill effects of radiation when grouped by gender.

ANOVA.  This was used to determine the significance of the difference in the level of awareness of the public on the ill effects of radiation on people’s health and on the environment when grouped by age and educational attainment.

            In accepting and rejecting Null hypothesis, Alpha is set at 0.05 level of significance.

Ann Cervales, Philippines