Chapter 2

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the research design, setting of the study, subject of

the study, sources of data, procedure of the study and statistical treatment of

data.

Research Design

The study utilized the experimental method of research. Experimental is

most scientifically sophisticated research method. It is defined as observation

under controlled conditions. Experimental research design is concerned with

examination of the effect of independent variable on the dependent variable,

where the independent variable is manipulated through treatment or

intervention(s), and the effect of the interventions is observed on the dependent

variable.1

In addition, an experiment is a study in which a treatment, procedure, or

program is intentionally introduced and a result or outcome is observed. The

American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language defines an experiment as

A test under controlled conditions that is made to demonstrate a known truth, to

examine the validity of a hypothesis, or to determine the efficacy of something

previously untried.2

The study determined the Level of Comprehension, Significant Difference

between the Level of Comprehension in Reading in terms of pre-test and post-

test results and the difficulties encountered in terms of Reading Comprehension

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of the Grade 8 Underachievers of Morong National High School. The

experimental method of research was used in conducting the study.

Furthermore, the interventions used in this study were the 18-hour tutorial

sessions and the enrichment activities facilitated by the researchers. The

experimental method of research was used for the reasons that to be able to

observe the possible problems of the study and to treat it using the said

interventions.

Setting of the Study

This study was conducted in Morong National High School located in

Tomas Claudio Street, Brgy. San Juan, Morong, Rizal. The school was founded

in the year of 1997. The school was a combination of 2-storey type and 1-storey

type of building.

Morong National High School teaches students in grades seventh through

tenth in Morong, Rizal of CALABARZON (Region IV-A). Mr. Celestino A. Santiago

is in charge of the school, acting as the school's Principal.

The Grade 8 has 12 sections, with a separate Pilot section. The Pilot

section is a homogeneous class which is consist of students who passed the

comprehensive examination, while the other sections are heterogeneous

meaning there are high, average and low achievers in each class.

The said study will be a big help to the teachers and instructors of English

subject in determining the topics on basic grammar that will be found to be the

weaknesses of the students in Grade 8, specifically those of low performers that

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would help the students to be better users of the second language. This will

serve as a guide for everyones awareness on every students difficulties in

Reading Comprehension.

Moreover, the study determined if there was a significant difference

between the level of comprehension in reading of the Grade 8 Underachievers in

terms of pre-test and post-test results with respect to The Singa, Bumboat Cruise

on the Singapore River and The Changing Morals of Korean Students.

Subject of the Study

The subjects of the study were the selected Grade 8 students in Morong

National High School, there were 17 students selected. The respondents were

the students who got an average of below 75 in the first and second quarter in

English subject and were classified as Underachievers. The said National High

School has 12 sections for Grade 8 with a separate Pilot section.

The researchers chose the grade 8 students for they believe that the

chosen respondents already adjusted in high school environment and their

reading comprehension or level of comprehension are not yet developed. Unlike

the higher grades, they already have knowledge in terms of vocabulary and skill

in reading. In choosing the respondents, the researchers consulted the advisers

and the subject teachers in English subject of the Grade 8 Underachievers for

collecting information and for determining who among the students in each

section are considered as the low performing ones.

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Sources of Data

The study used researchers made test and a panel discussion with the

respondents as the main tool of data gathering.

The said test deals with selected topics that were discussed from the

tutorial session which was conducted at University of Rizal System, Morong

Campus. The content of the lessons were taught for 3 sessions. The test

contained items that measured the level of comprehension in reading of the

selected grade 8 students, such as Literal, Interpretative, Critical, and Creative

level. These tools were subjected to content validation of the teachers of English

and experts in the field of research. The panel discussion determined the

difficulties encountered by the Grade 8 Underachievers in terms of reading

comprehension.

The following range and verbal interpretation were used in determining the

result of the pre-test and post-test:

Range Verbal Interpretation

8.00 10.00 Outstanding (O)
6.00 7.99 Very Satisfactory (VS)
4.00 5.99 Satisfactory (S)
2.00 3.99 Fairly Satisfactory (FS)
0.00 1.99 Did Not Meet Expectations (DNME)

Procedure of the Study

The procedures below had been the researchers guide to execute their

study. The research started with the reading of literary works and browsing the

internet for construction of titles to be proposed. Then followed by the title

proposal and the most acceptable and feasible title was, Reading
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Comprehension of Grade 8 Students of Morong National High School. After the

approval, the researchers started to develop Chapters 1 and 2 by reading books

related to the study, gathering related literature, and researching some legal

bases to justify the study.

After accomplishing chapters 1 and 2, the manuscript was then submitted

to the research adviser for checking and prepared for the colloquium. The

colloquium was held and the researchers worked on the suggestions of the panel

chairman as well as the panel members.

The researchers went to the setting of the study to talk to the respective

officials of the school about the tutorial sessions. The Grade 8 teachers of

English classified and gave the list of the Grade 8 Underachievers. After that, the

researchers started to prepare the lessons and the enrichment activities for the

study, the researchers then executed the pre-test, tutorial sessions, and the post-

test thereafter.

After gathering the data, it was followed by the interpretation of data then

the researchers worked on chapters 3 and 4. The final defense was held, then

the revision of the manuscript, and lastly the submission of the final copy of

manuscript.

Statistical Treatment

The following statistical treatments were used in the study:

To determine the level of comprehension of the respondents in reading,

weighted mean and standard deviation were used.

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To determine the significant difference on the level of comprehension in

reading of the respondents with respect to pre-test and post-test results,

dependent t-test was used.

To determine the difficulties encountered by the respondents in reading

comprehension, qualitative discussion was used.

Notes

1
Experimental Research design: Mr. Jayesh Patidar
www.drjayeshpatidar.blogspot.com
2
https://ori.hhs.gov/education/products/sdsu/res_des2.htm
3
http://public-schools.findthebest.com.ph/l/37070/Morong-National-High-
School-in-Morong-RIZ