Chapter 3

Methodology

Discuss in this chapter is the methodology used in this qualitative study. This includes the

research methods and designs, role of the researcher, informants of the study, the

method of the data collection, data analysis, trustworthiness and credibility and its ethical

consideration.

Research Design

This introduces the methodology use in this investigation on the query on finding

out the threats of technology and the perceptions of teenagers on how earphones or

headphones affect their lives. The investigation involve selected teenagers who have

experience the certain phenomenon. The approach to this investigation is qualitative. One

form of qualitative study is the phenomenological study. According to Cresswell (2007),

a phenomenological study describes the meaning for several individuals of their

describing what all participants have in common as they experience a phenomenon.

For Giorgi, the operative word in phenomenological research is “describe‟. The

aim of the researcher is to describe as accurately as possible the phenomenon, refraining

from any pre-given framework, but remaining true to the facts. According to Welman and

Kruger (1999, p. 189) “the phenomenologists are concerned with understanding social

and psychological phenomena from the perspectives of people involved”. Husserl’s

philosophical phenomenology provided a point of departure for Alfred Schultz who turned
it “toward the ways in which ordinary members of society attend to their everyday lives”

(Gubrium & Holstein, 2000). A researcher applying phenomenology is concerned with the

lived experiences of the people (Greene, 1997; Holloway, 1997; Kruger, 1988; Kvale,

1996; Maypole & Davies, 2001; Robinson & Reed, 1998) involved, or who were involved,

with the issue that is being researched.

In the phenomenological study, it addresses the common questions of everyday

experiences believed to be important sociological or psychological phenomena of the

typical group of people wherein it focused in describing the incidents from the

perspectives of those who have experience it, Mirriam, et al, (2002).

This study concentrated on how the threats of technology affect the participants

in their everyday lives. We will be documenting the experiences of the participants who

experience the phenomenon. Below is an explanation and description of the

methodology, beginning with the participants. The data collection procedures and data

analysis are also described.

Role of the Researcher

The role of researcher in a qualitative studies is quite different, it plays a big part

to be considered in the successful goal of the investigation of any social phenomena. In

this study, we are fervently willing and qualified to pursue this investigation because we

are also teenagers who uses headphones or earphones and have been encountered

nearly accidents of which we can also relate the feelings of our informants. In addition,

we also uses headphones or earphones for entertainment we can not deny that
headphones or earphones brings us happiness and enjoyment because we are able to

listen to our music’s properly. We have some biases especially that we can feel the

enjoyment of using headphones or earphones, but we see to it that theories and related

studies are respected and considered.

We follow the principles which states that qualitative inquiry is for the researchers

who are willing to commit time to collect data, engage in a data analyst , does reflexivity,

and write long passages by themselves. The researcher’s role in qualitative research is

critical, as he or she collects data and implements analysis (Creswell, 2007), therefore

our role in this study is to interview, collect and analyze the data that has been collected.

It is the duty of a researcher to interpret the meaning of hidden in the data because he is

the primary instrument for data collection and analysis (Creswell, 2013; Corbin & Strauss,

2014; Miller, et al., 2012). As an effective researcher we ask probing questions, then

listens, then thinks, and ask probing questions again to get deeper levels of the

conversation, it is imperative that the data we put in is true and correctly interpreted.

Moreover, we kept a personal journal to document our own thoughts and feelings through

the whole process. Furthermore, using the process of member checking also helped with

controlling researcher bias.

In this study, our role as a researcher is emic turns into etic which means that

we posses the emic role at first but as we go on with our research we become an objective

viewer (etic). According to Punch (1998), there could be a great deal of variations in

between – sometimes a researcher starts as an outsider and then becomes a member

of the group. Or the reverse can occur – the researcher starts as a member of the group

then becomes a more objective observant.

In this phenomenological study, the selected participants will be taken outside

and inside the school campus of Tagum City National High School. A focus group is

typically 7-10 people who are unfamiliar with each other. These participants are selected

because they have certain characteristics in common that relate to the topic of the focus

group. The moderator or interviewer creates a permissive and nurturing environment that

encourages different perceptions and points of view, without pressuring participants to

vote, plan or reach consensus (Krueger, 1988).

Moreover, our informants will be chosen through purposive sampling technique.

The purposive sampling technique, also called judgment sampling, is the deliberate

choice of an informant due to the qualities the informant possesses. It is a nonrandom

technique that does not need underlying theories or a set number of informants. Simply

put, the researcher decides what needs to be known and sets out to find people who can

and are willing to provide the information by virtue of knowledge or experience (Bernard

2002, Lewis & Sheppard 2006).

In this study we as the researcher must specify the inclusion and the exclusion

criteria in the participation. Inclusion and exclusion criteria is relevant because it increases

the likelihood of producing reliable and reproducible results, minimize the likelihood of

harm to the subjects, and guard against exploitation of vulnerable persons. In our study

we include the teenagers whose age are thirteen (13) to eighteen (18) and male or female

gender who encountered accidents or nearly accidents because of wearing headphones,

on the other hand, those teenagers who are in serious trouble will be excluded in the
interview because of the severe result of the accidents that could interfere with the

success of the study or increase their risk for an unfavorable outcome.

Data Collection

The following steps are employed in gathering the data:

First, with the help of the purposive sampling technique the participants were

identified. They were requested to participate and agree to the conditions set down that

their participation is voluntary and they were willing to share their knowledge as needed

in the study.

Second, before collecting the needed data the participants were given a brief

orientation about the study and were asked to participate in a focus group interview as

means of data collection. The process were started in an introductory phase, in which the

moderator or the facilitator welcomes the participants, outlines the purpose of the

discussion and sets the limitation of the interview in terms of length and confidentiality.

The researcher will explain why they needed to record the interview, and what sort of

technical issues this raises in a group discussion. Finally, it is relevant to know that the

discussion is all about personal insights and experiences, therefore there are no wrong

or no right answers (Dornyei, 2007).

The focus group interview aimed to gather data that answered the query number

one (1) What are the experiences of teenagers in using technological

devices(headphones/earphones)? The interview focuses on the experiences of the

teenagers who uses technological devices often. In the concluding phase, the researcher

needed to ask if there are any issues or concerns that will require further discussion or
have not yet addressed. Third, to answer the query number two (2) How can teenagers

overcome or prevent the accidents of headphones? The participants were asked base on

their experiences on how they can overcome or prevent the possible accidents if they

would not use the technological devices properly.

Fourth, after collecting their answers in the query number two the participants were

asked to answer the query number three (3) What are the insights of the users after

experiencing the accidents of wearing headphones?, during the conduction of the

interview the participants were free to express their views in a way in which they are

comfortable. Finally, it is noted that the conversation flowed smoothly and pleasantly.

We, as a researcher and a teenager we also gave our insights and relate our

experiences in using the technological devices such as headphones and earphones . The

reflections of these experiences will serve as the data of the study, Creswell (1998).

Moreover, Bailey (2006) further added that reflections of experience include behavior or

attitude. In this study, the written documents of the researcher’s behavior and attitude

towards using technological devices (headphones/earphones) serves as the reflection.

Data Analysis

After taking down the results of the focus group interview, statements that are

connected to the topic were detached into core ideas that reflect into specific thought.

The answers of the participants were grouped into major themes that reflect the various

aspects of the phenomenon. The data on the focus group interview were analyzed based

on participant experiences on query number one in using technological devices such as

experiencing the accidents of wearing headphones.

The transcribed data were taken from the stimulated guide for query number (2)

how can teenagers overcome or prevent the accidents of headphones?, this data was

analyzed base on the given guidelines to avoid injury or death while walking.

Awareness. In this study, the importance of the word awareness is analyzed. A

second aspect we considered is the significance of the safety walking tips and the set of

rules which specify exactly how important awareness can be to aim the better health of

an individual. Understanding this part of steps is relevant in designing the data.

Self Discipline. According to Elbert Hubbard, self discipline is the ability to do what

you should do when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not. In this study, the

significance of self discipline is analyzed. Moreover, users who practice self discipline are

less likely to inclined in accidents of misusing headphones.

All of the results were summed up and will be analyzed which will then be used on

the interpretation of data. Other issues that was tackled by the participants was also put

into consideration since a qualitative study holds no restrictions.

The answers of the participants will be analyze using thematic analysis.

According to Boyatzis (1998) and Roulston (2001), thematic analysis is a method of

analyzing and reporting pattern or themes with a data. Using thematic analysis on thus

study is very helpful because it is flexible and a useful research tool that can probably

grant a substantial, complex, and rich account of data.

the data as to mention: familiarize data, generate initial codes, search for themes, review

the themes, define and name the themes, and construct the report.

In a qualitative data most researchers use thematic analysis as a means to gain

insights and knowledge from data gathered. This method enables us to develop a deeper

appreciation for the group or situation we are researching. By using thematic analysis to

distill data, we as a researchers determine broad patterns that will allow us to have note

granular analysis. It is highly inductive, which means themes emerge from the data that

is gathered and are not imposed or predetermined by us.

In analyzing the data, a data reduction will be use which means deleting

unnecessary data and modifying them into a useful material for the study so that many

readers can easily understand it ( Namey et al., 2007; Atkinsol and Delamont, 2006;

Suter, 2012). The approach to thematic analysis that we will be using involves a six-phase

process or steps.

Trustworthiness

When we conducted the qualitative research, we put into account the responses

of our informants. We also consider all the details of the data. We checked and rechecked

all the transcriptions and the importance of the data that relate to each other on their

themes.

Schurink, Schurink and Poggenpoel (1998) emphasise the truth-value of

qualitative research and list a number of means to achieve truth. In this study, the
phenomenological research design contributed toward truth. According to Henderson

(2006), a thorough reporting of the process and the results of qualitative data collection

and analysis is the key to justifying and assuring that trustworthiness exist in the study.

Trustworthiness composed of four components namely; credibility, transferability,

dependability, and confirmability. Qualitative researchers consider that dependability,

credibility, transferability and confirmability as trustworthiness criteria ensure the rigour of

qualitative findings (Guba, 1981; Schwandt, Lincoln, & Guba, 2007).

Credibility is defined as the confidence that can be placed in the truth of the

research findings (Holloway & Wheeler, 2002; Macnee & McCabe, 2008). Credibility

establishes whether or not the research findings represent plausible information drawn

from the participants’ original data and is a correct interpretation of the participants’

original views (Graneheim & Lundman, 2004; Lincoln & Guba, 1985). To address

credibility, We used three techniques. First, we presented the credibility of the

experiences as an aim of veraciously illustrating and knowing the facts which are

phenomenon in which our participants were included. Second, we conducted a focus

group interview in designing the research procedure in which we extracted ideas on how

technological devices can be harmful if it is misused by the users and also its process

and systems how it is being used. Third, we deliberately asked the informants to list down

their knowledge about technological devices and compared them with the knowledge of

the users. In this aspect, qualitative approach in credibility is evaluate. In this study, we

held on, the informants’ best answers that reflected in response to this study.

Transferability refers to the degree to which the results of qualitative research

can be transferred to other contexts with other respondents – it is the interpretive

(2005), the “researcher facilitates the transferability judgment by a potential user through

‘thick description’ and purposeful sampling” (p. 85). This means that when the researcher

provides a detailed description of the enquiry and participants were selected purposively,

it facilitates transferability of the inquiry.

Dependability refers to “the stability of findings over time” Bitsch (2005).

Dependability involves participants evaluating the findings and the interpretation and

recommendations of the study to make sure that they are all supported by the data

received from the informants of the study (Cohen et al., 2011; Tobin & Begley, 2004).

Confirmability refers to the degree to which the results of an inquiry could be

confirmed or corroborated by other researchers (Baxter & Eyles, 1997). Confirmability is

“concerned with establishing that data and interpretations of the findings are not figments

of the inquirer’s imagination, but are clearly derived from the data” (Tobin & Begley, 2004,

p. 392). Studies suggest that confirmability of qualitative inquiry is achieved through an

audit trial, reflexive journal and triangulation (Bowen, 2009; Koch, 2006; Lincoln & Guba,

1985).According to Bowen (2009) an “audit trail offers visible evidence—from process

and product—that the researcher did not simply find what he or she set out to find”

Ethical Considerations

The problem behind the technological devices as it enhances is a sensitive issue,

specially if we will unveil the dark side of those devices. Users are now lilt in their own

bubbles of programmed sound, while the outside world, once a shared auditory
environment is severely fractured. Previews study’s shown that the existence of

headphones or earphones is the reason why the essence of communication in the society

was lost and some consider it as a threat and the reason of changes in our world.

In this study, we made a point that threats of technological devices discussed

academically and a legitimate and essential topic of technology. According to Graciano

and Raulin (2010), ethical consideration considered as the integral part of the research

design process. Silverman (2007) added that ethical consideration can be clarified by

consulting the ethical guidelines of one’s professional association.

We have to ensure the safety of our participants, give full protection so that they

will not lose their trust on us. We followed ethical standards in conducting this study as

pointed by (Boyatzis,1998 Mack et.al., 2005), these are the following: respect for persons,

consent, beneficence, confidentiality and justice.

Respect for persons needs an obligation of the researcher not to export the

weaknesses of the researcher participants. In order to maintain friendship, trust, and

confidence among the participants and the researcher self-sufficiency was avoided. Tyler

and Lind (1992) defined respect as an attitude toward of another person, and would lead

to behavior consistent and must include consideration. We sought permission from the

guardians or parents of the teenagers before conducting the research (Creswell, 2012).

This was done to pay respect for the individuals concerned in the study.

Consent is one of the most important way of showing respect to persons during

research (Creswell, 2012). This is to let all participants became aware on the objectives

and purpose of the research study that they are going to involve or participate. Written
consent was provided to get their approval. After getting their yes, they have actively

participated the in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. And after that, they were

all informed on the result of the study.

Beneficence compels researchers to protect researcher participants from any

harm. The principle of beneficence makes the researcher responsible for the physical,

mental and social well-being of the participants. Moreover, anonymity of the interview was

kept in order not to put each participant into risks. At all times, participants were protected,

so every files of information were not left unattended or unprotected (Bricki and Green,

2007).

Confidentiality is commonly viewed as asking to the principle of privacy (Oliver

and Gregory, 2003). Individuals have the right for their affairs to be private. The participant

identities were hidden during the conduction of the study as it was suggested by (Maree

and Van Der Westhuizen,2007). Furthermore, Maree and Van Der Westhuizen (2007),

recommended that all materials including videotapes, encoded transcripts, notes and

others should be destroyed after the data were being analyze. Though we can’t avoid the

hesitation of some informants to be interviewed because they were afraid what to say but

the thing is we will surely give our assurance to them in regards to the confidentiality of

their questions. We will also be extra careful with our questions and due to respect was

given importance to the study.

Justice requires the fair and equal distribution of benefits and risks of participation

in a research study. It is very relevant to acknowledge the contributions of all the

participants as they were generally part of the success of the research. According to
Bloom and Crabtree (2006), participants must give due credits in all their endeavors. They

were not able to spend any amount during the interview. Sensible keepsake were given

to them as a sign of recognition to their efforts on the study. We are all hoping that through

this study, they will be set free into whatever bad and negative experiences they had as

they teach the teenagers and maintain a good name into what positive contributions they

could offer in this study.