CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

The contents of this chapter include the kind of

research to be carried out by the proponents, the

definition and identification of the variables

manipulated, and the step-by-step process of the

experimentation. It provides the information necessary

in order to carry out the research and chronological

order of the processes involved.

Kind of Research

The research to be conducted is experimental in

nature. Experimental research is a study that strictly

adheres to a scientific research design. (Harland) It

includes a hypothesis, whether null or alternative, a

variable that is manipulated by the researcher, and

variables that are dependent or maintained. This

particular type of research is conducted in a controlled

environment, with the researchers keeping track of the

changes in their dependent variables. The data

identified in the experimentation process either

supports or rejects the hypothesis.

Experimental research’s main goal is to

identify a relationship between two variables— the

dependent and independent variable. Once the research is

completed, the interrelation between a specific aspect

of a material and the variable being studied is either

supported or rejected. (Harland) Some types of

experiments that are considered experimental researches

are forensic studies, product effectiveness, and

microbiology. (Harland)

Description of Variables

In scientific experiments, variables are defined as

any item, factor, or condition that can be controlled or

manipulated. (study.com) There are three types of

variables manipulated in a scientific experiment, namely

the dependent, independent, and controlled variables.

Dependent variables pertain to the variables that

depend, thus the name dependent variables, on the

manipulation of the independent variable. Dependent

variables are essentially in a cause-and-effect

relationship with the independent variables, with the

independent variables as the cause. The qualities of the

dependent variable are affected by the changes applied

to the independent variable, indicating experimentation.

On the other hand, independent variables pertain to the

variables that are manipulated or controlled by the

researcher. It directly affects the dependent variable,

affecting the experiment’s final outcome or result.

(study.com) Lastly, controlled variables pertain to the

variables that are maintained by the researcher. They

are also called constant variables, as they remain the

same in all setups of an experiment. Controlled

variables play an important role in experiments as if

they are not kept uniform, the dependent variable may

not be entirely accurate. They are conditions presented

by the researcher, that should be strictly followed.

As shown in our experiment, independent variables

are: 1. the length of fermentation process for each set-

up and 2. the method of extraction applied. The dependent

variable is the ethanol that came from the extraction

process

the dependent variable is the ethanol extracted

 Dependent - ethanol extracted

Independent - time of fermentation, method of

extraction

Controlled - amount of water, number of banana peelings,

amount of yeast
 Flowchart of the Study

Preparation of materials
(banana peelings, yeast, Preparation of the
water) and equipment workspace
(pot, containers, etc.)

Preparation of the set-

ups (3 set-ups, each with
5 banana peelings
submerged in water)
Fermentation for 2 weeks

Fermentation for 1 month Heating of the setups

Fermentation for 2
months

Extraction of ethanol

Gathering of Organization
Data of Data

Conclusions,
Analysis of the results Bibliography, Final

Of each set-up Revisions and

Recommendations
Materials and Methods of the Study

A. Preparation of Materials

The materials to be used are the following: ripe

banana peelings, 1 liter of water, 6 packets of active

dry yeast, sterilized containers wherein the mixture

will be stored in during the fermentation process, a

pot, and a knife. The bananas are to be bought from

the local fruit stand near the designated area for

conducting our research. The yeast will be purchased

from the grocery store. These materials are to be

prepared beforehand, to create a smoother flow of

procedures in the actual experimentation.

B. Preparation of the Workspace

The materials are to be laid out on the work area,

for easier access during the experimentation process.

The equipment needed for the experimentation— the knife

and the pot — are going to be cleaned beforehand to avoid

the possible entrance of foreign objects and substances

into the mixture. The containers are also going to be

sterilized, to maintain the qualities of the mixture to

be fermented.

C. Preparation of the Set-ups

The researchers decided to use three set-ups, each

with the same mixture, differing in their period of

fermentation. The first set-up will be fermented for two

weeks, the second for a month, and the third for two

months. The banana peelings, which have already been

washed and gently scraped, are to be placed in a pot

with 1 liter of water.

D. Heating of the Setups

Once the banana peelings are placed in the pot with 1

liter of water, the mixture is to be heated at a low

medium heat for 30 minutes.

E. Fermentation for 2 Weeks, 1 Month, and 2 Months

After being heated for 30 minutes, the mixture is to

be evenly distributed between 3 sterilized containers.

2 packets of yeast are to be added to each set-up.

 F. Extraction of Ethanol

Since the set-ups are to be fermented for different

periods of time, the extraction process will be done

thrice. The first set-up after 2 weeks of fermentation,

the second after a month, and the third after 2 months.

Each set-up is to be distilled in order to extract the

ethanol.

G. Analysis of the results of each set-up

The results between set-ups are to be compared, such

as the clarity of the mixture, the smell, the similarity

of each set-up to commercially produced ethanol.

H. Tabulation of Data

Once the data from each setup is collected, it will

be documented and tabulated (if necessary). Charts

will also be used to help visually aid in showing the

difference between results in the three setups, and

the outcome of each setup.

 I. Conclusions, Bibliography, Final Revisions and

Recommendations

Once the results from each setup are derived and

documented, a conclusion can be made by the researchers

involved. Citations are to be compiled into a

bibliography, and the sources are to be alphabetically

arranged. There is always room for improvement, and some

processes in the experimentation can definitely be

improved on. This is taken care of by the recommendations

that are added in the end, which are for the next set of

people who may want to add on our research. These

recommendations may serve as a guide for them to improve

our research, and further explore its potential.