CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the research methodology of the study which includes the

research design, the participants, environment, instrument used and the data gathering

procedure.

Research Design

This is a qualitative study which aims to describe the experiences of obese

students. Specifically, this will use a phenomenological method since the researchers

will look on the commonality of the experiences shared by the participants and will

explore on the personal account of the participants and not on the perception of the

observer.

Research Participants

The participants of the study were the selected senior high school students of

Carmen National High School-Day Class in which they have the commonality of being

obese. They are preferred participants since the researchers are also students from the

same school and their profile fits the purpose of the study.

Research Environment

The research will be conducted in Carmen National High School-Day Class. It is

located in the northern part of Cebu beside the national road in Cogon West, Carmen.

The researchers observe that students who are obese are limited in which they are

treated differently in a way it affects their academic performance. They also receive
“name calling” treatment from other students like “fatso”, “pig”, etc. This stigma has

been continuously remained all over the years at school.

Research Instrument

This research is done through interview with the use of guide questionnaire

which would answer the problems raised at the beginning of this study. It is written in

questionnaire format but participants will answer the questions based on their personal

account. There are no choices provided in the questionnaire. Rather than conducting a

formal interview, the researchers believe that participants will be able to answer the

questions if they will be given an ample time to think thoroughly of their answers and

write them directly on the paper.

Data Collection and Procedures

The researchers will seek first an approval from the school principal. After the

approval, the researchers will conduct the data gathering through interview with the use

of guide questionnaire. The researchers will explain the purpose of conducting the study

and will assure the participants that confidentiality will be strictly observed. The

researchers will stay with the participants while they are answering the questionnaire to

entertain any clarification and questions that may arise. Data will be treated using

thematic analysis.

Method of Data Analysis

The researchers will begin the data analysis by becoming familiar with the data

through reading the notes and narratives several times. Then, the researchers will look
for similar topics and organize them into categories. The following outcomes will be

organized in a manner that would allow referencing to the existing literature.