Chapter 2

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

In the realization of the goals of this study, these methods

and procedure were employed and applied by the researchers. This

methods involved were essential in yielding answers to questions

and the examination of factors for comparison.

Research Design

The type of research design used in this study is a

quantitative research. The research design makes use of the

survey method which does involve experimentation instead employs

objectivity in the determination of the relative English

proficiency levels of the subjects. In this study, the

researchers will make a comparative assessment of the proficiency

levels of the students with that of a set of standards in

English.

Factors and influences will not be discussed and will not be

the focus of the research. Only the relative level of English

proficiency of the subjects will be presented. Further

implications will be inferred but cause and effect will not be

elaborated.

Population and Locale of the Study

The target subjects are freshmen students currently enrolled

in Bachelor of Arts in English in the University of the

Cordilleras. The updated enrolment statistics from the Arts and

Sciences Office lists a population of 49 freshmen in the first

term of the academic year 2013-2014.

Stratified random sampling will be utilized to facilitate

the collection of the data (Calderon, et al 1993). The Slovin's

Formula, n = N / (1+Ne2), will be used to take into account

confidence levels and margins of error upon taking statistical

samples among the students.

The computations yield a sample number of 32 students that

will represent the population of freshmen AB English students in

the University of the Cordilleras. The margin of error employed

in the computation was at 10%.

Data Gathering Tool

The survey results will be based on scores gathered from

prepared questionnaires. These questionnaires consist of multiple

choice questions that cover grammatical skills, vocabulary and

syntax. The questionnaires in the form a standard constructed

test from Cambridge School of English include the topics and

concepts that are included in elementary and high school English

curriculum. It is a form of a summative-diagnostic material that

aims to gauge the retention and application of the subjects from

prior schooling at the same time measure the readiness of the

subjects for higher academic level.

Data Gathering Procedure

For raw data, after the identification of the number of

samples, the researchers are to administer the tests to the

students. The students will be instructed to read and follow

given instructions. The students will be given time not exceeding

1 hour to answer the questions.

For the relevant information and background readings about

the study, a number of published works are considered. Internet

articles and sites are also utilized to provide a more

comprehensive and up to date elaboration of some elements in the

study.

Treatment of Data

The scores that will be obtained from the administration of

the questionnaires will be treated statistically using the

principles of central tendency, specifically the mean scores.

The mean scores will be compared to a set of standard scores

ranked according to level of proficiency in English.

In the course of comparison of individual scores to average

scores, the z-scores will be determined and thus help with the

interpretation of data collected to be able to address the posed

problems in this research.