Chapter III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter discusses the design, development, and method which is used by the

researchers on how the study is to be conducted. It also discusses the procedures in the

construction and implementation of the Cacao Pod Ripeness Detecting Device. At the

end of this chapter the researchers will present the analysis of the data gathered from the

product.

Research Locale

The researchers chose to perform the proposed project on the cacao farm on Brgy.

Palola. The researcher chose this place because the area contains the needed raw

materials for them to test the device. The project would become a tool for determining if

the cacao pod is ripe or unripe.

Respondents

The researchers, cacao farmers or the residents which aren’t proficient in

determining the ripeness of a cacao pod will test the device in order to know if the

prototype design will give accurate data to identify which cacao pods are ready to be

harvested.
Research Design

The researchers intended to create a Cacao Pod Ripeness Detecting Device that

will use the Applied type of research. Applied research refers to the study which look for

solutions for everyday problems. Determining if a cacao pod is ripe can be difficult for

farmers specially those who doesn’t have expertise. This study will use Applied Research

to solve the unremarkable problem of cacao farmers or the ordinary residents who want

to harvest cacao. This research design will aid to elaborate more studies for the

completion of this research. This kind of research will study the structure of the device,

operation and the components in order to create the prototype.

The project progress was illustrated and explained in the figure below:
 Gathering of Information

Planning and Design

Gathering of Materials

Circuit Design

Programming

Assembly

Testing

Survey

Fig. 3.1 Project Design Development

The research study will undergo the following process: The study started with the

gathering of information needed to conduct the study. After that, the researchers will plan

and design the functions and the structure of the device. The development will proceed

with the gathering of materials needed to complete the prototype which includes

searching for the microcontrollers and the appropriate sensors to be used in the device.

Afterwards, the circuit will be designed and the program to operate the device will be

developed. Next is the assembly of the “Cacao Pod Ripeness Detecting Device”. After
assembling the device, it will be tested and evaluated with a survey questionnaire to

determine if the objectives of the research are satisfied.

Research Instrument

To determine the needed information in constructing the Ripeness Detecting

Device, the researchers used different research instruments that will support the facts in

the finishing point of the prototype, and further understand the different processed to

properly construct the device.

1. Southern Luzon State University Library

The researchers used the University Library to acquire knowledge from

previous studies including textbooks and unpublished thesis that can be beneficial

for the study.

2. Books

The books are used to gather information about cacao pods and the

traditional ways to identify its ripeness. User manual and specification of different

components are also used as information guide and reference during the gathering of

data.

3. Internet
 The Internet was used to provide information about related studies that can

be used as reference. It also provided data in searching the components needed

for the study.

4. Interview

The researchers conducted interviews to farmers which have knowledge

about cacao pods. They also acquired suggestions about the design of the

prototype.

5. Questionnaire

The researchers will use questionnaire to determine if the device gives

accurate output.

Procedures/Data Collection

1. Gathering of Information

In gathering information, the researcher will gather some facts and

information that will help in the study which will be the initial foundation and

also the basis of the study.

2. Planning and Design

a. Pre- design Phase

This phase comprises the forming of the idea of the main design

through study and investigation. The researchers will gather information

from books, related research, articles, documentations and the internet. The

researchers also search for recommendations and counsels from

instructors and the research adviser which have expertise related to the

research.

b. Design Phase

This phase is the designing of the cicuit and the electronic parts of

the prototype.

3. Gathering of Materials

The researchers will select the appropriate materials for the study

which are available, economical and has a good quality.

4. Circuit Design
 The researchers gather information, concepts and principles to be used in

the construction of the circuit design. They will ask for counsel from experts to

ensure the accuracy of the gathered data.

5. Programming

The researchers will create the code of the program which will be uploaded

to device for it to work. References from books and tutorials from the internet

will be used to know what the device will need for the micro-controller and the

sensors in the circuit.

6. Assembly

This stage consists of all the gathered materials and parts needed for the

research. This includes the assembly of the circuit, microcontroller and the

sensor. In this stage, the code of the program will be uploaded to the device.

7. Testing

The program and the circuit of the device will be checked and tested.

To test the capability of the device to determine the ripeness of a cacao

pod, the researcher will find a cacao farm.

8. Questionnaire

Respondents will answer questionnaire to determine the satisfactoriness of

the device.