NICOR, Shanna Ursula N. Grade 12- St.

Peter

PERFORMANCE TASK IN PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2

(First Quarter)

Author(s): Ganesan Y. , Talwar P. , Norsiah Fauzan , Oon Y.B.

Research Title: A Study on Stress Level and Coping Strategies among Undergraduate Students

Journal Title: Journal of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development

Volume and Issue Number: Vol 3(2), 2550-1623

Year of Publication: March 2018

In this study, correlational research design is used. The independent variable in the research
cannot be manipulated. In addition, this material aims to study the relationship between the stress level
and coping strategies among the students. One of the characteristics of correlational design is that, it will
establish a connection or relationship in one or more dependent variables. The dependent variables (stress
level and coping strategies) are being examined to see if there is really a relationship between the two. We
can also see the association of every attributes and variables in the results. The results strengthen the
evidence as to what design is evident in this study. The method used to gather data is cross sectional. It
means that it is done through a survey or a questionnaire. Eighty-six students willingly participated in the
study. The strength of this study is that it allows the researchers to gather the statistical data for it to be
examined to determine whether it will prove that there is a relationship between the variables. Moreover,
due to the smaller population of the participants it is easier and faster to obtain data and it is time
effective. However, the limitation of the participant’s population can have a bias outcome because it is
not generalized.

To avoid bias results, it is better to increase the population of the participants involved in the said
study. Since this study focused on the undergraduate students, the researchers should have done a survey
to more than the university students on the final year who will be willing to participate. In that way, the
researchers will be able to provide strong and absolute results. Furthermore, they can acquire more data to
use not just on the final year students as well as the other junior students. Since they want to establish a
connection to stress and coping mechanisms to students, the researchers should look more on the various
experiences of the students to say that the relationship is really absolute and generalized.

The independent variable is the “university students”. The stress level and coping strategies of the
students depends on what kind of lifestyle they have. It is stated that the stress level of the students
depends on their academic workload, pressure, and personal events known as the stressors. The
researchers also identify the attributes of the independent variable which can be used to gather data to
foresee if those attributes (gender and ethnicity) will affect the stress level and the coping strategies of the
students. It is also considered as a qualitative and discrete variable since the attributes were measured by
counting and the values are in the fixed point of the continuum.

On the other hand, the dependent variables are “stress level” and “coping strategies”. Just like to
what I have mentioned above, the stress level and the coping strategies of the students depend on the
participant’s lifestyle. If the students are exposed in stressful environment and lifestyle, then his or her
stress level will increase. Given that being a student has many responsibilities, it can be considered as
stressors and a possibility to increase the stress level of a person. The coping strategies of the students
also depend on the habits and mindset of the students. If the student has a positive mindset and a good
practices, then they can have a productive coping strategy to fight stress and if the opposite then they will
be unable to cope with stress and it can be a burden to many. The stress level and the coping strategies are
the effects of the student’s condition towards the changes they experienced.

The ordinal scaling is evident in the said research. As the researchers measure the attributes of the
variables, they categorized the results and ranked it. In the stress levels, the researchers surveyed the
participants. The results they got were categorized to low stress, moderate stress, and high stress.
Depending on the number of response, they ranked the category from moderate stress which has the
majority of the response, followed by the high stress, and lastly is the low stress which has the least
number of response. The same is done on the measurement of coping strategies, the participants were
asked to choose the appropriate score on the scale ranging from 1 (Doesn’t do it at all) to 5 (Used great
deal). They also ranked the response from most preferred which are the other methods of coping with
stress, the second most preferred is the productive coping, and lastly is the non-productive coping.
Though these attributes were ranked, the difference between the consecutive level is not known.

Quantitative researches is relevant for me as a student because through this we can provide
possible transformative solutions to the future. It is one of the aim of quantitative research to provide
solutions to current problems. As a student, we can gain knowledge by using quantitative research. This
knowledge can be used in the future if ever we are the ones who will make solutions to our societal
issues. As early as now, we must become competitive in the field of research so that in the coming years
we would be ready for any possible challenges. Quantitative researches provide numerical data that
makes us logically and mathematically developed. It also broadens our perceptions towards events and
establish relationship among them. Furthermore, it can test my critical thinking in any aspects of
research.

I can say that this study is helpful to anyone of us. Through this study, we can be more aware of
the mental condition of other people. At this moment, being a graduating student has put a lot of pressure
to me. I wanted to push myself more to achieve my goals for this year. My personal expectations and
academic workloads are beginning to become a stressor for me. However, most of the time I wanted to be
productive and not let the stress to consume me. I believe that having a rich mindset and good habits can
overcome those feelings. This study is essential in self-evaluation. We can assess ourselves, our mental
and physical condition, and how we cope to the changes we experienced in life. The study does not limit
as to what age and situation we belong but it can be a guide for us to do better despite the environmental
changes.