CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction

This chapter presents the design and methodology employed by the research for the

purpose of conducting the research. The procedure for data collection and the relevant

data used to address the research questions and hypothesis

3.1 Research Design

Survey design is a form of descriptive that is aimed at collecting large and small sample

from population in order to examine the distribution, incidence and interaction of

educational sociological phenomena. Ofor (2010) states that the design possesses a great

relevance of adoption when a researcher intends to describe conditions that already exist

and intend to determine reasons for their prevalence.

3.2 Population of the Study

The study was conducted in the department of Biology College of Education Minna the

population of the study was 327 students in department of Biology.

3.3 Sample and Sampling Technique

3.3.1 Sample

The sample size determined the number of questionnaire to be distributed by the

researcher. The researcher used a 5% level of significance, the sample size was derived

using Taro Yamanneformular

n =
N
1+N (e) 2
Where
n = sample size
N = No. of respondent in Biology Department
e = level of significance/ Error estimate at 5%
1 = constant
n = 327
1+ 327(0.0025) 2

n = 327
1+ 327(0.0025)

n = 327
1+1.8175

n = 327
1.8175

Therefore n (which is sample size) = 176

3.3.2 Sampling Technique

Stratification sampling techniques will be adopted in selecting a representative sample for

this study. The stratification sampling techniques were formed based on members shared

attributes or characteristics then a random sample from each stratum was taken in a

number proportional to the stratum’s size when compared to the population. These

subsets of the strata were then pooled to form a random sample (Castillo, 2009). The

reason according to Yin (2003) is that,, stratification serves the distribution among

heterogeneous population which needs to be incorporated for the purpose of gaining

insights from it.

3.4 Instrumentation

The only instrument used in this study was Questionnaire. The instrument contained

fifteen (15) question items. The respondents were requested to honestly supply the

necessary information required in the questionnaire so as to get reliable and authentic

data that will further authenticate the findings of the study. The structure of the

questionnaire was based on 4-point Likert rating scale of (strongly agree), (Agree),

(Disagree), and (Strongly Disagree) to provide answers to the posed questions in the

questionnaire.

3.5 Instrument Validation

Instrument is said to be valid when it measure what it is intended to be measured

(Deng and Ali, 1997). To ensure the face and content validity of the items on the

instrument measuring the different variables in the study, the questionnaire was submitted

to two expert in research and statistics and one expert in test and measurement, to

ascertain whether the items measured what they purported to measure. These experts in

conjunction with my supervisor certified the instrument as being valid to measure what it

set out to measure at least in content and face validity.

During this process, their comments and corrections led to changes being effected on the

items in the questionnaire in terms of appropriateness and precision of words. Senetnece

and expressions.Flaws and errors in terms of phraseology, tautology, grammar and

organization of the instrument were identified and the necessary corrections were affected

3.6 Instrument Reliability Test

 According to Nisbet and Entwistle (1977), the reliability of a test indicates how

consistent it gives the same or nearly the same result when it is administrated a second

time. Thus, to access the reliability of the researcher instrument, a test-retest approeach

was employed. 20 students of the department of Biology were given the same

questionnaire twice at a space of two (2) weeks interval. The second result obtained

coincided with the former. Thus the measure shows consistency over time

3.7 Method of Data Collection

Data collection involves a search for relevant information that will proffer solution to

specific problems. Every research effort therefore centers on the search for such

information which could be obtained either from primary or secondary sources. But for

the purpose of this research, data for this study was gathered through primary sources

(questionnaire). The questionnaire is the major instrument of data collection in this study.

3.8 Method of Data Analysis

The data obtained was presented in a tabular form and analyzed through the use of mean

score. The hypothesis was tested using chi-squire statistical tool. The chi-square test can

assess the independence or lack of association between two categorical variables. It helps

to determine if there is a relationship between the variables or if any observed

associations are due to chance. This makes it valuable for examining the association

between variables in fields such as social sciences, market research, and epidemiology.