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“The Correlation between the Self-Determination and the Cognitive Impulsivity with

regards to the Decision Patterns of the Adolescents

in Dasmariñas City, Cavite”

A Research Proposal Presented to the College Faculty of

National Science and Technology

Ale, Cristian D.

Dumlao, Gil Muriel D.

A.Y. 2023-2024
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Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

Adolescents experience several issues as they go through the process of development

in terms of both mental and physical aspects. The psychological challenges that they

experience includes their ability to perform several high-level cognitive processes such as

problem solving, decision-making, planning and some low-level cognitive processes including

goal setting and attainment as well as self-regulation. Majority of these variables are directly

related to the state of a single psychological construct known as self-determination. In

connection with this, the aforementioned construct refers to the ability of an individual to

think and develop choices and manage the flow of their own life (Cherry Kendra, MSEd &

Susman David, PhD, 2022). Furthermore, it was also discovered that being self-determined is

equivalent to having the ability to feel in greater control as opposed to not being self-

determined which would make a person perceive that their life is being controlled by the

people around them (Cherry Kendra, MSEd & Susman David, PhD, 2022). In other words,

several studies concluded that during the period of adolescence, individuals experience

challenges with the development of their self-determination which affects the success of their

progress towards adulthood.

Furthermore, several research studies have discovered that adolescents also experience

issues with their attention and behavior aside from their ability to make rational decisions.

Issues such as lack of attention, forethought deficiency and aggression tendencies are some

of the challenges these individuals must deal with during their adolescence. As the age of

technology continues to develop, researchers have finally found that majority of the issues

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adolescents deal with during this stage of personal development are related to a unique

psychological construct commonly referred to as cognitive impulsivity. The mentioned

variable is said to be the tendency of an individual to act without any prior forethought

(Begum Jabeen, MD, et al., 2023). In addition to this, even though it is a negative construct,

researchers were able to discover that on a minimal amount, cognitive impulsivity is not

necessarily a sign of internal and external issues and is also considered normal especially on

children and teenagers since it was found that during this period their cognitive processes are

still developing which contributes to the degree of their impulsiveness (Begum Jabeen, MD,

et al., 2023). In other words, only a heightened degree of impulsivity is proven to be s threat

to the overall well-being of an adolescent.

In response to this, the researchers decided to conduct a study regarding the relationship

between the self-determination and the cognitive impulsivity of adolescents to determine

how these variables are related to their decision patterns. The study will be conducted on

Dasmariñas City in which the researchers would select individuals who are still in their

adolescence period to scout as participants of the research. There would be two (2) constructs

in this research in which both of them are considered as dependent variables. The researchers

selected both self-determination and cognitive impulsivity as their respective constructs for

this study due to the reason being that these two (2) are considered to be related to the

psychological challenges adolescents experience which specifically focus on their decision-

construction abilities.

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Background of the Problem

Adolescence is a period in which everyone must go through and has become one of the

factors that molds the character of a person. Several challenges come forth in this stage which

helps a person develop in terms of both psychological and physiological aspects. One of the

major challenges adolescents must deal with is attaining the state of being self-determined.

In relation to this, studies indicated that self-determination centers on the basic psychological

needs which revolve around competency, autonomy, and relatedness which are the three (3)

main factors that determine the degree of gratitude and motivation in an individual

perspective. Furthermore, as what was found during several studies regarding this

psychological construct, the absence or lack of the sense of self-determination would result

in a belief in which an individual has no control over their life which supports the idea

regarding its significance with the mental development of a person (Susman David, PhD &

Cherry Kendra, MSEd, 2022). Furthermore, it was also discovered that it is necessary for

adolescents to separate themselves from adults for them to individuate which is a step

towards self-determination. In relation to this, to have the ability to properly separate

themselves from adults, adolescents need to have their support for them to successfully

attain the basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) which would

result in a well-developed set of characteristics that are necessary for them to victoriously

pass into adulthood (La Guardia Jennifer & Ryan Richard M, 2022). Additionally, research links

heightened self-determination to positive adult outcomes and better quality of life for youth

with both average and below average state of psychological and physiological traits (Lewis

Sandra & Bennett Kitty Greeley, 2014). In other words, being self-determined does affect the

life choices of an individual in a positive manner and poor self-determination has a high

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tendency of resulting to having problematic behavior which is linked to unpleasant career

outcomes.

In line with this, researchers also discovered the issues with the decision and behavior

management of the adolescents also have something to do with the degree of their tendency

to experience impulsiveness. The cognitive impulsivity, commonly referred to as impulsivity

or impulsiveness is the tendency of an individual to perform actions without prior

rationalization (Begum Jabeen, MD, et al., 2023). In relation to this it was found that there are

several reasons why cognitive impulsivity seems to be more stable than some people

compared to the others. Research indicates that there are several factors that affect cognitive

impulsiveness. Genetics, as what researchers have discovered regarding the state of

impulsivity, was found that there is a higher tendency for an individual to experience issues

with impulsiveness if that person is included in a family that has a case of mental condition

especially those that are related to unusual impulsivity. Biology, it was also found that there

are cases in which unusual brain or hormonal patterns might possibly increase the likelihood

of heightened impulsiveness. Social and environmental conditions, researchers also

discovered that these variables have the potential to affect the risk factors of high cognitive

impulsivity. To specify further, being consistently exposed in an environment with constant

financial issues, violence and neglect could lead to impulsivity dysfunction. Lastly, the sex of

an individual is also considered a risk factor of issues with impulsiveness, it was stated by

some researchers that males are more likely to manifest impulsiveness-related disorders

Begum Jabeen, MD, et al., 2023). In conclusion, both self-determination and cognitive

impulsivity are related to the decision patterns of an adolescent. However, the researchers

are still unaware whether there is an association between these psychological constructs.

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Objectives of the Study

This research aims to determine the correlation between how much an adolescent

believes they are in control of their choices and actions which relates to their attitudes when

it comes to setting their own goals and how likely they are to experience impulsivity with

regards to their decision patterns. Through the data that has been collected from the research

participants, the researchers would obtain the information necessary to understand the

correlation between the two variables. The research aims to determine the following:

1. To determine the level of self-determination of the adolescents.

2. To determine the level of cognitive impulsivity of the adolescents.

3. To determine the correlation between self-determination and cognitive impulsivity of

the adolescents.

4. To determine the demographic profile of the respondents.

Statement of the Problem

The researchers centered their study on the correlation between the self-determination

and the cognitive impulsivity with regards to the decision patterns of the adolescents in

Dasmariñas City, Cavite.

1. What is the level of self-determination of the adolescents?

2. What is the level of cognitive impulsivity of the adolescents?

3. What type of correlation exists between self-determination and cognitive impulsivity

of the adolescents?

4. What is the demographic profile of the respondents?

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Theoretical Framework

The study examined the correlation between the self-determination and cognitive

impulsivity with regards to the decision patterns of adolescents. The theoretical underpinning

of this study is from the Self-Determination Theory which was constructed by psychologists

Edward Deci and Richard Ryan in the year 1985. In relation to this, Deci and Ryan argued that

individuals tend to be driven by their need to grow and gain fulfillment in their own career

(Cherry Kendra, MSEd & Susman David, PhD, 2022). Moreover, the Self-Determination Theory

proposes that all human beings have three basic psychological needs; these are the need for

competence, autonomy, and relatedness. The satisfaction of which are essential factors for

sustainable development of an individual wellbeing (Duda, J. L., & Appleton, P. R. 2016). In

addition to this, the theory also states that there are intrinsic and extrinsic types of motivation

in which the former focuses on the drive that comes from within, it is not influenced by any

external factors while the latter is inclined to the drive that is dependent on the outside forces

(Ackerman Courtney R., 2018). The theory specified further that in order to attain motivation,

an individual needs to fulfill the previously mentioned variables. The need for autonomy

which involves the feeling of an individual about the control of their own choices and can

willingly express themselves. The need for competence which covers the idea of having

enough capabilities to effectively execute an action. Lastly, the need for relatedness which

focuses on the significance of feeling connected with other people. In conclusion, the

aforementioned theory claims that in order to feel self-determined there needs to be the

presence of motivation which could only be attained through the a process in which an

individual has to achieve competence which would result to having a sense of autonomy that

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would cause the feeling of being related to a certain group they feel they truly belong

(Williams Edith M, M.S, PhD., et al, 2024).

In continuation, the assumption behind the cognitive impulsivity stems from the idea that

impulsiveness is consist of three (3) major factors; these are the attention (attention and

cognitive ability), motor (motor and perseverance) and non-planning (self-control and

complexity) (Brooks, Samantha J. & Stein, Dan J, 2017). In addition to this, it was proposed

that cognitive impulsivity may not be a unitary construct, instead it is multi-dimensional in

nature (Kasey G. Creswell, et al. 2019). Furthermore, it may have similarities with rudeness or

lack of discipline, but cognitive impulsivity is more than just that. Research indicates that it is

a behavioral pattern that starts from the brain. The effects of it varies depending on the

amount present in an individual. Minimal amount of impulsiveness is normal, however, a

heightened degree of it could potentially lead to issues with overall wellbeing (Deanna & MD.

Begum Jabeen, et al. 2023). Additionally, researchers found that the impulsivity could be

described in several different manner. It was stated that there are four factors involved with

impulsivity; the lack of premeditation which focuses on the tendency to act before

considering the potential consequences, sensation seeking which involves searching out new

and exhilarating experiences with the added element of risk, lack of perseverance which leads

to higher probability of quitting from an activity, and the urgency which is focused on the act

of taking negative actions during an emotional outburst (Rudy Lisa Jo & MacIntyre Michael,

2023). In summary, the two theories provide enough evidence to prove that both self-

determination and cognitive impulsivity are significant to the decision patterns of an

adolescent. This indicates that both theories provide concrete support to the issues in the

research study and are valid to determine the correlation between both variables.

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Conceptual Framework

The study involves two (2) dependent variables. It focuses on determining the

correlation between the self-determination and cognitive impulsivity of adolescents as well

as the connection between these variables on their decision pattern.

The adolescents from Dasmariñas City, Cavite were randomly selected using simple

random sampling method. The researchers have decided to gather sixty (60) individuals that

would serve as their research participants in which they would undergo two individual tests

to measure both their self-determination and cognitive impulsivity and determine the

correlation between the state of these variables and the decision pattern of an adolescent.

They will take part in the study which involves the process of measuring two psychological

constructs. The self-determination which refers to the ability of an individual to feel in control

of their choices and set goals to develop oneself which would be measured through a self-

determination scale. Furthermore, the cognitive impulsivity of the adolescents which is

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focused on their tendency to act without prior rationalization about the potential

consequences of their actions would be measured with Barrat Impulsiveness Scale Revised

(BIS-R-21). The correlational research design and questionnaires would serve as our medium

for data gathering process. Due to the nature of correlational research design, the researchers

had chosen two (2) independent variables which are self-determination and cognitive

impulsivity as the focus of the study. In addition to that, the researchers would also determine

whether these two (2) constructs have anything to do with the decision patterns of the

adolescents. In summary, the data regarding the state of both psychological constructs on

each participant would be compared and correlated with each other to determine the

correlation between the self-determination and cognitive impulsivity with regards to the

decision patterns of the adolescents in Dasmariñas City, Cavite.

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Scopes and Delimitations

The study entitled “The Correlation between the Self-Determination and the Cognitive

Impulsivity with regards to the Decision Patterns of the Adolescents in Dasmariñas City,

Cavite” is a correlational study which is purposely inclined to the quantitative nature of the

correlational research design. Due to its nature, the researchers decided to develop

questionnaires which involve restricted questions to serve its function of gathering

quantitative data regarding the research participants. Furthermore, the study is limited to

sixty (60) adolescents ages 10 to 19 years old from the year 2023-2024 and is also required to

be scouted from the municipality of Dasmariñas City, Cavite. The researchers set these criteria

in order to develop a meaningful approach with regards to the subject of the study and to be

able to gather enough information that would help them determine the correlation between

the two variables present in the research study.

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Significance of the Study

The study will be conducted with the purpose of determining the correlation between the

self-determination and cognitive impulsivity with regards to the decision pattern of the

adolescents in Dasmariñas City, Cavite. The self-determination refers to the set of skills,

knowledge, and beliefs that provide an individual the ability to engage in goal-oriented, self-

regulated, autonomous behavior consists of self-awareness, self-advocacy, choice making,

self-management, decision making, self-efficacy, and goal setting and attainment that is

crucial for the development of an individual during the adolescence in order to successfully

transition to adulthood(Lewis Sandra, Bennett Kitty Greeley, 2014). Moreover, cognitive

impulsivity, on the other hand, is the term used to describe the tendency of an individual to

make irrational decisions, perform impulsive actions, and have issues with attention which

acts as an important factor with the attention-span, behavior, and decision-making skills of

an individual particularly in adolescents (Brooks, Samantha J. & Stein, Dan J, 2017). In relation

to this, both variables are proven to be significant with the decision-making process of an

individual which proves the significance of this study in terms of providing knowledge

regarding the importance of these factors in understanding decision patterns.

The major beneficiaries of the study are the various sector as follows:

Adolescents. They would benefit from the study since it was found that during the period of

adolescence, they have the highest tendency of experiencing issues related to their degree of

cognitive impulsivity which threatens the quality of their attention, control over their

behavior, and complexity of their decisions. In relation to this, adolescents would also gain

something from this study in terms of their self-determination since it has been proven to be

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necessary for an adolescent to become self-determined which can only be developed by

satisfying autonomy, competence and needs for relatedness. Moreover, this research would

also be beneficial for them since it would provide them information regarding its significance

on their personal development as well as the process of developing the said psychological

construct. In conclusion, this study could help them understand the role of self-determination

and cognitive impulsivity in terms of the development of their initiative to make proper

decisions to avoid unnecessary and risky behavior and to make themselves capable of

considering comprehensive scenarios that could increase their chance of attaining their goals.

High School Students. The research would become beneficial for the students since research

studies found that impulsiveness that is manifested on the behavior can affect the High School

students in several ways. It was further specified that impulsivity could lead to risky behaviors

and academic performance issues. Additionally, research indicated that students with higher

levels of self-determination had significantly better grades in an academic year. In accordance

with this, the researchers assume that this study would also be able to provide the students

information about how significant being self-determined is when it comes to their academic

performance and how they could develop it in their developmental period.

Parents. It was revealed that adolescents must remove themselves from adults to develop as

individuals. In relation to this, to have the ability to properly separate themselves from adults,

adolescents need to have their support for them to successfully attain the basic psychological

needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) which would result in them having a well-

developed set of characteristics that are necessary to victoriously pass into adulthood.

Regarding this, the researchers claim that this study could provide the parents with better

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comprehension of how their support is crucial to the development of the own identity and

self-determination of their children during the adolescence period. Furthermore, research

indicates that heightened levels of impulsivity in children is due to dysfunctional family. In

relation to this, the researchers further assume that this study would be beneficial to parents

in terms of the idea of having a more defined consideration of maintaining a more child-

friendly environment to provide better support for the development of their children

throughout the adolescence period.

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Definition of Terms

This will provide a better comprehension of the often-mentioned terms in this study; the

following terms are defined operationally.

Attention. It refers to the ability of an individual to focus and concentrate on a subject or a

topic for an extended period of time.

Autonomy. This refers to self-government and responsible control over an individual affair.

Inductively, autonomy defines an individual's ability to make educated and uncoerced

judgments. In this regard, autonomy defines how much control an individual has over their

alternatives and choices, as well as how well their wants are met.

Behavior. It is the body gestures of an individual that is based on the cognitive processes.

Cognitive Impulsivity. Cognitive Impulsivity refers to the tendency of an individual to

undertake acts exclusively based on impulses without rational thought or consideration of the

potential repercussions.

Competence. In this study, competence refers to mastery and effectiveness in one's work. It

is also described as "the ability of an individual to participate in legal proceedings". Legal

competency is presumed; disproving an individual's ability involves a hearing and the

presentation of evidence.

Decision. It describes the thought or idea that are made by an individual based on their

cognitive processes which would act as the basis for their behavior.

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Individuate. It refers to the act of forming an own distinct entity in order to become

independent of any inhibition with regards to oneself.

Relatedness. It is the term used to describe the need for belongingness of an individual.

Self-Determination. In this research, self-determination is defined as the free choice of an

individual to perform own actions without external coercion, and it encompasses people

choosing and defining their own objectives, participating in life decisions, self-advocating, and

striving to achieve their goals.

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Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter addresses studies that are pertinent to the subject which is the correlation

between self-determination and cognitive impulsivity with regards to the decision patterns of

adolescents. The researchers have culled from other texts that have been found to be

relevant in conceptualizing the present study. The research projects and literature

evaluations will serve as supporting evidence with respect to the subject matter.

Foreign Literature

A study which involves the self-determination, depression, and self-esteem of adolescent

college student and their issues with impulsivity on smartphone overdependence in

Gyeongsan National University in Korea claimed that their self-determination is affected by

their overdependence with their smartphones to which they are no longer capable of taking

initiative to achieve and set goals on their own accord. Furthermore, the study also indicated

that in males, their perception of smartphone importance, impulsivity, and depression are

the main factors that affects their overdependence with their mobile devices. On the other

hand, the influencing factors in female students were the perception of smartphone

importance and impulsivity which results to their overdependence with their phones that

somehow affects their self-determination or their ability to become in control and make their

own choices and decisions (Jang, Seon-Hui & Ha, Yeongmi, 2019).

Furthermore, researchers also studied the relationship of metacognition, self-

determination, impulsivity, and emotional intelligence among young adults. The study

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concluded with the result that indicates that there is no significant relationship between

metacognition and impulsivity, however, they were able to find correlation between self-

determination with impulsivity and emotional intelligence and between these, healthy

psychological well-being and habits was validated (Munoz JAC, 2021)

Local Literature

A study from Negros Occidental, Bacolod City, Philippines indicated that social support

from their family, friends, and significant others is undoubtedly significant since it was found

that supportive environment has positive effects with the growth of individuals. The

researchers were able to confirm that adolescents need to be motivated by satisfying the

needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness in order to avoid the tendency of being a

high school dropout (Emelyn Ramos & Magallanes Celo I., 2021). Furthermore, local

researchers also studied the cognitive impulsivity that contributes to the abrupt behavior and

lack of consideration of the possible consequences of the adolescents (Cassels & Wilkinson,

2016).

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Synthesis

The research topic is focused on the determining the correlation between self-

determination and cognitive impulsivity with regards to the decision patterns of adolescents.

The variables on their own have been studied several times already in which researchers were

able to identify their operational definition and their functions. However, the researchers

discovered that these variables have not been put together, all by themselves, in a single

study even once, made the task to find related literatures with this study unusually difficult.

The researchers found that there was a study in Gyeongsan National University in Korea

that conducted a study which involves self-determination, depression, and self-esteem of the

adolescent college students. Their study was focused on the relationship of the three

variables mentioned earlier and the other construct commonly referred to as impulsivity. The

university claimed that their study indicated that their self-determination is affected by their

overdependence with their smartphones to which they are no longer capable of taking

initiative to achieve and set goals on their own accord. The said study also claimed that males

are overly dependent with their smartphones due to the presence of the three (3) variables

(perception, impulsivity, and depression), while in the case of females it was caused by on

two (2) constructs (perception and impulsivity).

In continuation, researchers also studied the relationship of metacognition, self-

determination, impulsivity, and emotional intelligence of young adults. It was revealed that

although there was no significant relationship between metacognition and impulsivity, it was

discovered that there was indeed a correlation between self-determination, impulsivity, and

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emotional intelligence and between these variables there is an assurance of healthy

psychological well-being and habits.

Furthermore, researchers from Negros Occidental, Bacolod City, Philippines indicated

that factors such as social support, family, friends, and significant others are significant to the

growth of individuals. They also confirmed that cognitive impulsivity contributes to the

abruption in the behavior and lack of consideration of the adolescents (Emelyn Ramos &

Magallanes Celo I., 2021).

Justification

The purpose of this study is to analyze and comprehend the relationship between self-

determination and cognitive impulsivity with regards to the decision patterns of adolescents.

This study is relevant for several reasons.

First, numerous studies have indicated that adolescence is a crucial period of

development since wide range of challenges and changes occurs during this developmental

stage. Adolescents experience progressive development in both psychological and

physiological aspect during adolescence and majority of them are potentially one of the

biggest catalysts for what they would become in their adulthood. These changes involve the

state of their self-determination and cognitive impulsivity in general. Therefore, the analysis

of how these variables develop among adolescents, and their influence on their decision

patterns, could provide assistance to further improve their psychological functioning and

well-being.

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Second, there is a lack of knowledge and research that analyzes the connections between

the self-determination and cognitive impulsivity in terms of the decision-making of the

adolescents. Even though there have already been a lot of studies regarding these two (2)

variables, the researchers discovered that they still have not been able to focus on

determination of the relationship between the two (2) in a completely separate research

study that is specifically designed to analyze the correlation between the self-determination

and cognitive impulsivity of the adolescents. Therefore, the researchers concluded that a

study that is focused on these two variables that have direct influence on the decision-making

process on their own could provide a useful information if studied together in a single

research topic. They hypothesize that the results of this research would provide enough

information to help the society become more knowledgeable when it comes to the

importance of these variables in the decision-making skills of adolescents during their specific

developmental stage to adulthood.

Third, this study can provide valuable information that could help other researchers to

develop interventions that aim to improve the self-determination and prevention of serious

health risks of heightened cognitive impulsivity. Through the process of learning necessary

information regarding these variables in terms of its influence to overall psychological well-

being and its developmental process, the researchers could potentially develop programs that

specifically focus on the enhancement of the state of these psychological variables with

regards to the mental wellness of the adolescents.

In conclusion, this study is conducted by the requirement to analyze and comprehend

the correlation between the self-determination and cognitive impulsivity with regards to the

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decision patterns of the adolescence, and its influence with their overall psychological well-

being. The research is significant and relevant since it addresses the of information regarding

the relationship between these variables which affects the understanding of both self-

determination and cognitive impulsivity which limits the other researchers from constructing

valid and reliable conclusion in terms of their functionality. In other words, the potential of

this study covers academic, clinical, and industrial sectors since the proper development of

individuals during adolescence matters a lot as they transition to adulthood. An individual

who is self-determined without issues with impulsivity would become unconditionally

functional in any given situation.

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Chapter III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter outlines the techniques and methods that the researcher employed to collect

information that could be utilized to assess the correlation between self-determination and

cognitive impulsivity with regards to the decision patterns of adolescents. The researchers

employed a quantitative approach that implements the collection and analysis of numerical

data. The study focuses on the measurement of the level of self-determination and cognitive

impulsivity and the correlation between their condition which would serve as the basis for

the analysis of their decision pattern.

Research Design

The researchers implemented the correlational research design for this study. They

specifically focused on the quantitative nature of this research design in which diverse

numerical data would be collected through a well-developed questionnaire to measure and

statistically analyze the gathered information which would then be compared to determine

the correlation between the two variables (Cherry, Kendra MSEd & Swaim Emily, 2023).

Specifically, the researchers applied the descriptive correlational research design in

this study which is focused on the determination of relation between two (2) or more

variables without any interference or manipulation and attempt to explain cause and effect

relationships. Furthermore, descriptive correlational research is a scientific design that aims

to analyze data and provide a description of the relationship between variables (Siedlecki,

2020).

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Respondents

This study is focused on the adolescents, as they go through numerous challenges

throughout the period of adolescence. Development in this period influences both

psychological and physical aspects of an individual. In relation to that psychological

development involves numerous variables related to mental well-being, two (2) of the most

significant constructs among these are the self-determination and cognitive impulsivity. It was

found that the absence or lack of self-determination would result in negative thinking

regarding their ability to be in control over their own life, set goals and their initiative to

achieve them which indicates how significant it is for them to gain developmental access

towards being self-determined (Susman David, PhD & Cherry Kendra, MSEd, 2022).

Furthermore, researchers also considered the developmental issues the adolescents

experience with regards to their decision and behavior management. Several studies

indicated that these challenges are directly related to their risk of impulsivity which is also

connected to the maturity of their cognitive processes that is specifically crucial during

adolescence which explains their higher tendency to experience impulsiveness (Frances E.,

M.D & Jensen, Amy Ellis Nutt, 2016).

In accordance with this, the researchers selected adolescents for this study due to the

significance of the development of these variables with the overall well-being of an individual.

In other words, adolescence is the most critical period in which these two variables must be

addressed and developed to successfully transition to adulthood.

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Locale

The researchers restricted their participants strictly from the year 2023-2024 which must

also from the municipality of Dasmariñas City, Cavite. The municipality has been selected due

to its large number of adolescents available for the study. The recent census data stated that

the division office of Dasmariñas City manages 28 public elementary and 16 public secondary

schools, which cater to 76, 709 Elementary pupils, 41, 079 Junior High School, and 11, 167

Senior High School students. Moreover, the researchers also considered the municipality due

to its convenience when it comes to accessibility since the college, they are currently enrolled

is located in the mentioned city.

Sampling Technique

The participants were gathered through the implementation of simple random sampling

in the form of “lottery method” as the sampling technique for this study. The simple random

sampling method involves random selection of individuals from a population. This sampling

technique allows each individual in a population to have equal chances of being selected

(Thomas Lauren, 2020). This probability sampling ensures high validity due to its nature of

random selection which reduces the issues with potential confounding variables. Moreover,

it also has high external validity which indicates that it can represent the characteristics of a

larger population (Thomas Lauren, 2020). The researchers decided to select this sampling

method due to the flexibility of this sampling technique and the versatility of the criteria of

their study in which they do not have a strictly specific population to consider, the only

characteristic they need to base their selection on is that the participants need to be in their

adolescence period during this academic year.

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Research Instrument

The researchers employed the (AIR) Self-Determination Scale and the Barratt

Impulsiveness Scale (Revised) to gather significant data that was used for the study. The (AIR)

Self-Determination Scale was developed by the American Institutes for Research (AIR). Its

function involves the assessment of the level of the self-determination of an individual, and

identification of strength and areas that are in need for improvement. The scale is composed

of 40-items that have the ability to measure the capacity which refers to the knowledge,

abilities, and perceptions that enable an individual to be self-determined; the scale also

measures the opportunity facet which refers to the chance of an individual to use their

knowledge and abilities. The psychological test is considered both valid and reliable in the

field of psychological testing (Cherry Kendra, 2022).

Moreover, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (Revised) is a 31-item psychological tool used to

measure the degree of impulsivity. The scale is composed of three (3) facets. The attentional

facet which aims to measure the quality of the attention of an individual; motor facet that is

focused on the measurement of their body gestures of behavior in relation to impulsiveness;

The planning facet which measures the ability of an individual to develop valid and rational

decisions (Wiley John & Sons Singapore Pte. Ltd, 2013). The Barratt Impulsiveness Scale

(Revised) considers all three (3) facets as its basis for the determination of the state of

impulsivity of an individual.

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EdPsyComm Department

Statistical Treatment

The researchers utilized the statistical tools described below in an attempt to fulfill the

objectives stated in Chapter I. The statistical treatments served as tools which allowed the

researchers to gather data and effectively interpret the results.

Frequency and Percentage Distribution. It is used to determine the percentage usually for

data on profile. The researchers concluded that this statistical treatment would be necessary

to determine the demographic profile of the respondents.

Formula: % = 𝒇 x100

Legend:

% = Percentage

F = Frequency

N = Total number of Respondents

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EdPsyComm Department

Weighted Mean. It is used to compute for the average of the given data. This statistical tool

is implemented to determine the level of the two variables being compared. The researchers

concluded that this statistical treatment would be useful in the computation for the average

of the set of data that would be gathered through the research which are necessary to better

understand the results of the study.

Formula: 𝑥 = ∑(wx)

Legend:

x = Weighted mean

w = Weight

∑ = Summation

N = Total number of respondents

x = Score

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Pearson R. Pearson Correlational Coefficient is a statistical method that analyzes the strength

of a link between quantitative variables to determine if the variables are linearly connected

or changes in one variable influence the others. The researchers decided to implement this

statistical treatment to determine whether the state of the self-determination and cognitive

impulsivity of the adolescents are linearly associated with each other.

Formula:

r = ∑ (xi − x) (yi − y)

√ ∑ (xi − x)2 ∑(yi − y)2

Legend:

r = Correlation Coefficient

𝑥𝑖 = Values of the x-variable

𝑥 = Mean of the values of the x-variable

𝑦𝑖 = Values of the y-variable in a sample

𝑦 = Mean of the values of the y-variable

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