METHODOLOGY

Introduction

In this chapter the processes employed are shown. Also, it explains and define the
research method, research design, sampling method, data collection method and tools used in this
study. Which aims to determine the citizen’s average perspective towards societal changes in
relation to smoking and alcohol bans implemented.

Research Design

Generally, Research design is the overall strategy that the researchers choose in order to
answer the research problems effectively. Thus, a crucial part a social science studies as it
comprise the blueprint for the collection, measurement, and analysis of data. (De Vaus, 2001)

Phenomenology is defined by Amedeo Giorgi (2012), as a qualitative method that

illustrates the experiences by humans on a specific phenomenon. In which it is usually
administered using in-depth interviews with only few respondents. Since, this study greatly deals
with the behavioral and phenomenal aspect of Filipinos as a response to societal changes such as
laws like smoking and alcohol bans, it is categorized under this method. Moreover, the study
uncovers a specific behavioral response by the Filipinos to the following bans, it digs deeper to
the common disciplines and beliefs that most people in the society believes which in return is
connected to their response towards societal changes such as the smoking and alcohol bans. By
which helps with analyzing and understanding the phenomenon that happens when an average
citizen composes an observation after his/her daily experience in public places and in the entirety
of the society. As the researcher’s study’s main goal is to fully understand how people react to
bans that cause such disturbance from the usual habits that Filipinos practice.
Population, Research Sample and Sampling Method

Population is described as the large group which is the main focus of the study. Thus, due
to its inconveniency the researchers depend on sampling techniques (Kenton, 2018). Therefore,
the sample population used for this study in which the samples came from are the Filipino
Citizens since this study focuses on the opinion and observation regarding the smoking and
alcohol ban implemented by the government. Some samples were chosen randomly by
numbering every people passing by and only choose the even number ones, a systematic
probability sampling method. On the other hand, the locations were picked using the fish bowl
method, a simple random sampling method. In which, different areas in Dasmariñas were written
in a folded paper. According to Lavrakas (2008), probability sampling is a non-biased research
sampling method in which the respondents has equal chances to be selected as respondent of the
study .The researchers chose to do probability sampling since an average Filipino is the general
term used. In addition, this study focuses on observations showing the overall reaction under the
judgment of a typical Filipino citizen which makes it ideal to do random sampling and also for
the reason that it assures a more accurate data for the researchers to handle since a selection of
people from the community are involved. Wherein, the researchers only selected the participants
that have willingness to participate in the study.

Data Collection Methods/Tools

For this research, the data collection method used was interview since this study focuses
on observations showing the overall reaction under the judgment of a typical Filipino citizen.
Also because there is a personal interaction between the interviewer and interviewees, they are
conceived to give more reliable answer, opinion and observations.

With regard to data collection tools, the research was carried out using a semi-structured
questionnaire which was used by the researchers as an interview guide. Some questions were
prepared so that the researcher could guide the interview to the fulfillment of research objectives,
but additional questions were asked during the interviews. Also, the researchers used voice
recording, note-taking, and photos were captured in order to ensure the accuracy and credibility
of the data.

Research Methodology

Data gathering is one of the vital points of a research and considerably one of the hardest
to conduct because it is the actual trip into the research locale where participants are naturally
thriving, testing and possibly proving the hypothesized phenomenon happening.

In this study, the researchers’ journey started at the group’s group chat. As planned
beforehand, the researchers head off on a rainy day from their individual homes to the meeting
place, Walter Mart Dasmariñas at a call time of 9am in the morning, basically upon opening of
the establishment, on December 21st of 2018. After the researchers meet together at a table along
the food alley, they started figuring how they will start the data gathering mission.

First, the interview questions are prepared and the interviewers are taking a look on the
questions that they will then translate to the possible participants. Thus, assuming a 5% margin
of error from the interview results.

Second, a note-taker, an audio recorder operator, a photographer, and participant

randomizer are assigned to specific person so that the tasks are well distributed through the team.
The specific persons prepared the tools needed for their jobs like pen and notebook for the note-
taker, mobile phone’s voice recorder for the audio recorder operator, mobile phone with the best
camera for the photographer, and self-confidence and strength for the participant randomizer
since he will always be the one who will assign the numbers to the participants and will ask if the
participant will willingly take the interview and the foremost speaker among the team.

Lastly, the researchers did a run down to the plan, to the possible challenges and
circumstances faced, and to the important notes that all of us should know. The researchers also
agreed to the terms and limits on picking participants as well as notified to certain safety
precautions and reminders.
 After this, the researchers proceeded on finding and spotting the participants at exactly
10:04am. The team picked to do a random-picking scheme and chose to assign numbers to
people and then decided to ask the even-numbered ones. The researchers then went around the
perimeter of Walter Mart Dasmariñas, searching for possible participants. After seeing a bunch
of people, the team assigned them with the numbers. The team are a bit anxious and will
constantly talk and laugh and it seems that it is their way to test the waters. After watching and
observing, the participant randomizer approached the possible respondent #2 but she refused to
take the interview.

The team went for another try, this time, on the entrance of the establishment. Desperate
to find someone who will agree as a respondent, the team asked possible respondent #8. The
participant randomizer approached him and to the team’s surprise, he agreed. The team is
energetic, since it’s the first participant, and basically accomplishes the first interview. There, the
team realized it is time to go to another establishment, which is Parkson City.

It’s just across the current location and as the team crossed a public overpass, hope strike
their hearts as the team entered the new establishment. The team roamed around, secretly
observing shoppers who could be possible respondents to their interview, assigning them with
numbers once again. As the researchers found their way inside an urban jungle full of toys and
plastic wares, the participant randomizer spotted possible participants and bravely talks to
possible participant #14. The respondent replied saying that he’ll just urinate but will come back
to take the interview because he understands how hard it is to find a respondent to interview
since he’s a former student as well. As the news spread to the team, the first thought that came is
that it’s an escape but luckily, the man fulfilled his promise.

After the second interview, the team are already getting a hang with the situation. They
went outside and was surprised to see many possible respondents that’s why they start assigning
numbers, once again. Whilst walking, one of the members unfortunately slipped and badly
bruised himself while stepping down the stairs of the overpass. Sadly, as he recovers, the
randomizer asked multiple possible respondents #16, 18, 20, and 22 but failed because they all
refused to take the interview. To their relief, possible respondent #24 agreed to take the interview
with the condition that the researchers should buy 10-peso worth of his product which is silken
tofu drizzled with caramelized sugar and baby pearls as toppings.

The third interview is a success and eventually, the team went on and searched further to
the streets along the Aguinaldo Highway, assigning numbers but as it goes on, possible
respondent #26, #28, and #30 refused and with no luck, the team came back to the underside of
the overpass, eventually deciding that the team should just randomize its possible respondents
from its current area since it is such an ideal spot for an observer to observe.

The team approached possible respondent #32 who is a cigarette vendor also known as
“taktak,” and at first, she was a bit shy to respond but eventually, she agreed. The fourth
interview was a bit faulty since the respondent is a bit agitated because her friend is kind of
teasing her and since the team is dealing with such situation, the interviewers are coping up with
the circumstance that the team experiences. Fortunately, it was still a success because the
respondent is a cigarette vendor and that makes her ideal for such observation.

Continuing with the fifth interview, the team again searched the streets along the
sidewalks beside Chowking but after possible respondent #34 and #36 refused, the team goes
back underneath the overpass and found the next possible respondent which is possible
respondent #38. He was definitely different from the others since he volunteered himself to be a
respondent of this interview. The interviewee is energetic and ready for questioning but in the
contrary, he is also taking some questions literally which is somehow a bad thing, considering
that he is also throwing redundant topics as well, but in general, it was a success since he said
good points and his observations are vital, considering that he is a vendor as well.

Proceeding to the sixth interview, the team then went to a small-town market but had no
luck once again as possible respondent #40, #42, and #44 all refused to take the interview. The
team then continues to search for possible respondents and since the members are hungry
because its already 12:06pm, they decided to settle at a nearby 7/11 store along Aguinaldo
Highway. There, the team decided to eat and rest since its already lunch time. Spotting a few
possible respondents, they assigned them numbers and asked possible respondent #46 who’s a
lady sitting inside the 7/11 and luckily, she agreed. It was a smooth interview and the only
challenge is that the respondent is not that observant (as she had said), but all in all, she
participated well to the interview. Another success to the team and with that, the team members
proceeded to eat their lunch.

After a while, the researchers emerge and continues the search for possible respondents.
They immediately went to a nearby establishment, Puregold, passing through the overpass
connecting the highways underneath, but unexpectedly, one of the members recognized his
former teacher and since the team ended with an odd number a little while ago, the team and
immediately asks him permission if he could be interviewed. He agrees and the team is
delighted. The seventh interview is definitely a success, since the respondent is a teacher of
social studies which makes him a good observant to his surroundings.

The team roamed around the area, searching for any possible respondents. They reached
a Christmas Bazaar behind Puregold and with no luck once again, they decided to walk back to
the area where they started off, going through a street and eventually strolls along Volets
Porridge Restaurant. There, the team spotted a bunch of people who are technically loitering and
quickly assigning them with a number. Randomizer asks possible respondent #50, a man sitting
beside a fruit stall, if he could take the interview. He thought about it for a few minutes and
eventually agreed.

The eighth interview was successfully done so the researchers decided to go back to
Walter Mart Dasmariñas, hoping they will find some suitable possible respondents for their
interview. They took the elevator and two members of the team were uncomfortable using the
elevator as they go up which is funny for the rest of the team. They eventually found their way
inside the establishment and accidentally headed to a familiar resting spot for shoppers. There,
the team noticed quite a lot of possible respondents that’s why they quickly assigned numbers for
the possible respondents.

In a few minutes, the team started to approach the possible respondents and luckily,
possible respondent #56 agreed to take the interview. The ninth interview was another success.
The team walked a few steps and asked once more for any possible respondents but sadly,
possible respondent #58, #60, #62, and #64 all refused to take the interview. Possible respondent
#66 was talking and laughing with possible respondent #67 and the team decided to ask them.
Fortunately, they agreed and one of them, #66, took the interview. The tenth interview was once
again, a success and the team went out to further search the place. There, they assigned more
numbers and eventually asking possible respondent #68 and #70 who is a couple waiting in front
of the entrance. Randomizer took his chance and asked the man (#68) if he could take the
interview but instead, he pointed towards his wife (#70) who then took the interview. The
woman’s voice was a bit soft but the eleventh interview was still a success. The team then went
inside the establishment once again to rest and finish the day’s work. That’s all for day one.

The following day, December 22nd of 2018, the whole team went to one of the member’s
house, to gather up and plan for the next randomization technique to do. One team member
suggested to randomly-pick baranggays from Dasmariñas since she also want to explore more
places in this vast city. The researchers listed all possible baranggays and then writing them on a
piece of paper. The team then cuts and folds the papers containing the baranggays and randomly-
picking four (4) baranggays. The chosen ones are Baranggay Salawag, Baranggay Paliparan 1,
Baranggay Humayao, and Baranggay Burol Main.

The team then travels to its first stop, Baranggay Salawag, and just like what they did
yesterday, they assigned numbers. As the team walk in the streets of Baranggay Salawag, they
stopped at a neighborhood with some possible respondents. Luckily, possible respondent #72 and
#74 agreed to take the interview. The interview is a success and as they walk back to the loading
area, one of the members encountered a relative and a friend of her relative.

Since the randomizer ended the count with #74, the two were possible respondent #75
and #76. To their surprise, #76 happily agreed and what’s more, she answered in English which
is a relief for the researchers. She’s the first respondent to answer using the English language.

After the cool encounter, the team proceeds to explore Baranggay Paliparan 1 and
shortly, they came to stop at a nearby store who has some folks chit-chatting and discussing
community matters. The team accidentally hears the bothering issue of drunk men along the
roads which they currently discuss that’s why they decided to assign numbers to four of the folks
who are by-standing outside the store. The randomizer then asks the folks if they could take the
interview and possible respondent #78 and #80 agreed. Coincidentally, the two are a couple and
is managing a hog farm and a couple of rice fields just across the streets. The team is amazed and
thrilled since the couple invited them to do the interview on their hut. The fourth and fifth
participant of day two are extremely delighted and is greatly supporting the study of the
researchers.

The team then proceeds to the next stop, Baranggay Humayao, continuing the search for
possible respondents. After arriving, walking comes again and the team found themselves
strolling at a new place. There, the researchers spotted people and began asking once again.
Though, two possible participants refused, the team didn’t lose hope. They continue to walk and
fortunately, possible participant #86 and #88 agreed to take the interview. The sixth and seventh
interview of the day is a success. The researchers are approaching the quota which is 20
randomly-picked participants.

Last stop, Baranggay Burol. The team found themselves in the Summerwind Village and
eventually walking to their way home, towards the highway. The team, desperate to get the last
two participants, went to a street between houses and randomly numbering them. The
randomizer then knocked at a sari-sari store and there, the cashier appeared. They asked if they
could interview possible participant #90, a middle-aged woman, and she gladly agreed. The
eighth interview is definitely a success since some of her customers smoke and drink that’s why
her observation is vital, once again.

A few steps across the street stood another sari-sari store and the randomizer then again
asked for permission to interview. The young woman who seemed to be the cashier answered
and she’s delighted to take the interview. The ninth interview was also a success. It was a relief
because the team is so tired of walking and the first thing they want to do is lay in their warm,
cozy beds. It was a team effort because today, they challenged themselves to interview one-by-
one so that each one could get a step to the interviewer’s perspective. By the end of the day, the
team all waved goodbye with each other and went to their individual homes. That is all for day
two.
 In brief, the researchers picked participants using the combination of simple random
sampling and systematic sampling method which requires twenty respondents. The simple
random sampling method, specifically the fish bowl technique, was used in order to select the
location where the participant will be randomly chosen. Hence, in selecting the participants
systematic sampling method was used by assigning numbers on people that passes by the
researchers but only choose the even number ones, however if they refuse the researchers will
choose the next even number passerby. Upon gathering data, the researchers employed a one-on-
one semi-structured interview wherein even though there was a provided questionnaire that
served as interview guide, along the interview some follow-up questions were asked.

Data Analysis

Through thematic analysis the data gathered from the personal interviews were analyzed.
Thematic analysis is defined by Olivia (n.d) as creating themes from interview data. Thus, this
method is recommended for novice researchers since it’s easy to follow and can be used by
different research design; such as: case study, phenomenology, generic qualitative and narrative
inquiry.

Following the steps developed by Braun & Clarke (2013) in order to do thematic
analysis, the first thing that the researchers did was the familiarization of data using the raw and
transcripted data. These data were encoded by the researchers making the identification of the
possible themes easier since they become familiar to the respondents answers. After
familiarizing the data, the researchers examine and align the answers that are closely related to
each other. Then, the answers aligned together were grouped and named with the theme that
suits the essence of the answers which were checked and revised afterwards. Finally, the
analyzed clustered data were presented and interpreted.
 Following this method, the research were able to analyze the results from the interviews.
From encoding of data from the interviews, listing of the possible themes, reduction of data, then
arranging data enabling the researchers to come up with the following themes: awareness about
the smoking and alcohol ban, effects or changes due to the implementation of the smoking and
alcohol ban, cultural and individual reaction after bans are implemented, health-related effects
and changes now that smoking and alcohol bans are already implemented, recommendations for
further improvement. Afterwards, the results were interpreted and analyzed fulfilling the study’s
objectives and answering the research questions.