EXPLORING THE TRADITIONAL FIRST- AID PRACTICES OF THE BATAK

TRIBE IN SITIO MANGGAPIN, BRGY. LANGOGAN: A STUDY ON CULTURAL

A Research Study
Presented to the Faculty
of the Science Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics Department
of the Senior High School of
Palawan National School
Puerto Princesa City

In Partial Fulfillment of the

by:
Group Six- STEM 119
Treciah May A. Rentino
Arjhei A. Zaragoza
Jade Angelou C. Racion
Erica B. Pascual
Mark Kevin M. Bautista
Samantha C. Soto
John Reymond A. Barja

Myla Gabinete
November 2023
 Chapter 3

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

This chapter explains the research framework in detail, including the research

design, sampling methods and techniques, instrumentation, research methods and

procedures, and data analysis used in this study. It also addresses the risks and safety

researchers might encounter when conducting this study. This chapter will also discuss the

ethical issues concerning human participants, emphasizing the value of adhering to ethical

research practices.

Research Design

The study entitled "Exploring the Traditional First Aid Practices of the Batak Tribe

in Sitio Manggapin, Brgy. Langogan: A Study on Cultural Healthcare Practices” will

employ an ethnography type of qualitative research method. According to Pia Karlsson

Minganti,(2013), the study of people as cultural creatures is called Ethnography. It

investigates how cultural patterns are produced, preserved, and altered throughout time,

space, and social context. The research design utilizing ethnography as an approach offers

an invaluable means to deeply comprehend the traditional first aid practices of the Batak

Tribe in Sitio Manggapin. Ethnography will allow for a deep understanding of the Batak

tribe's culture, traditions, and belief systems that influenced their healthcare practices. It

involves engaging in conversations and interviews with community members. That will

enable researchers to gather oral histories, anecdotes, and personal experiences related to

traditional healing, offering nuanced perspectives. Documenting traditional healthcare

practices through ethnography will also contribute to the preservation and recognition of

indigenous knowledge, which might otherwise be lost over time. Overall, ethnography is a

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valuable tool for exploring and comprehending the intricate and broad nature of traditional

healthcare within the Batak tribe.

Sampling Technique and Procedures

The researcher will implement a purposive sample strategy to acquire key

information regarding traditional medicine in the selected area. According to Creswell

(2015). Purposeful sampling will allow the researcher to select participants deliberately

based on specific criteria, such as individuals knowledgeable about traditional healthcare

within the Batak community. In addition, purposeful sampling gives the researcher the

freedom to choose individuals that may otherwise be silenced but rather give them a voice

(Creswell, 2015). In this study, we will use purposive sampling to select respondents with

an in-depth knowledge of conventional medicine and accumulate crucial data on them. By

selecting participants with rich experiences in traditional healthcare, researchers can gain a

deeper understanding of the Batak tribe's medicinal beliefs, practices, and remedies.

Instrumentation

An interview guide will be used to explore the traditional first-aid practices of the

Batak tribe in Sitio Manggapin, Brgy. Langogan. The researcher will develop a list of

questions based on the research questions stated in the problem statement. An interview

guide will provide a structured framework, ensuring that relevant topics and questions are

covered systematically during interviews with Batak tribe members. This instrument will

be used as it facilitates a deeper understanding of their medical procedures and by

standardized questions, the guide ensures consistency across interviews. This consistency

enables researchers to compare and analyze responses, allowing them to identify common

patterns or unique practices within the tribe's healthcare system. Using an interview guide

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to study the Batak tribe's traditional healthcare will provide a methodical and respectful

approach that will improve the quality and7 depth of the research findings.

Data Gathering Procedures

Seek permission from the barangay authorities and school authorities

Identify Research Participants.

Prepare Research Instrument

Distribution of informed consent form and explain the purpose

Recruit Participants for Face-to-Face Interviews.

Conduct the Interview.

Permission will be sought from the school authorities at Palawan National School

before conducting interviews with the Batak Tribe. Purposive sampling will be used to

grant the researchers the freedom to select participants who are knowledgeable in the field

of traditional first aid and willing to share their information, experiences, and perceptions

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for this study. An interview guide containing questions about the first aid practices of the

Batak Tribe will be prepared in advance.

During the interviews, an informed consent form will be provided to research

participants, accompanied by an explanation of the interview's purpose. To ensure

effective communication, researchers will use the native language of the Batak tribe. If

necessary, an interpreter could engage during the interview. A comfortable and supportive

environment will be fostered to encourage participants to share their narratives at their

own pace, allowing them to express themselves freely. The interviews will be recorded

using appropriate methods, such as audio recordings.

To uphold confidentiality, sensitive information will be safeguarded, and data

collection will adhere to ethical guidelines and tribal norms. Participants' names, locations, or

any other identifiable details will be either anonymized or removed from the data. All collected

data, including recordings, transcripts, or written notes, will be securely stored.

Researchers will also ensure that the methods used are culturally sensitive and aligned

with tribal customs. All of the participant’s information will remain confidential, secure,

and protected throughout and beyond the research process.

Data Analysis

The researchers will analyze the data gathered using thematic analysis. Thematic

Analysis (TA) is an accessible, flexible, and increasingly popular method of qualitative

data analysis such as an interview or transcripts. Thematic Analysis (TA) can be applied

across a range of theoretical frameworks and indeed research paradigms. When analyzing

a set of qualitative data to learn more about people's beliefs, knowledge, experiences, or

viewpoints, thematic analysis is a useful method (Caulfield, 2023). Upon transcribing the

verbal data gathered from the study on the traditional first aid practices of the Batak Tribe

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in Sitio Manggapin, Brgy. Langogan, a comprehensive transcript review will be conducted

to identify meaningful information. The data will then be coded, highlighting recurring

patterns and similarities. These codes will be grouped into broader categories to establish

collections of similar codes, forming preliminary themes. These themes will be thoroughly

reviewed, allowing for a deeper understanding. After refining and consolidating the

themes, it will be defined and named, capturing the essence of the information. The final

step will involve synthesizing the themes into a concise, logical, and coherent report.

Risk and Safety

Conducting a research study in a rural area presents particular challenges in terms

of risk and safety, encompassing a variety of factors that necessitate careful consideration

and strategic safety measures. One significant challenge arises from geographic factors,

including difficult access and remote locations, which may impede researchers, especially

during emergencies or unforeseen situations. To address this issue, meticulous planning

for transportation, communication, and emergency evacuation procedures is essential.

Equipping research teams with adequate training to navigate the geographical terrain is

also critical, as it ensures their readiness and ability to respond effectively to any

challenges posed by the rural setting.

Ethical Considerations

Exploring the Batak Tribe's Traditional First Aid Practices in Sitio Manggapin,

Brgy. Langogan necessitates close attention to ethical considerations. As custodians of

cultural healthcare practices, the study must be approached with the utmost respect for the

Batak Tribe's cultural values, beliefs, and traditions. This involves initiating contact by

seeking permission from tribal leaders or elders, showing reverence for their authority and

wisdom. Informed consent is essential to the ethical framework because it ensures that

participants willingly share their knowledge. Strict confidentiality measures will be put in

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place to protect sensitive information while respecting the privacy and dignity of

community members. Participants' names, locations, or any other identifiable details will

be either anonymized or removed from the data. Every interaction will be guided by

cultural sensitivity, this involves respectfully inquiring about their customs, healthcare

beliefs, and practices, with researchers acknowledging and accommodating the Batak

Tribe's distinct perspectives. Furthermore, findings dissemination will be approached

responsibly, by providing information about the research findings to the community in a

way that is understandable and applicable to their context. This will ensure that the

community benefits from the research without jeopardizing its cultural integrity. Finally,

upholding honesty, treating participants with dignity and fairness, fulfilling obligations,

being transparent in communication, safeguarding confidentiality in this study is critical to

building trust, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering a mutually respectful partnership

between the researchers and the Batak Tribe.

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