Chapter 3 Methodology
Chapter 3 Methodology
Methodology
Research Design
This study will employ a descriptive research design to examine the challenges that will
be encountered by Accounting Information System (AIS) students at Saint Francis
Xavier College (SFXC) in adapting to technology-related subjects. Descriptive research
will be appropriate for this study as it aims to describe and interpret the current
conditions, practices, and perceptions of students in a systematic manner without
manipulating the variables involved. This design will allow the researchers to collect
factual information and describe the nature of the situation as it exists at the time of the
study. By focusing on observable phenomena, the researchers will be able to draw
conclusions about students’ experiences and identify patterns and relationships within
the data.
Research Locale
The study will be conducted at Saint Francis Xavier College (SFXC), a private institution
that offers a variety of programs including the Accounting Information System (AIS)
program. The school is known for integrating technological tools into its curriculum,
particularly in courses that involve information systems and digital accounting
practices. Focusing on SFXC will provide a relevant and focused environment for the
study, as the students enrolled in the AIS program are regularly exposed to technology-
related subjects. The setting will also offer easy access to respondents and key
informants, which will facilitate the data collection process and ensure a realistic
perspective on the issues being investigated.
Research Instrument
To gather the necessary data, a researcher-made survey questionnaire will be utilized.
The questionnaire will be composed of three main sections: demographic information,
challenges encountered in technology-related subjects, and strategies used to overcome
these challenges. It will include both closed-ended questions (e.g., multiple choice and
Likert scale) and open-ended questions to allow participants to elaborate on their
responses. The instrument will undergo content validation by academic experts to
ensure that each item is aligned with the objectives of the study. A pilot test involving
10 to 15 students will be conducted to assess the clarity, reliability, and time efficiency
of the questionnaire. Based on the feedback, necessary revisions will be made before the
final distribution.
Data Analysis
The collected quantitative data will be tabulated and analyzed using descriptive
statistical methods, including frequency distributions, percentages, and measures of
central tendency such as the mean. These methods will help summarize the common
challenges and perceptions reported by the participants. Charts and tables will be used
to present the data clearly.
For the qualitative data from the interviews, thematic analysis will be used to identify
key themes and recurring ideas. This process will involve multiple readings of the
interview transcripts, coding of responses, and categorization of emerging themes. The
combination of quantitative and qualitative data will provide a more comprehensive
understanding of the students’ experiences and enable triangulation to validate the
findings.
Ethical Considerations
The study will adhere to ethical principles to ensure the rights and well-being of all
participants. Informed consent will be obtained from each participant before data
collection begins. The participants will be assured that their involvement is voluntary
and that they may withdraw from the study at any time without any consequences.
Anonymity and confidentiality will be strictly maintained by assigning codes to
respondents and by securing all data in password-protected files.
The researchers will also ensure that no harm will come to the participants and that
their responses will be treated with respect and impartiality. Ethical approval will be
obtained from the research ethics board of SFXC, and all procedures will follow
institutional and national ethical guidelines for research involving human subjects.