Research Proposal: Chapter 3

7/28/2019 Research Proposal: Chapter 3

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CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction

The purpose of this study is to examine the level of perceptions towards literature

component in terms of cultural diversity and language competent among ESL classroom

students. The methodology used in this study is quantitative methodology. The

quantitative data obtained will provide the information on the students perception

towards English literature component, specifically in terms of cultural diversity and

language competent. Based on these data, this study also aims to investigate the

relationship between students perceptions of English literature and achievement in

English. This chapter will also discuss on research design, population and sample,

research instrument, data collection procedure and data analysis.

3.1 Research Design

Survey research design is employed in this study. In this study, quantitative research

method will be used in conducting this study. In this study, questionnaires related to the

title will be used to accomplish the quantitative method. The questionnaires consist of

background knowledge of students about literature component, their cultural

background as well as their language competency. The survey is designed to examine

the students level of perceptions towards English literature component with different

language competency and cultural diversity.

3.2 Population and Sample


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The population of this study are students from secondary schools in Selangor. The

sample of this study will be 50 upper form secondary school students in urban area of

Selangor. All of them have been exposed to English Literature since Form One.

However, only targeted students are chosen as sample. The sample will be chosen

randomly.

3.3 Research Instrument

The instrument of this study used Likert scale to gauge students level of perceptions

towards the English literature component in terms of cultural diversity and language

competent as well as their achievement. Wallen & Fraenkel (2000) state that the use of

questionnaires enables the consistency of responses across respondents to be

enhanced. However, Nunan (1992) states that it provides respondents with a range of

possible responses set by the researcher. Therefore, a set of questionnaire for

students developed by the researcher which consists of 20 questions divided into three

sections. Section A consists the demographic profiles of the respondents, Section B

consists of students perceptions towards the English literature component in terms of

cultural diversity and language competency, and Section C consists of students

achievement in their English subject. A scale of 1-2-3-4 will be used with the number

representing responses of strongly agree, agree, disagree and strongly disagree for

Section B. The questionnaire will take about 15-30 minutes to complete.


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3.3.1 Validity

The content validity of the instrument will be established by experienced English

and Literature lecturers who are experts in the related area. The content will be

validated based on the adequacy of the sampling and the format of the

instrument which involve appropriateness of the language as well as the clarity of

the directions (Fraenkel & Wallen, 2010).

3.3.2 Reliability

The reliability of the instrument for this study will be established using a Pilot test

through data collection from 30-40 respondents who are not included in the

sample. After administering the pilot test and questionnaire, a reliability test will

be conducted.

3.3.3 Pilot Test

A pilot study will be conducted before the actual research. Pilot study is known asthe exercise of a mini study to carry out the instrument to see how they work and

get respond from the instrument. The respondents for the pilot are not the actual

respondents. Test-retest method will be conducted after the changes in the

questionnaire have been made. The questionnaire was piloted to a group of

Form Four students who will be chosen randomly to test the clarity of the items in

the research. Test-retest method will be conducted after the changes in the

questionnaire have been made.


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3.4 Research Procedure

In this research, a set of questionnaire will be distributes to the chosen sample. The

questionnaires will be distributed to the form 5 secondary school students from several

schools in Selangor. First, the researcher will have to obtain the permission from each

school in order to conduct the questionnaire. For this, the researcher will send a letter to

each selected secondary school to inform every principal about the study and the dates

that the researcher will come to distribute the questionnaires. The researcher will follow-

up the process by making calls to make sure that every principle receives the letter.

During the day in conducting the survey, the questionnaire will be distributed to the

students first during English or Literature period. The researcher will be in charge in

conducting the session. The researcher will give instruction to the students and explain

clearly the purpose of study, the importance of completing the questionnaires and also

the confidentiality of their responses whereby the data would only be utilized for the

purpose of the study. After they have completed the questionnaire, the researcher will

collect the questionnaires. Then, researcher will analyse the data collected.

3.5 Data Analysis

The data will be analysed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS).

Descriptive analysis and Pearson-Correlation analysis will be used to answer the

research question provided. Descriptive statistics will be used to analyse the

respondents perceptions towards the English literature component. The mean and

standard deviation will be used to provide accurate perceptions answered by the

students on English literature component in terms of cultural diversity and language

competent. Pearson-Correlation analysis will be used to test the relationship between


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the students perceptions of English literature with the achievement in English. The

demographic profiles will be used as the control variables.

3.6 Summary

There are three main areas that the implementation of literature may benefit: language

development, cultural enrichment and personal growth. From this research, there are

several factors that may affect students achievement in English subject. One of the

most important factors is the students perception towards Literature component in

English subject. Other elements that may influence the students perceptions are

cultural diversity and language competency. Students find it difficult to understand

literature because of the different background and culture of the author. Besides,

students are also less exposed to other culture outside the country. Regarding language

competency, most students didnt practice English language often. When students use

or practice using English language often, it may enhance their language learning. This

is linked by assessing the linguistic nature of ones home community, early experiences

in second language learning and current attitudes and beliefs about language learningand bilingualism (Masgoret, 1999). Early language usage will influence ones cultural

attitudes, motivation to learn a second language, and self-perceptions of second

language proficiency (Gardner, 1990). Hence, through positive perception of English

literature component, it may leads to positive achievement in students English subject

performance.

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Research Proposal: Chapter 3