CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY
This chapter of the thesis discusses how the researchers will gather the necessary information that
will be used in the entire study. It presents the research method and how this analysis is utilized to come up
with a profounder understanding of the topic at hand. It also includes the research design, locality of the
study, the research variables and ethical considerations.

OVERVIEW

This study aims to assess the prevalent issue on drugs on the basis of international laws and laws
of different countries. In the absence of definite law governing war on drugs in the Philippines, the herein
researchers consulted the laws predominantly followed outside the country.

Resources are not readily available in this kind of subject matter, hence, the researchers resorted to
a Document or Documentary analysis. Document analysis is a systematic procedure for reviewing or
evaluating documentsboth printed and electronic (computer-based and Internet-transmitted) material.
Like other analytical methods in qualitative research, document analysis requires that data be examined and
interpreted in order to elicit meaning, gain understanding, and develop empirical knowledge (Corbin &
Strauss, 2008; see also Rapley, 2007).1

RESEARCH DESIGN

This research adapts a Qualitative Method in extracting and expanding understanding about War
on Drugs. The word qualitative implies an emphasis on the qualities of entities and on processes and
meanings that are not experimentally examined or measured in terms of quantity, amount, intensity, or
frequency. Qualitative researchers stress the socially constructed nature of reality, the intimate relationship
between the researcher and what is studied, and the situational constraints that shape inquiry. Such
researchers emphasize the value-laden nature of inquiry. They seek answers to questions that stress how
social experience is created and given meaning.2

Document analysis is a form of qualitative research in which documents are interpreted by the
researcher to give voice and meaning around an assessment topic. Analyzing documents incorporates
coding content into themes similar to how focus group or interview transcripts are analyzed. A rubric can
also be used to grade or score a document. There are three primary types of documents:

1. Public Records: The official, ongoing records of an organizations activities. Examples include
student transcripts, mission statements, annual reports, policy manuals, student handbooks,
strategic plans, and syllabi.
2. Personal Documents: First-person accounts of an individuals actions, experiences, and beliefs.
Examples include calendars, e-mails, scrapbooks, blogs, Facebook posts, duty logs, incident
reports, reflections/journals, and newspapers.

1
Glenn A. Bowen, Document Analysis as a Qualitative Research Method,
https://www.academia.edu/8434566/Document_Analysis_as_a_Qualitative_Research_Method
2
Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper: Qualitative Methods, Mar 18, 2017,
http://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/qualitative
 3. Physical Evidence: Physical objects found within the study setting (often called artifacts).
Examples include flyers, posters, agendas, handbooks, and training materials.3

Using the above-mentioned method of analysis, the researcher aims to elicit a deep-dive understanding
whether war on drugs campaign by the present administration would result to suppression of crimes or
inducement of violence upon the people.

STUDY LOCALE

This study embraces the governing principles of the international law in which the Philippines is
signatory. It includes related laws on war on drugs from US, Canada and Colombia. Essentially, these
applicable laws and principles will be used, for research purposes, in order to determine and answer the
questions laid down in the statement of the problem.

DATA GATHERING

Relevant information were taken from the present and past laws and regulations governed by
different states and international laws where the Philippines is signatory. These laws will be compared to
the existing laws in the country regarding War on Drugs and examine its applicability. Upon investigation,
the researchers should generate a conclusive statement on how this War on Drugs should be dealt with; and
whether or not campaigns done by the present administration aid to suppress crimes or induce violence.

THE RESEARCH VARIABLES

To be able to reach the ultimate goal of this research, the researchers have come up with two phenomena
as follows with their corresponding variables:

1. Phenomenon: Suppression of Crimes

a. Number of Crimes
b. Existing Philippine law Presidential Order
c. Adoption of International law
d. People of the Philippines

2. Inducement of Violence
a. Number of Crimes
b. Existing Philippine law and Presidential Order
c. Adoption of International law
d. People of the Philippines

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

The information used were not obtained from primary sources. Mostly, documentaries, existing laws,
statutes, international laws and treaties and other related published documents were used. In such cases, the
ethical considerations are limited to the following:

1. Acknowledgement of works of other authors used in any part of the dissertation with the use of
Harvard/APA/Vancouver referencing system according to the Dissertation Handbook

3
Administration methods. (2010). Retrieved March 2, 2012, from Student Voice Web site:
https://www.studentvoice.com/app/wiki/
 2. Maintenance of the highest level of objectivity in discussions and analyses throughout the research

3. The use of offensive, discriminatory, or other unacceptable language are avoided in the formulation
of statements in the study.

4. Adequate level of confidentiality of the research data are ensured.

5. Any deception or exaggeration about the aims and objectives of the research are avoided.

6. Any type of misleading information, as well as representation of primary data findings in a biased
way are avoided.

7. Preservation of sensitivity to cultural and social differences4

4
Bryman, A. & Bell, E. (2007) Business Research Methods, 2nd edition. Oxford University Press.