CHAPTER 3 Research Methodology

Research Design The study will utilize a Mixed Method approach. It is a research design wherein both qualitative and quantitative methods are used. This method will not only provide a more comprehensive result but similarly this will help provide a better understanding in terms of the study's descriptive point-ofview beyond the limitations of a single approach. The mixed method approach as expounded by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL, 2009) may further help in strenghtening each approach -both qualitative and quantitative- and moreover, to offset their different weaknesses . With this type of approach, the research can then be used as a strong referential means in terms of validating the effects of colorful mask as a mood indicator and a protective device used against communicable disease.

Locale and Population of the Study The study will be bound and limited to the responses and insights among the total sample of nurses assigned at the communicable disease ward regarding their preference and utilization of colourful mask as a protective device. The research group will amass a total of 30 respondents between the two (2) study areas. There are fifteen (15) respondents from Fatima University Medical Center and fifteen (15) respondents from San Lazaro Hospital. A

formal letter of request will be given to each respective institution (Appendix A).

Description of the Respondents/Sample Size

The respondents will be bound to both nurses and patients in each selected institutions. Fifteen (15) respondents (a total of thirty (30) respondents) from each locale - namely A and B- will be taken. The researchers will utilize a probability and a non-probability sampling techniques in determining the sample size to be obtain from the locale's total population. Stratified selection for the probability sampling technique will be utilized in order the group the respondents according to their respective classification; (1) nurse; and (2) patient. Purposive selection for the non-probability sampling technique will be utilized in order to identify the respondent's perception on the following inquiries based on their set criteria; (1) For nurses- their level of agreement in terms of using colorful mask as a mood indicator and a device of protection; (2) For patients- the mood elicited (if any) whenever their nurses wear colorful mask.

Instrumentation

Quantitative Approach In gathering information from the respondents a self-made questionnaire will be used for the fulfillment of the study. The study tool will be formulated and will be influenced by the overall objective of the research and likewise by the information to be taken from the related literatures of the study. The self made questionnaire will undergo face and content validity.

Qualitative Approach An interview to be guided by an aide memoir will be used as a research tool as to be influenced by the research's central question: Is there a significant difference in wearing a colorful mask in preventing the occurrence of communicable diseases and in setting the mood among nurses and patients in comparison with the traditional mask?

Data Gathering

Quantitative Approach The researchers will ask formal permission from the administrator and the nursing service of the respective hospitals. The researchers will then construct a questionnaire to be validated by at least two (2) knowledgeable and credible professors in communicable disease nursing and psychiatric

nursing. Floating of questionnaire will follow. The researchers will wait for the responses of their subjects in order to amass a one hundred percent retrieval rate. Quantitative research will be analyze with the use of statistics.

Qualitative Approach The researchers will select six (6) respondents from the total sample of nurses assigned in the communicable disease and medical surgical ward to answer the central question placed in the questionnaire. The respondents will submit a written response. And the researchers will convert the written answers into transcription. Cool and warm analysis will be the method of choice in order to sort out similar responses or perceptions from the selected subjects; and for the research to come- up with its generel theme. Peerchecking technique will be used to validate the qualitative data.

Statistical Treatment of Data

The answers to the questionnaires will be tallied; and computations will be guided with the use of tables of frequency distribution, percentage, and ttest. The frequency distribution and percentages will be used to answer the inquiries of the research in terms of the respondent's profile such as their age, gender, profession, and areas of assignment for nurses. This will also answer the questions regarding the most common communicable diseases handled by

staff nurses. The t-test, on the other hand, will provide an accurate testimony to study's inquiry regarding the level of agreement among staff nurses regarding the effectiveness of colourful mask in decreasing the possibility of acquiring different communicable diseases being it as a medium of protection and likewise, to confirm if there is hypothesis. a significant difference in the posed