Research Method Research Setting

19

CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

In this chapter, the researcher discusses the methodology used in conducting the research. The research methodology consists of six parts. They are research method, research setting, research participants, instruments and data gathering technique, data analysis technique and research procedure.

A. Research Method

This research used survey research in obtaining the information needed to answer the research questions related to the students’ perception on the use of blogs in Basic Writing class. “Surveys are used to measure attitudes, opinions, or achievements – any number of variables in natural setting” Wiersma, 1995: 169. Survey research is one of the types of quantitative research which is conducted by using numerical system in gathering the data. It means that the data collection obtained from the respondents should be gathered by using numbers. In gathering the information, the method used is also organized and systematic. The aim is to understand and predict someone’s behavior. Concisely, it could be said that survey research is conducted numerically and systematically Tull and Albaum, 1973: 2-3. Survey was also the appropriate and essential method used in conducting this research. It was because survey research helped the researcher to produce the data which answered the research questions related to the students’ perception on 20 the use of blogs and the students’ suggestions of the implementation on the use of blogs in Basic Writing class. Moreover, to answer the research questions, the researcher needed the appropriate instruments. Since survey research focused on someone’s perception, the instruments which were appropriate was a questionnaire and an interview. The questionnaire and interview are common instruments used in gathering the data related to someone’s belief, opinions, behavior or interests Gall Borg, 2007: 228.

B. Research Setting

This research was conducted in the English Language Education Study Program of Sanata Dharma University. It was conducted in the end of May 2012 until the middle of June 2012. The participants were the students who had taken Basic Writing class whose lecturer used blogs in teaching Basic Writing class in the academic year 20112012.

C. Research Participants