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Click here to read: Methodology 1 of 2 [PETC 2013 Thesis Part 4]

3.3 Research Instruments

A simplified and modified methodological triangulation was used in this study. It used multiple qualitative and/or quantitative methods to study a certain topic. The survey results were verified using focus group discussions and interviews. Conclusions were established and the compliance level of PETCs according to the motor vehicle emission testing standards set forth by the DENR as enforced by the DOTC.

 

The benefits of triangulation include "increasing confidence in research data, creating innovative ways of understanding a phenomenon, revealing unique findings, challenging or integrating theories, and providing a clearer understanding of the problem" (Thurmond, 2001). These benefits largely result from the diversity and quantity of data that can be used for analysis. Thus, using interviews as well as questionnaires added a depth to the results that would not have been possible using a single-strategy study, thereby increasing the validity and utility of the findings.

 

3.4 Research Procedures

3.4.1 Developing PETC Key Indicators

Key Indicators were critical success factors that help in defining and measuring the compliance level of the PETCs towards the law being implemented as facilitated by department orders that enforced RA8749. The key indicators developed were [1] Equipment and Testing Process, [2] Delegation, Management and Monitoring, [3] Test Results and [4] I. T. Service.

 

Equipment and Testing Process was an indicator that measured the compliance of PETC in terms of the equipment suitability and the emission process success rate. Delegation, Management and Monitoring showed the knowledge of the authorized personnel and the system of management. Test Results were of main concern and how these were obtained, transmitted and recorded from the PETC to the LTO/DOTC main server using the I.T. Service Provider application. The I.T. Service served as the measure of how fast the results were transmitted and what the chances of the test results being manipulated.

 

Table 3.1: Identified PETC Key Indicators

 

 

3.4.2 Developing Motor Vehicle Users Key Indicators          

             Meanwhile, the key indicators that were used for motor vehicles users were developed. The Testing Process Discrepancies showed the observed management system in the PETCs. The Social Awareness and Participation measured the knowledge and participating of the motor vehicle users regarding the prevailing laws and rules. Lastly, the Environmental Factor was the measure of their perception to the helpfulness of PETCs towards a clean atmosphere.

 

Table 4.12: Identified Motor Vehicle Key Indicators

 

 

 3.4.3 Gathering of Data

 Modern technology allows easy sharing and gathering of data. Thus, the DTI's online service called BNRS was used. It contained the names of registered PETCs. The purpose of this was two-fold. First, to verify that PETC entities were existing. Second, it was convenient and easily accessible to the researchers.

 

After getting the names and addresses, the PETCs were surveyed accordingly. A group discussion followed immediately after the survey questionnaires were answered. Meanwhile, motor vehicle users were randomly surveyed in randomly selected areas around Cebu City. Group discussions were conducted in strategic terminals for convenience to the users and to the researchers.

 

3.4.2 Treatment of Data

 Tabulation was the process of placing classified data into tabular form. Table, a symmetric arrangement of statistical data in rows and columns, were used throughout the presentation of gathered results. Rows were horizontal arrangements while columns were vertical arrangements.

 

Specifically, frequency distribution table was used in the presentation of results. The frequency (f) of a particular factor was the number of times the factor occurs in the data. The distribution of a variable was the pattern of frequencies of the observation.

 

The mean of the survey results was also computed using the formula:

Average = (x_i + x₂ + x₃...x_n) / n,

where x was the score of a respondent and n was the total number of respondents. A measure of central tendency, mean or average were computed for each set of data collected so as to derive a comparable results in each category or PETC.