This quantitative research takes the form of a survey study. The rationale of employing the cross-sectional survey research design as this is done by collecting and analysing data at one point in time only (Holmes & Ashari 2008). By using this method, the researcher is able to obtain data and analyse them in a shorter time. The researcher could get a higher response rate from pupils to study the pupils’ perceptions and attitudes toward the use of Foldable in memorising concrete nouns. When survey research is conducted, the information is useful for schools or teachers to evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching and learning session conducted (Creswell, 2012). The respondents filled out the survey questionnaire in class. They were given half an hour to complete the questionnaire. All the 53 respondents participated in the survey returned the completed questionnaire.
(B) POPULATION AND SAMPLE
A population is a group of individuals who have the same characteristics (Creswell, 2012). The population of the study is focused on Primary 3 ESL learners from an urban primary school in Johor Bahru. For the targeted population, the researcher selects a group of individuals who are currently in Primary 3 of an urban primary school who undergo the teaching of using Foldable in concrete nouns and teachers who taught pupils in using Foldable for vocabulary. There are 53 participants for the study which consist of 53 Primary 3 learners. According to Azli et al. (2018), the main criterion for the sampling is that the participants must have almost same level of English proficiency. Thus, the selection is based on their English mid-term examination result. The participants were selected through a probability sampling using cluster random sampling. The targeted participants of the Primary 3 pupils were selected among the 2 classes. For that, it is more convenience for the researcher to reach out to the participants for collecting data purposes. As mentioned by Creswell (2012), it is also important to select as large a sample as possible so that the sample will exhibit similar characteristics to the target population as well as reduce sampling error.
(C) DATA COLLECTION AND PROCEDURE
The instruments for this study is a set of questionnaire. The questionnaire is used to gauge students’ perception and attitudes after the use of Foldable in memorising concrete nouns. Walonick (1993) as cited in Zuraina et al. (2012) argues that a questionnaire is used because it is cost-effective. Not only that, most of the statistical analysis software can be used to analyse the data collected. It is a form used in a survey design that participants in a study complete and return to the researcher. The participants will answer the Three-Likert scale questionnaire and supply basic demographic information. There are 3 sections will be administered to the participants which are Section A for demographic purpose, Section B for the pupils’ perception towards the use of foldable to memorise concrete nouns and Section C for the pupils’ attitudes toward the use of foldable to memorise concrete noun. The instrument consists of 10 statements reflecting the range of Yes, Unsure and No. The instrument was adapted from Fletcher & Melor (2016).
According to Creswell (2012), the process of data collection involves more than simply gathering information. It includes five interrelated steps which are (i) determining the participants to study, (ii) obtaining permissions needed from several individuals and organisations, (iii) considering what types of information to collect from several sources available to the quantitative research, (iv) locating and selecting instruments to use that will get good data for the study, and finally, (v) administering the data collection process to collect data.
Step 1: Identify How to Select Participants for this Study
The researcher needs to specify the population and sample for the study. The researcher used cluster random sampling among the 2 classes where they have undergone the teaching and learning of foldable in memorising concrete nouns. The researcher also needs to decide on the appropriate sample size for the research. 53 participants as the targeted population were selected for this study.
Step 2: Identify the Permission Needed for this Study
Then, the researcher has to obtain permission from the respondents to be involved in this study. The researcher must inform the school Heads and also the respondents before begin the study. As researchers, they are bound by rules of ethics. All research participants must give their permission to be part of the study and also the permission from parents or guardian (Siegle 2017).
Step 3: List Different Options for Collecting Information
Next, the researcher decides on the type of data to collect in the study. In this study, the researcher begins specifying the variables in the research questions and seeking measures that operationalize those definitions in the study. As this study aims to measure the respondents’ perception and attitudes, a survey questionnaire should be formed.
Step 4: Locate, Select, and Assess the Questionnaire for Data Collection
Besides, the research adapt and adopt the existing questionnaire to be used in measuring the research questions. The adaptation done mainly in simplifying the items, the score used and also the validity and reliability of the questionnaire.
Step 5: Describe Procedures for Administering Quantitative Data Collection
Lastly, the researcher collects the data by administering the questionnaire for the study. The researcher has to list out the formal procedure in giving, explaining and collecting the data. In order to collect data, the questionnaire was distributed to the respondents. The researcher gave detailed explanation about the questionnaire. Next, the respondents were given one hour to answer the questionnaire. The researcher was around to assist the respondents while they were answering the questionnaire.
(D) DATA ANALYSIS AND PROCEDURE
The data got from the questionnaires which were analysed by using SPSS statistical software. The researcher calculated the data which included mean, standard deviation and variance. The findings of the data collected are then analysed by using descriptive statistics involving frequency, percentage and mean are employed (Ashairi et al. 2017). As for identifying the level of memorisation of the Concrete Nouns by the respondents, the mean score is categorised into three classifications. Low level refers to the mean score of 1 to 2.33, moderate level will be in the score of 2.34 to 3.66. The high level will be ranging from 3.67 to 5.
There are mainly four steps in the process of quantitative data analysis and interpretation (Creswell 2012). It involves preparing numeric data for analysis using statistical programs, analyzing the data, reporting the results and interpreting the results.
Step 1: Preparing numeric data for analysis
Firstly, preparing and organizing data for analysis need to be done after the data collection. The researcher assigns numeric scores to each response option such as Yes for 3, No for 2, and Unsure for 1. The researcher needs to determine the types of scores to analyse because it will affect the data entry into the computer file for analysis later. After scoring the data, the researcher selects a statistical programme to analyse the data. In this research, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 11.0 for Windows is selected to analyse the data collected. It is because SPSS is an affordable, professional analysis program for pupils based on the professional version of the programme (Creswell 2012). It followed by inserting data from the questionnaire to the STSS programme. While entering, the researcher checks and determines any errors in the data so that readers can accurately interpret the results (George & Mallery 2001).
Step 2: Data analysing
After collecting the questionnaire, the researcher prepares the data for statistical analysis. In answering the research question, descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data collected. A single variable will be analyse one at a time by using statistics. There are two measures will be taken in this study which are measures of central tendency and variability. Mean, median and mode will be counted in the measures of central tendency whereby variance, standard deviation and range of the data will be analyse in the measure of variability. According to Creswell (2012), mostly quantitative researchers report all three measure of central tendency in their data analysis.
Step 3: Report the Results
Next, the researcher concludes the data analysis by reporting the results in a table or figures. It includes the tables that summarises statistical information, figures that show the measure of central tendency and variability, and also the explanations for the statistical results. When text, tables or graphics are used in reporting the data collected, it complements each other in providing clear reporting of research findings (Tong & Firzah 2006).
Step 4: Interpret the Results
Finally, the researcher concludes the research finding by summarizing the key findings, forming a clear explanation for the results, suggesting limitations in the research and giving recommendations for future inquiries.