Chapter 2
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the following: research locale, research design, population sampling or respondents of the study, research instrument, and the statistical treatment of data.
Research Design
The researchers used the descriptive method in this study because the researchers consider this method as appropriate to use.
Descriptive method is a purposive process of gathering, analyzing, classifying, and tabulating data about prevailing conditions, practices, beliefs, processes, trends and cause effect relationships and then making adequate and accurate interpretation about such data with or without the aid of the statistical methods. (Calderon, 1993) Key (1997) defines descriptive method as a method used to obtain information concerning the current status of the phenomena to describe "what exists" with respect to variables or conditions in a situation. It further described as a fact finding with adequate interpretation usually beyond fact-finding.
Respondents of the study The respondents of the study were the ten (15) selected BFP Personnel with experience in handling arson case, and (5) RTC Judges, we’re chosen to used the purposive sampling (methods of choosing respondents wherein subject is handpicked to be included in the sampling frame because they are actually involved in the study) because they are capable in answering and analyzing the questions written on the questionnaire. The two groups of the respondents were able to give accurate information necessary to answer the preferred topic.
Procedures in Data Collection The researchers first sought permission from the BFP Chief of Operation, Cabanatuan City Central Fire Station and RTC Judges connected to the arson cases. The researchers personally administered and explained the mechanics and concept in answering the