RESEARCH PROPOSAL
A STUDY ON THE IMPACT AND ADDICTION BY USING THE TECH-GADGETS BY THE STUDENTS TO THEIR LEARNING PROCESS AT UNIVERSITY COLLEGE SHAHPUTRA: A STUDY ON COLLEGE STUDENTS

CHAPTER I
Introduction
1.0 Background of the Study
The term technology comes from the Greek word “techne”, which means the art or skill used in order to solve a problem, improve a pre-existing solution to a problem, achieve a goal, handle an applied input/output relation or perform a specific function; technology is the making, modification, usage and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques and method of organisation (Liddel, Scott, Jones & McKenzie, 1940). That means, it can refer to the collection of tools, including machinery, modification, arrangements and procedures. Over the last 200 years there has been a significant change in the term technology. In the 20th century i.e. during the industrial revolution the term has gained its popularity worldwide (Cradock & Baldwin, 1833). Technology is the energy that acts as the driving force to drive or to run our lives. It is nothing but the results of the innovations and creativity of human beings. It converts the natural resources into consumer goods which are used by the society and human beings. It has brought the automation level into such a height that human effort and his time has been saved to a great extent. Due to this, the access to information has now become easier and the distant locations are getting closer. IT and communication system has provided such facilities that the world is now feeling like a small globe virtually. However not all technology has been used for peaceful purposes. The development of weapons of mass destruction has created serious threat to society throughout history.
Recently, every other day information technology or IT invents lucrative gadgets are attracting the attention of the present generation. As a vulnerable group, the youth becomes the largest consumer of such devices and services, which in turn makes them addicted to them at some point of time. Addiction is the continued repetition of a behaviour or an activity independent upon the adverse or negative consequences of the same (Angres & Angres, 2008) or it can be a neurological impairments which leads to such behaviours (American Society for Addiction Medicine, 2012). There is no such limitation of the use of the term addiction to some specific behaviour such as drug addiction, food addiction etc. Psychological control over substance and behaviour, preoccupation with the subject and the continuation of activities despite consequences are generally the symptoms of addiction (Morse & Flavin, 1992). Actually the term addiction means the high degree of likeness towards a particular thing or subject. So if somebody is addicted towards something then he loses control over his own mind and faces difficulties to get rid of the claws of that object. Most of the students today spend too much of their time with their faces buried in technological gadgets. According to Kimberly Young (1998), addiction to technology is a habitual compulsion to engage in using technology instead of using it to address life’s problems. They use technology as a coping mechanism to avoid conflict. Long term compulsions can lead to psychological problems such as insomnia, irritability and depression. For example, compulsion to use technology in favour of rare and exciting life events such as parties or vacations might signify addiction. Attitude changes in students, sudden depression, loss of self-esteem, and problems in paying attention to study, are often symptoms of Internet addiction (Young, 1998). According to Young, students are particularly vulnerable to technology addiction. Students have poor coping mechanisms. When they face stress, they often chose what is comforting to them, usually something easy to focus on such as online videos or social media sites. The addiction may make students do not focus on their study and may give a negative impact on their studies.
According to (Daniels, 2002; Ganske et al., 2003; Harvey, 2002,) technology motivates students to in having a choice in their assignments, see the relevancy, or can assess the teacher's feedback intertwined, student motivation increases.Along with the rapid growth and change of modern technology, students become more dependent to electronic gadgets around them. Because the students believe in the power of gadgets, they all rely their works in them. As a result, they forget to be responsible in their own way and let themselves be controlled with by all the comforts that the gadgets give them. Unlike before, they allot less time in studying and putting more time in using the gadgets because they have this idea that doing researches and assignments can be easily done because of it. Modern technology causes great distraction in the study habits of students.

1.1 Problem Statement
There are a number of research work related to this study area conducted basically in western countries and the countries having a developed society. The availability and facility of the tech-gadgets and services are large in those countries. Comparatively fewer studies are being conducted in the developing countries like Malaysia and those fewer studies are even conducted in the metro cities. The studies conducted generally focus on the timing and impact of the tech-addiction but less focus on the purpose behind it. The youth section of the society is comparatively neglected in the studies. This study talks about how to find the impacts of electronic gadget into students, especially in their study. And it’s really talks to identify the reasons why they use such gadget when class hours.

1.2 Research Objectives
Following are the three specific objectives of this study. 1. To investigate the time spent by the student with their tech-devices. 2. To investigate the addiction of using the tech-devices and services. 3. To investigate the impacts of the addictive use of the tech-gadgets and services on study process.

1.3 Research Questions

1. What products of technology are affecting the students' study habits the most? 2. How often do students use the electronic gadgets? 3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of modern technology to the studying habits of the students? 4. How often do the aforementioned advantages and disadvantages occur to them while using these gadgets? 5. What is the effect of the advancement of technology to the studying habits of the students? Is it essential? Or detrimental?
1.4 Hypothesis
The following hypotheses will be tested for acceptance and approval:

H0 : There is no significant effect of modern technology to the studying habits of the students of the selected students of University College Shahputra.
H1 : There are significant effects brought by modern technology to the studying habits of the selected students of University College Shahputra. 1.5 Significance of the Study
The students is a complete, balance, and proper usage on the gadgets they have. Through these, students can allocate their time more appropriately and they can prioritize the degree of importance of their tasks.The teachers a background on why the certain students are not able to accomplish their work. The parents ideas on how are they going to minimize the bad effects brought about by these gadgets and through this, they can guide their sons and daughters on the limitations they should build to avoid addiction to these gadgets.
Furthermore, this study will serve as a theoretical model for future studies of the same nature if ever the existing problem has penetrated in this case will exist in the future. Future researchers will benefit from this study, and it will provide them the facts needed to compare their study during their respective time and usability.

1.6 Theoritical Framework A theoretical framework consists of concepts, variables, definitions, and existing theories that are used by researcher for particular study. The theoretical framework may be rooted in a specific theory, in which case, the work is expected to test the validity of that existing theory in relation to specific events, issues, or phenomena. Just as a research problem, it requires contextualization and background information, a theory requires a framework for understanding its application to the topic being investigated. Theoretical framework must demonstrate an understanding of theories and concepts that are relevant to the topic of research paper. IMPACTS ADDICTION Lazy

Distraction in study habit

Addiction

Reliability

Dependent Variable
(DV)
Independent Variable
(IV)

CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction
Gadget is an innovation of the latest technology with better skills and the latest features that have the purpose or function is more practical and also more useful. Over the years now, the technology becomes more advanced, often assume a smartphone is a gadget and computer technology or laptop when it has launched a new product is also considered as a gadget.
Gadget is a term derived from English, which means a small electronic device that has a specific function. One of the things that distinguishes gadget with other electronic devices is an element of "novelty". That is, from day to day always comes with the gadget presents latest technologies that make human life becomes more practical.
Examples of gadgets in between a smart phone (smartphone) such as the iphone and blackberry, as well as a netbook (a blend of portable computers such as notebooks and internet).

2.1 Review of Literature
2.1.1 Usefulness Of Gadgets

1. Audio Gadgets
Gadgets that help you listen to your favorite music anywhere, is very small, and is an intelligent device that can play all types of music in all formats, mp3, wav, wma, etc.. Audio gadget can be shaped mp3 player with several types of flash memory with a variety of capacities, there are 4 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB and may even reach 2 TB, according to need. Other forms of MP3 player can be a spectacles or sunglasses, very practical for people who have an active lifestyle. This gadget may also be included on the watch, and a digital camera.

2. Ipods
Is the perfect gadget for personal use, they are particularly suitable when it is combined with the music and recording, the gadget has other options like FM radio, E-book reader (ebook reader), recording this suara. This gadgets can play all kinds of music, in some models, they can play video and display pictures.

3. Video Gadgets
With this gadget you can watch your favorite videos and display / share your personal photos. MP4 player is one gadget that allows you to watch movies, video clips, personal recordings and even can be used to play games. This gadget besides should be able to support all the functions of video and photo files, also must have a high resolution screen to show the good pictures.

4. Camera Gadgets
Wireless Internet such as cameras, surveillance cameras, camera-shaped sunglasses, etc. With some camera models of wireless internet, you can access the camera from anywhere, anytime using the IP Address.

2.1.2 Positive Impacts of Technology

In fact the use of the tech-gadgets and services by the present generation has a positive impact on IT markets and therefore it is beneficial for the economy. Tech-devices and gaming may have positive effects on investigating skills, strategic thinking and creativity potential of the individuals. These tech devices and services are better sources for learning for the youth and these are the sources of fun and entertainment which help them distract from daily stresses of life. The digital behaviour of the youth makes them sit at one place for a long period of time and the eye, hand and mental coordination is maintained during that period. To cross the levels step by step in the games may improve the engineering skills among the youth and it may also help in building up good attitudes of moving ahead in life in spite of any obstacles. Following studies support the positive effects of the tech-gadgets and services.

Internet continues to grow beyond our belief. About 32.7% of the world’s population has access to the social networking sites like Face book, Twitter, Linked-In, YouTube, Flicker, blogs, wikis, and many more which let people of all ages rapidly share their interests of the moment with others everywhere. So the interconnectedness throughout the world is growing rapidly due to internet use (Tsitsika & Janikian, 2013). When students use laptops and other tech-devices by the instructor’s advice they are connected to course learning objectives. The classroom learning and engagement of the young students can be impacted positively by the use of these digital devices (Samson, 2010).

Individuals who are engaged in high level of technical activities through the digital devices are better in performing cognitive tasks. The effective use of the gadgets may have positive impacts on cognitive thinking and also makes them master multitasking (Ophir, Nass & Wagner, 2009).

In the medical set up the use of digital devices may help to a great extent. Easy storage, searching and sharing of patient information through the computers and accessibility of knowledge regarding recent health related inventions through internet, have made the work of the medicos easier (Sellen & Harper, 2002). 2.1.3 Negative Impacts of Technology Although the use of tech-gadgets and services has many positive impacts, they are short lived. In long run it has negative impacts on the individuals. The digital activities make the youth strong in technical skills but make them weak in real life practical skills. It takes the young mass away from the reality helping them to live in their imaginary world. Due to the time spent on the devices the youth are refrained from some outdoor activities with friends and family. The indulgence in violent games may create more violence in their mind. The more they use the gadgets, the more they are crazy about it which may distract them from study. During the time of playing games when they can’t achieve the set target, it may raise their anxious level higher. After all addiction to the devices may develop unhealthy lifestyle, poor time management and poor eating habits among the students. Following studies highlight some of the negative effects of the tech-devices and services.

It would have been a lot better if the drawbacks or the negative impacts of the use of the digital services would have been known before some years. As the use of the digital services has negative impacts students should minimise the use of these tools and should aware about its use (Walsh, 2012). The voracious use of tech services has negative impacts on the youth. Due to these effects youth want to do things faster, easier and cheaply. Everybody wants to do things according to their own schedule and pace, failing in which they become anxious. Face to face communication is avoided by the young mass, which is not good for the society (Erickson, 2012).

Generation-Y i.e. the present generation is psychologically addicted to the social medias like facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn etc. The addiction causes intra-psychic conflicts such as intolerance and relapse among the youth (Cabral, 2011). Internet gaming and shopping is causing depressive symptoms among the college students. Implementation of programmes is needed to detect and decrease these activities among them (Cotton, 2001).

The addictive internet use has negative impacts on mental health. There is a positive relationship between Internet addiction and psychiatric disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit disorder, etc. So the addictive internet use should need clinical help (Young, 1998).

Excessive internet use not only generates disorders but it can sometimes be distressing and disabling (Shapira et al., 2003). Technological addiction is growing day by day in the countries like Italy, Pakistan, Czech Republic. Indian youths are no less than them in technological addiction. Online games have caused serious health problems in China (BBC, 2007), Korea (Hur, 2006) and Taiwan (Lee, 2007). About 10% of China’s more than 30 million internet gamers are said to be addicted (Ko, Yen, Yen, Lin & Yang, 2007).
Excessive technology use may affect academic performance, relationships, as well as overall development among youth. Such baffling technology use has been identified as technology addiction and has many negative impacts on health and social behaviour (Young, 2004).
2.1.4 Technology has Both Positive and Negative Impacts

Some studies focus on both the positive and negative consequences of use of the tech-devices and services and provide a balanced approach regarding the use of the same. Technology is an integral part of our everyday life as people are dependent on it from all over the world for communication, organization and employment etc. One cannot stay away from technology even for a day. Not even a single day goes without a cell phone in hand or without laptop and net surfing. Although technology being at its best there are basic problems that follow us everywhere and generally it has drawbacks in the areas of health, public safety and education (Saez, 2010).

Students should be encouraged to develop in a technological world. The necessity of social networking, computer games or digital habits of them should be understood by the elders. But simultaneously the consequences of those habits should also be studied. It is better to study the relationship between technology, child development and the popular culture. Parents should facilitate a healthy and balanced relationship between technology and their children helping them to use the social media effectively (Mitchel, 2012).

The studies in the field of internet addiction are conducted by expertise of multiple fields like academicians and health professionals, etc. The impacts of the same should be investigated and the problems related to internet addiction should be addressed. By doing the above we can overcome the negative impacts of internet technology and can use it for development rather overtaken by it (Chou, Condron & Belland, 2005).

As human beings are regularly trying to reinvent themselves and adopting new and improved ways of lifestyle, this phenomenon has increased the use of technological gadgets and services up to the extreme. The use of these tech products has a positive impact on the mass market consumption. Side by side the never-ending conflict of pop culture is advancing through these activities of the individuals (Watkins, 2003).

Technology is a double-edged sword. From the above reviews, it is clear that the youth of today are the principal consumers of technology. This mixed set of research findings led to think how the youth is using the technology to bring about positive changes in their lives and avoids the negative consequences of using technology excessively. Based on the review of literature, the statement of the problem has been formulated.

3.0 Limitation
This research study gives emphasis to the possible effects modern technology to the studying habits, as well as the performance, of the selected students of FEU. The researchers conducted a survey through a questionnaire to the 100 students, randomly selected, who often use e-gadgets like iPad, laptop, cellphone, etc. This is to verify their standpoint regarding the effects caused by technology to their performance in school and to obtain data that can be used in this study.
This study will no longer altercate the new innovation. Although this can be a source of information which can be adapted to profound and maximize the use of e-gadgets. This study is focused on how modern technology affects students' compliance to the requirements of their course description and relevant actions to determine how to efficiently use the e-gadgets. The effects that the researchers presented are either dreadful or valuable.

CHAPTER 3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction
This study is based upon the intensive fieldwork conducted in University College Shahputra with a descriptive study, the research tends to describe what a phenomenon it is a way to examine on a regular basis, giving priority to objectivity, and be done carefully. One form of descriptive research survey method (questionnaire), the form of a study the relatively limited data collection of cases of relatively large numbers. Running a survey method may be a questionnaire, which aims to collect information about the variable. The questionnaire contains questions about the formulation of the issues raised in the study. The survey is done to at least 30% of the total population. Descriptive research can also be extended towards the naturalistic research that uses specific case through in-depth descriptive or phenomenological research natural setting. The choice of both the study area and purpose are also dependent upon the previous observation. The sampling method used to select the study area was purposive one. Both the quantitative and qualitative methods were used for the analysis of the data.

3.1 Research Design
Burns and Grove (2003:195) define a research design as “a blueprint for conducting a study with maximum control over factors that may interfere with the validity of the findings”. Parahoo (1997:142) describes a research design as “a plan that describes how, when and where data are to be collected and analysed”. Polit et al (2001:167) define a research design as “the researcher’s overall for answering the research question or testing the research hypothesis”. This study focuses on the opinion of the students regarding from the addictions of tech-gadgets.

3.2 Quantitative Design
Quantitative research uses numbers and statistical methods. It tends to be based on numerical measurements of specific aspects of phenomena; it abstracts from particular instances to seek general description or to test casual hypotheses; it seeks measurements and analyses that are easily replicable by other researchers. (King, Keohane & Verba, 1994. pp.3-4) Researchers seek explanations and predictions that will generalize the other persons and places. Careful sampling strategies and experimental designs are aspects of quantitative methods aimed at produce generalizable results. In quantitative research, the researcher's role serve is to observe and measure, and care is taken to keep the researchers from "contaminating" the through personal involvement with the research subjects. Researchers "objectivity" is of utmost concern.
(Glesne & Peshkin, 1992, p.6)The rationale for using a quantitative approach in this research was to explore and describe the opinion of the students regarding from the addictions of tech-gadgets. A quantitative approach was appropriate to capture the opinions of the students regarding from the addictions of tech-gadgets.

3.3 Descriptive Design
According to Burns and Grove (2003:201), descriptive research “is designed to provide a picture of a situation as it naturally happens”. It may be used to justify current practice and make judgment and also to develop theories. For the purpose of this study, descriptive research was used to obtain a picture of nurses’ opinions of the students regarding from the addictions of tech-gadgets with a view to improving the standard of care for this group of students.

3.4 Data Collection Method
In this study, there are two methods used to collect the data which is through primary and secondary data.
3.4.1 Primary Data

The primary data entails new information which can be collected from the market or company or particular source. There are different techniques and methods to adapt in order to collect appropriate primary data, those techniques include; focus groups, questionnaire, interviews, surveys, semi-structured open-ended interviews, observations and other acquainted techniques (Preece, 2004). The primary data collection involves some challenges such as; gathering sufficient technical equipment, time-consuming, financial needs, permissions and others. It clearly states that, the primary data is expensive, time taking and other difficulties; but it provides more effective and valuable data to gain new knowledge.

3.4.2 Secondary Data
Secondary data is information that is already available somewhere, whether it be in journals, on the internet, in a company's records or, on a larger scale, in corporate or governmental archives. Secondary data allows for comparison of, say, several years worth of statistical information relating to, for example, a sector of the economy, where the information may be used to measure the effects of change or whatever it is that is being researched.

3.5 Sampling Design It is the procedure required right from defining a population to the actual selection of sample elements.There are seven steps involved in this process. Step 1: Define the population It is the aggregate of all the elements defined prior to selection of the sample. It is necessary to define population in terms of (i) Elements (ii) Sampling Units (iii) Extent (iv) Time It may be emphasized that all these four specifications must be contained in the designated population omission of any of them would render the definition of population incomplete. Step 2 : Identify the sampling frame Identifying the sampling frame, which could be a telephone directory, a list of blocks and localities of a city, a map or any other list consisting of all the sampling units. It may be pointed out that if the frame is incomplete or otherwise defective, sampling will not be able to overcome these shortcomings. The question is—How to ensure that the frame is perfect and free from any defect, Leslie Kish has observed that a perfect frame is one where “every element appears on the list separately, once only once, and nothing else appears on the list” This type of perfect frame would indicate one-to-one correspondence between frame units and sampling units. But such perfect frames are rather rare. Accordingly, one has to use frames with one deficiency or another, but one should ensure that the frame is not too deficient so as to be given up altogether. Step 3: Specify the sampling unit The sampling unit is the basic unit containing the elements of the target population. The sampling unit may be different from the element. For example, if one wanted a sample of students, it might be possible to have access to such a sample directly. However, it is easier to select faculties as the sampling unit and then interview students in each of the faculties. Step 4: Specify the sampling method It indicates how the sample units are selected. One of the most important decisions in this regard is to determine which of the two probability and non-probability sample is to be chosen.

Step 5: Determine the sample size In other words, one has to decide how many elements of the target population are to be chosen. Step 6: Specify the sampling plan This means that one should indicate how decisions made so far are to be implemented. For example, if a survey of faculties is to be conducted, a sampling plan should define a student, contain instructions to the interviewer as to how they should take a systematic sample of faculties, advise them on what they should do to handle the addiction to the gadgets. These are some pertinent issues in a sampling survey to which a sampling plan should provide answers. Step 7: Select the sample This is the final step in the sampling process. A good deal of office and fieldwork is involved in the actual selection of the sampling elements. Most of the problems in this stage are faced by the interviewer while contacting the sample-respondents. 3.6 Research Instrument For this study, the survey-questionnaire instruments were used achieve the main objective of the study. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to the students. The questionnaire given to the students aimed to assess the impacts towards tech-gadgets. In addition, this also aims to evaluate the addictions of the tech-gadgets to the students in learning process.. This focus of the assessment was based on the principles introduced by various authors. The questionnaire was structured in such a way that respondents will be able to answer it easily. Thus, the set of questionnaire was structured using the Likert format with a five-point response scale. A Likert Scale is a rating scale that requires the subject to indicate his or her degree of agreement or disagreement to a statement. In this type of questionnaire, the respondents were given five response choices. These options served as the quantification of the participants' agreement or disagreement on each question item.

CONCLUSIONS The present study is a promising study in the sense that we are living in a world of knowledge and technology. Changes in the scientific world are very fast. Keeping ones speed along with the change is definitely a challenging task. Hence, one must learn how to exercise control and 39 to know what is important and what is not important at a specified time. Knowledge management, time management and setting the priorities of life should guide our behaviour in using the technological gadgets and services. Last but not the least, use of any product should be necessity driven rather than luxury driven, so that we can derive maximum pleasure and happiness.

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