Practical Research

A Qualitative Research about Peer Pressure on Choosing a Strand
in Senior High School in Polytechnic University of the Philippines

School Year 2017-2018
Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Senior High School
Acoba, Ma. Robelyn

Corral, Christine Joy
Dela Cruz, Floricar Jenzel
Nacar, Irish Joyce
Ruiz, Milljon Abish
Roque, Mark Adrian
Tan, Gelmart
HUMSS 11-17
2017-2018
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
Philippine Copyright 2018

By HUMSS 11-17 students
and the
Senior High School
All rights reserved. Portions of this manuscript may be reproduced with proper
referencing and due acknowledgment of the author.
A Qualitative Research about Peer Pressure on Choosing a Strand

in Senior High School in Polytechnic University of the Philippines
School Year 2017-2018
A Research
Presented to the Faculty of the Senior High School
Sta. Mesa, Manila
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the

Practical Research
By
Acoba, Ma. Robelyn
Nacar, Irish Joyce
Ruiz, Milljon Abish
Roque, Mark Adrian
Tan, Gelmart
February 2018
CERTIFICATION OF ORIGINALITY
Name
Researcher
Month Year
iv
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES iv
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Name
v
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES v
ABSTRACT
Title : A Qualitative Research about Peer Pressure on Choosing

a Strand in Senior High School in Polytechnic University of the
Philippines School Year 2017-2018
Researcher : Acoba, Ma. Robelyn

Nacar, Irish Joyce
Ruiz, Milljon Abish
Roque, Mark Adrian
Tan, Gelmart
Degree : Senior High School
Institution : Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Year : 2018
Adviser : Krisette Romero
This study aimed to determine the effects of peer pressure on choosing a

Senior High School strand particularly to those under the Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics strand. A total of 5 students under the STEM strand
were chosen to be the respondents of this study.
The results of the study revealed that
x
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
TITLE PAGE……………………………………………………………………... ii
CERTIFICATION AND APPROVAL SHEET…………………………………. ii
CERTIFICATION OF ORIGINALITY………………………………………….. iv
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS………………………………………………………... v
ABSTRACT………………………………………………………………………. vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS………………………………………………………. xi
LIST OF TABLES..………………………………………………………………. xiii
LIST OF FIGURES...……………………………………………………………. xiv
Chapter 1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
Introduction…………………………………………………...…… 1
Background of the Study……………………………………...…. 3
Theoretical Framework…………………………………………... 6
Conceptual Framework…………………………………………... 11
Statement of the Problem………………………………………... 13
Hypotheses……………………………………............................ 14
Scope and Limitation of the Study……………………………… 14
Significance of the Study……………………………………....... 15
Definition of Terms……………………………………………….. 17
Chapter 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
Foreign Literature….………………………………………...…… 20
Local Literature………………………………………………...…. 25
Foreign Studies……….…………………………………………... 31
Local Studies………….…………………………………………... 36
Synthesis of the Reviewed Literature and Studies……………. 43
xi
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES vii
Chapter 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Method of Research………….……………………………...…… 47
Population, Sample Size, and Sampling Technique………….. 48
Description of Respondents……..…………………………...…. 48
Research Instrument…………………………………………….. 49
Data-Gathering Procedure……….…………………………...…. 51
Statistical Treatment of Data……..……………………………... 51
Chapter 4 PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA
Demographic Profile of Respondents…………………………... 54

Mean Scores of Spiritual Intelligence and Components……… 56
Performance Ratings as Job Performance Variable of
Job Outcomes……………………………………………………... 58
Tardiness Infraction as Counterproductive Work Behavior
Variable of Job Outcomes……………………………………….. 60
Relationship of Spiritual Intelligence and Demographic
Profile………………………………………………………………. 61
Relationship of Spiritual Intelligence and Job Outcomes…….. 64
Implications to Human Resource Management……………….. 66
Chapter 5 SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary…………………..….……………………………...…… 68
Findings…………………………….…………………………...…. 68
Conclusions………………………..…………………………...…. 70
Recommendations………………………………………………... 73
REFERENCES/WORK CITED…...……………………………………………. 75
APPENDICES
Appendix 1 Sample Questionnaire…………………………… 81

Appendix 2 List of Interview Questions………………………. 82
Appendix 3 Request and Approval to Conduct Study………. 83
Appendix 4 SPSS Output……………………………………… 84
Appendix 5 Certificate of Statistician…………………………. 86
Appendix 6 Certificate of Editing……………………………… 87
Appendix 7 Curriculum Vitae………………………………….. 88
xii
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES viii
LIST OF TABLES
Number Title Page
xiii
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES ix
LIST OF FIGURES
Number Title Page
xiv
Chapter I
THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
Introduction
During the academic year of 2016-2017, the enhanced K to 12 curriculum has
officially been initiated. It was initiated by the Aquino administration wherein the students
have to undergo two additional years of basic education. K to 12 Program covers 13 years of
basic education starting from Kindergarten then 6 years in Elementary school, 4 years in
Junior High School and finally 2 years in Senior High School. The Philippines in one of the 3
remaining countries worldwide with only 10 years of basic education. The new system aims to
fully enhance students to be well –prepared and to be globally competitive. Furthermore, the
ages affected by this curriculum are 16 to 19 years old students and some studies show that as
children turn into adolescents, involvement of their peers and peer identification increases,
teens that are in the range of 14 to 18 years old are mostly affected by peer influence.
Peer has a large role in the social and emotional development for the children and
adolescence. They begin to influence at the early age and increases in teenage years. Having a
friend to rely on for the children is natural and healthy as it helps them to grow and mature.
However, peers can also have negative influence. It includes the pressure to use alcohol,
cigarettes or even drugs that can cause difficulties in life.
Background of the Study

The term peer pressure was coined from the words peer and pressure. The term
“peer” was first used in 1300, that actually means “an equal in rank or status” during the Old-
French era, it also means “equal” in Latin. In 1944 it was defined in a sociological sense of
“one of the same age group or social set”. The term “pressure” was first used in late 14c
meaning suffering, anguish, act or fact of pressing on the mind or heart during the Old French
era, in Latin it means oppression, torture, anguish or instrument of torture. The first recorded
history of peer pressure was during 1971.
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES 11
People tend to depend too much on their friend because they do not want to be left out.
Individuals consider their friends very important to the point that they do things their friends
command. Peer pressure or peer influence has been a major problem because students rely and
follow their friends all the time. Peer pressure may cause a negative effect on a students if
he/she identifies himself/herself with delinquent peers that may influence them to do things
that are not appropriate like breaking rules or trying illegal things. Peer pressure can be one of
the reason why students are having a difficulty in deciding and choosing their careers such as
their Senior High School strand.
Hence this study is conducted to determine the effect of peer pressure on Senior High
School students of Polytechnic University of the Philippines S.Y. 2017-2018 on choosing
their Senior High School strand or track.
Theoretical Framework
According to Erikson’s Theory on Social Development peer pressure is needed for a

person to develop, learn and grow; peer pressure can have both a negative and a positive
effect. It is with peer pressure that people form and develop their individuality, peer pressure
often starts at the adolescent stage of an individual.
Hence, it is connected to the study that the researches are conducting. The researchers
are conducting a research about the effects of Peer Pressure in choosing a strand. Peer
pressure is not necessarily negative it has also positive effects on the individual. Peer pressure
will also develop your flexibility and independency on a daily basis. It is stated that Peer
pressure in some ways is negative but that negativity has a positive outcome that will mold
and nourished you to be more independent as an individual adolescent.
Conceptual Framework
OUTPUT
PROCESS Results to:
INPUT
Demographic Profile Analysis of Gathered The effect of Peer
 Name information Pressure on Senior
 Age The effect of Peer High School
Pressure on Senior High students in
 Grade and
Section
School students in choosing their
choosing their strand. strand.
The effect of Peer
Pressure on Senior High
School students in
choosing their strand.
Statement of the Problem

1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents according to:
A. Age
B. Gender
C. Strand/Level
2. What are the reasons why students experience peer pressure?
3. What are their experiences in their current strand?
4. How do peer pressure students cope with their current studies?
5. What are the respondents perceived effects after taking their current track/strand.
Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study focuses on the effects of peer pressure when choosing a strand that were
experienced by the researcher’s selected respondents.
This study will no longer discuss other matters of peer pressure and also the cases and
sensitive issues involving peer pressure. This is also to give emphasis to the pressure that the
teenagers will encounter during their experience.
Significance of the Study

Students nowadays are emotionally imbalanced. They tend to be easily affected by the people
around them. Teenagers are in a process of metamorphosis and affected by several matters
that serves to greatly effect of the growth.
The study focuses on the effect of peer pressure in making decisions while choosing
the appropriate track/strand for them. Junior high school students will know what track or
strand will be the best for them individually. This study will lessen the pressure from their
peers and can stand their own decision in pursuing the track or strand that truly for them.
This study will also benefit the students in Senior High School that are experiencing
peer pressure on making their decision. It will help the subject of the research to cope upon in
her or his current situation.
The result of the study also will help the teachers or parents to provide wisdom and
encouragement to think of ideas that will give proper guidance to the students to make a
proper decision in choosing the right track or strand in Senior High School level.
The result of the study may provide an assessment of the mentoring program whether
it is effective or not. This may also encourage the schools to think of activities or orientation
that will make the students to be well informed about the tracks and strands in Senior High
School.
The findings of the study will serve as a reference material and guide the future
researchers who will conduct the same experimental study. It can be a source of information
for the future researchers especially this study is widely discuss yet, society is not really aware
and conscious about this issue. Researchers can be a way to let people know the importance of
having knowledge about peer pressure.
Definition of Terms
K-12 curriculum- is a short form for the publicly-supported school grades prior to college.
These grades are kindergarten (K) and the 1st through the 12th grade (1-12).
Peer- a person of the same age, the same social position, or having the same abilities as other
people in a group
STEM-an educational program developed to prepare primary and secondary students for
college and graduate study in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
Senior high school- covers the last two years of the K to 12 program and includes Grades 11
and 12.
Chapter II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
Local Literature
Peer Pressure its influence on teen and decision making
One study by Vicenete Aldanese (2010), divulges the influence of peers at the on their
daily basis. One of your friends may influence you different things like music, books,
behavior and etc. Peers can also influence you on what decision you should make. From a
journal article, “Peer influence is not necessarily a bad thing” referring to peer influence
(Tico, 2010) There are some influences by their peers that affects their behavior, on how they
dress or attitude to be a part or to feel the belongingness into a group.
The impact of Faculty, Peers and Integrity

Culture is the academe on Academic Misconduct among Filipino student: An
empirical study based on social cognitive. The latest work by Ressurreccion (2012), shows
that the culture of Filipino in academe has a bad effect in the student behavior based on their
study. The one of the culture of Filipino students in academe is depending their worked in
other or even their decision, because of that most of Filipino students tends to commit
cheating and their academic performances will be affected.
Local Study
Positive and Negative effects of choosing a career path because of peers.
From a journal article, “it can be hard for teens to resist peer influence sometimes”
pertaining to peer pressure (Hullsart of McCarthy, 2009). Influence can be both positive and
negative. Teenagers in this generation tends to explore many things to satisfy their curiosity.
Just as parents influence their child, teenagers can also be swayed by their friends easily, like
in choosing a career path. Some students especially those Senior High School students, may
choose a track they do not really like just to be with their peers. In this case, the student’s
school performance can be affected in a positive or negative way. The victim might study hard
because his/her peers encourages him/her to try other things. But it can also be the other way
around. The victim might get tired or might find it hard to stay because he/ she does not really
like what he/she is doing.
The effects of Peer on Adolescence Delinquent Behavior

According to the study conducted by Alampay and Banzan-Libarjo (2012), peer
delinquency and self-regulation highly contributes to the immoral and delinquent behaviors of
an adolescent. An adolescence who connects him/herself with delinquent acts and behaviors.
A teenager can also be immoral or illegal acts by learning from their peers. In the Philippines
youth delinquency has been an ongoing concern, the Republic Act 9344 also known as the
juvenile justice and welfare act of 2006 recognizes the importance of delinquency prevention.
Foreign Literature
Influences of peers on adolescent substance use
Adolescents experience various social influences such as their peers that can have an
effect on their lifestyle and social norms like substance use, for example one smoking and
alcohol use. (Simon-Norton and Farhat, 2010). Adolescents spend most of their time with
their peers that is why their influence on them can be much higher than other people
surrounding them. Furthermore is a direct influence in an adolescent risky behaviors that are
affected by their peers (Alvesdiniz et.al, 2011).
Peer pressure in Social life

According to Martina Lotar, et.al. (2011) peer pressure can be the strongest for most in
early adolescence. At that time young people are divided between dependency on parents and
greater independency where they search for identity while building their self-respect. From a
journal article it is mentioned that “Social Influences of others is a continuing process that can
be seen as a basis of individuals”, referring to social life (Marja Lebitina, 2011). Early
adolescence engaged in peer pressure as a part of their social life.
Peer Pressure May Change Students' Brains

According to Sarah D. Sparks (2011) to get students to swim against the tide of social
influence. A study set to be published in the April issue of Psychological Science may point to
why peer pressure is so hard to fight: It changes the brain itself. That peer pressure may
change how you think about an experience or happening in the surroundings. From a journal
article it is mentioned that “I think for a long time conforming has been viewed as a bad
thing...predicated on the idea that conformity is a form of lying; it's that you know what your
private preferences are and the only reason you would conform is to suck up to a group or a
person, but maybe it's not really like that at all; maybe it's something a lot more profound, that
it changes the way you think”, referring to changing the students thinking (Jamil Zaki, 2009).
Foreign Study
Fixed effects
Effects are widely used in studies investigation classroom peer effects to overcome the
self-corting problems. Based on the findings that adding teacher fixed effects purges away the
peer influences, the authors argue that the opponent peer impacts found in other studies may
just affect the endogerous matching between teachers and students within a school sunes
(2009). Using fixed effects is expected to remove the false relationship between constant
unobservable and the peer measures.
Decision Making
Making decision is not as simple as it seems to be and it is harder when people depend
their decisions from other people. As people grow older, they are forced with some
challenging decisions (Steinberg and Morahan, 2007). Believes able to own feelings and
beliefs about what is wrong or right to do something that is right and inner strength and self-
confidence help one to do something that it is better. According to Meriam Webster, ‘Peer”
means a person who belongs to the some age group or social groups as someone else. They
heavily influences ones behavior and get one into doing something. Peer pressure is inevitable
and everyone can experience it. Peer pressure can be either expressed or implied. Studies
show that both peers are enticed to take risks they do not want to make because they believe
the risky behavior will increase their story lines in the eyes of their peers and assure than
acceptance in the group (Cotterell, 2011)
Teens and Peer Relationships

Teens' emotional maturity increases their relationships with their peers change as they
become more vulnerable and emotionally intimate with their peers. This increased
vulnerability and intimacy requires greater trust among peers. Thus, during the adolescent
years, teen peer groups become increasingly important as teens experience more closeness in
these friendships and more gratifying relationships with their peers as a result. From a journal
article it is mentioned that “Since it is important for youth to "fit in" with their peer group they
may also decide to participate in the same hobbies or activities as their friends. This enables
them to spend more time together and to bond over shared experiences” referring to the
relationship of teens to peers, (Angela Oswalt Morelli, 2011).
Attention Seeking
Some behavioral problems seem to plague compulsive overeaters and substance
abusers more than other groups. Excess attention. Without getting and giving attention, you
could not have a social species. Getting attention is necessary for life’s vital enterprises and
can be the difference between life and death in a crisis. According to a study “Therefore not
getting adequate attention can threaten the quality and sustainability of life.” Referring to
attention seeking on choosing a strand (Bill Gordon Ph. D. 2014)
Chapter III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Method of Research
In this study, the researchers used a qualitative research method. A qualitative research
method is a type of social science research method that works with non-numerical data, it
seeks and enables the researchers to study and interpret social and cultural phenomena
through the study of targeted populations or places. Qualitative research involves observation
and immersion, interviews, open-ended questionnaire or surveys, analysis of visual and
textual materials, oral history and the researcher’s impression. Examples of qualitative
research are case study, action research, phenomenological research, content and discourse
theory and grounded theory.
Furthermore, the researchers also used descriptive research approach and
phenomenological research approach in this study. Descriptive research is a study designed to
portray the participant, event or situations in an accurate way. This type of research involves
data collection that will provide a description of individuals or groups and situations involved
in the research, it is used to describe variables rather than test the relationship between
variables. Phenomenology research focuses on events, occurrences and experiences in our
everyday lives. The goal of this method is to describe the experiences from a phenomenon.
Population, Sample Size and Sampling Technique

The sample for this study are five selected Senior High School students under Science,
Technology, Mathematics and Engineering strand from Polytechnic University of the
Philippines that chose their strand due to peer pressure. The researchers interviewed five
participants that are Grade 11 students under Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics strand of Senior High School from Polytechnic University of the Philippines that
chose their strand because of their peers.
For the purpose of this study a purposive sample was used by the researchers. A
purposive sample is a type of a non-probability sample that is selected based from the
population and objective of the study. The participants had the characteristics needed by the
researchers, the participants should be able to provide the researchers the information and
knowledge needed regarding the effects of peer pressure on choosing their specific Senior
High School strand.
Description of Respondents
The researchers conducted the study for the grade 11 STEM students of Polytechnic
University of the Philippines. This study only includes the students who took their strand
because of the pressure from their peers. The respondents were chosen because
We researchers believe that this will lead us to get the most accurate responds and
perspective from the respondent
Research Instrument
In this study, the researchers used interviews, voice recording, and note taking as there
research instruments. Using the interviews, the researchers conducted intensive individual
talks with a small number of respondents to explore their perspectives on a particular idea,
program or situation.
With the consent of the respondents, the researchers used voice recorder and took
down notes as their second research instrument wherein the answers of the selected
respondents are being recorded so the data collected will be accurate and precise.
Data Gathering Procedure

The researchers first looked for prospective respondents or participants for the study. Upon
finding five respondents the researchers made a request letter for the approval of conducting
an interview for their study. After given permission, the researchers conducted the interview
to gather data and information in according to the availability of the respondents. After
gathering data and information regarding their topic the researchers proceed to the analysis
and interpretation of the data.
Analysis of Data
The researchers used thematic analysis one of the most common forms of analysis in
qualitative research. It emphasizes pinpointing, examining, and recording patterns within
data. to analyze the informations and data gathered from the interview.
1. Attention related to peer pressure
All human requires attention. Attention seeking is not a flaw, it is the brain
wiring response o early developmental neglect. Generation of teenagers nowadays
are attention seekers, they usually found their needs in a friend or peer. Peer
pressure occurs when the one who needs attention is afraid that his/her friend will
left him.
2. Independency related to peer pressure
Peer pressure controlled the teenagers’ independency. Adolescents
tend to depend with their environment like their parents and peers. Peer
pressure happens most on the adolescent stage of an individual.
3. Distinct attitudes that attracts the students to their peer
Teenagers find their friends as the one who ultimately understand them.
Person who can understand the feeling of someone is one of the distinct
personalities that usually a teenager wants. Because of that personality, the
individual set in their minds that they should
4. Psychosocial effects of peer pressure

Psychosocial is the psychological and social effects of a phenomena to an
individual. Peer pressure both has a psychological and social effect on an adolescent’s
behavior.
5. Decision making related to peer pressure
Ones decision can be manipulated by the emotion that the individual is
experiencing. Because of the thought of neglecting, the teenagers usually pick
the majority decision his/her friends.

Chapter IV
PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The results shown below have been classified according to three general themes and
the subcategories that emerged during the data gathering phase of the study. Analysis is also
provided correspondingly.
THEME 1: Reasons why they got peer pressure
This theme tackles the reasons of the Grade 11 STEM students of Polytechnic
University of the Philippines, why they were engaged in peer pressure on choosing a strand. It
also about the attention they needed from their peers and the attitude of their peers that had
influenced them.
Some of the respondents claimed that they needed attention from their peers and
parents, that is why they gave in to peer pressure. However, some of the respondents also
claimed that it was this certain ‘attitude’ of their peers that gave in to into peer pressure, as
stated by Mr. Burger,
“Ah siguro po yung pagiging grade conscious po nila kasi parang dati hindi naman ako
grade conscious.”
Teenagers tends to copy, they can copy lots of things, attitudes and behavior that they
can see in their environment; peers, family and society. They often think that it is okay to
listen and copy their friends to get attention. They also think that those attitudes, they saw
from their peers are okay, even though it may not be always the case.
Seeking Attention
This sub theme is about seeking attention of the respondents from the peers and
Families that made them engaged in Peer pressure on choosing a strand. All human requires
attention. Attention seeking is not a flaw, it is the brain wiring response o early developmental
neglect. They usually found their needs in a friend or peer. According to Bill Gordon Ph. D. in
his study of attention seeking, “Not getting adequate attention can threaten the quality and
sustainability of life.”
Some of the respondents claimed that they were seeking attention from their peers and
families that is why they decided to take STEM. As stated by Mr. Spaghetti,
“Ah kasi sinabi ko po sa Father ko before na mag eengineering ako, pero di niya
naman po alam kung anong exact na Engineering, ehh gusto ko po is… computer engineer eh
sabi ng mother ko ituloy ko nalang daw po yung STEM”
The respondents may think that in order to get someone’s attention, students/teenagers
should please them by doing what they wanted, even though it’s hard for them.
Attitudes that influenced them
This sub-theme shows the distinct attitude that attracts the students to their peer. These
students find their friends as the one who ultimately understand them. This sub-theme
discusses about the peer’s attitude that makes the respondent do what their friends asked them
to.
All of the respondents claimed that there are some attitudes of their friends that
influenced their behaviors and choices; leading them to peer pressure. As said by Mr. Sushi,
“Nakakaenganyo po yung ano pag tatambay nila, kasi dati hindi naman ako
tumatambay, bahay school lang ako pero nung nakikita ko sila naeenganyo ako mag tambay
din kasama nila.”
Friends can be very influential. As stated by Mr. Sushi, he was envious of his friends
being while having fun. These influential doings or hobbies of friends can easily persuade
someone to do the same thing. They also said that they were pressured by the academic
standards of STEM.
THEME 2: The Effects of the Current Experiences
This theme includes the experiences that the Grade 11 STEM students of Polytechnic
University of the Philippines, after choosing their strand due to peer pressure. This theme
discusses the effects of choosing their current strand. Furthermore, this theme includes 5 sub-
themes: Behavior, Attitude of the respondents, Challenges, Independence and Decision
making.
All of the respondents claim that they experienced change in behavior or attitude,
along with challenges, independence, and decision making after choosing their current strand.
Mr. Burger stated that:
“Katulad nga ng sinabi ko ang laki ng nag bago sa akin, yung dating pagiging happy
go lucky, kampante ko, confident nag bago na.”
The attitude and behavior of a person do change when they choose the wrong strand.
As said by Mr. Burger; his past bright and positive attitude changed into a much more
negative one. In this, we can say that choosing the wrong strand might bring negative effects
due to the challenges and problems that a person faces.
Behavior
This sub-theme describes the behavior and behavioral changes that occurs after the
respondents chose their current strand due to peer pressure. These behaviors was caused by
choosing a strand due to peer pressure. As said by Mr. Burger,
“Yes, kasi yung dating ako na masaya, hindi naiistress nag bago na dahil pinipilit kong
mag cope-up sa strand.”
Changes occur in a student behavior because of the stress and loads that are caused by
school works. Choosing a strand you do not want might bring a lot of changes because it will
be harder for you to cope up in your current strand.
Attitude of the respondents
This sub-theme shows the attitude of the respondents on experiencing the stress and
loads of works in STEM. The individual set in their minds that they should accept and deal
with the things that the current strand asks them to.
All of the students claimed that they were changed because of the
circumstances that they are facing right now, their hobbies and personality, as said by Mr.
Fries
“Natutunan ko yung criticial thinking and nakakatulong siya and nag papalakas ng
loob ko to overcome the pressure”
The results of the pressure, is part negative and part positive. Positive, for it makes the
respondent stronger and enhanced their critical thinking and over-coming the pressure. It is
somewhat negative, for the respondents are doing all these things, because they need to not
because they want to.
Challenges
This sub-theme tackles the challenge of the Grade 11STEM students of Polytechnic
University, after experiencing peer pressure on choosing a strand. The challenges that they are
facing now are the effects of peer pressure.
All of the respondent claimed that they are experiencing changes on their current
strand, that are hard to face or overcome, as stated by Mr. Fries
“I feel pressured talaga kasi sabay-sabay yung trabaho”

The respondents may not realize that there are some challenges that they are facing are
caused by their peers. Teenagers may not realize if they are doing the right actions before the
consequences occur.
Decision Making
In this sub-theme, the participants were influenced to do such decisions and it affected
their own decision making. The respondents may encounter many difficulties in the strand that
they have taken.
Some of the respondents, their parents were the ones who chose a decision for them
and eventually it affects the identity of a person and also deprived the freedom to choose for
their own. As stated by Mr. Spaghetti,
“Yung sa decision making halimbawa yung sa parents po nila yung minsan nag
dedecide para sa akin, so ayong decision kop o parang hindi galing sa akin so parang hindi po
ako, parang naapektuhan yung personal identity ko as a person.”
Family or friends, has a big impact to a person to decide into doing something. Also,
they can easily persuade someone to choose the decisions that they did not make and that
wouldaffects the identity of the person.
THEME 3: Coping up with the strand
Theme 3 discusses how the peer pressured students cope up with their situations. This
theme has 1 subtheme entitled acceptance and self-reliance. This include the things the
respondents did to give solution to the effects of choosing the strand that they do not really
want.
From the data gathered, all of the respondents claimed that they already coped up with
their situation. As Mr. Burger said,
"Sumasali ako dun sa mga kaibigan ko na pumupunta sa library para mag-aral, minsan
video lecture site sa youtube"
Friends can also be a big help to a student who is having a hard time on studying
especially in academics. It may be a big help to focus on coping on their current situation.
Acceptance and Self Reliance
This sub-theme discusses about the Acceptance of the students on their currents strand,
it also tackles about the Self-reliance or Independency of the following respondents on their
current situations.
All of the respondents claimed that they already accepted their current strand and
became self-reliant in a way to cope up in their strands. As said by Mr. Spaghetti,
“Mapapamahal ka na din sa ginagawa mo, at matutunan mo din naman iembrace tong

strand na to eh”
The respondents may regret lots of things before; for being engaged in Peer pressure
and dealing with the stress that their strand offers, but it taught them to be more self-reliant. In
this sub-theme despite the hindrances, accepting is the right thing to do, embrace it and love it.
Furthermore, the other respondents also share their current problems on the said strand such
as: coping up with their strand by accepting the situations that they are faced.
Chapter V
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
This study aims to evaluate the how peer pressure on choosing a strand affects the
Grade 11 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students of
Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Sta. Mesa, Manila. Particularly it sought answers
to illustrate the experiences of the respondents concerning their experiences.
In this study, the researchers used a qualitative research method, the researchers also
used descriptive research approach and phenomenological research approach in this study.
Furthermore the sample for this study are five selected Senior High School students under
Science, Technology, Mathematics and Engineering strand from Polytechnic University of
the Philippines that chose their strand due to peer pressure. The researchers used interviews,
voice recording, and note taking as there research instruments. Using the interviews, the
researchers conducted intensive individual talks with a small number of respondents to
explore their perspectives on a particular idea, program or situation. And lastly thematic
analysis was used to analyze the data gathered from the respondents.
The data gathered in this study shows that teenagers tends to copy a lot of things,
behaviors and attitudes that they can see in their environment. Furthermore, it also shows that
some teenagers are still oblivious whether the behaviors and decisions that they copy from
their peers are right or wrong. Teenager also seeks attention from their peers and in order to
get their attention and to please them they do the same thing their peers do. Peers also
possess certain attitudes and behaviors that can easily persuade a teenager to do the same
thing. In accordance to the study of Aldenese (2010) where he stated that one of your friends
may influence you in different things like music, books, behavior and etc. Peers can also
influence you on your decision making.
The attitude and behavior of a person most specifically a student change when they
choose the wrong strand. Choosing a wrong strand or path might bring negative effects due
to the challenges and problems that a person faces. Furthermore, the results of peer pressure
have both a positive and a negative side, positive for it makes a person stronger and enhance
their critical thinking and overcoming the pressure they are on, negative because they do
these thing because they need to and not because they want to. Justifying the study conducted
by Hullsart of Mccarthy (2009) that stated that influence can be both positive and negative,
teenagers in this generation tends to explore many things to satisfy their curiosity. Just as
parents influence their child, peers can also influence a person on choosing their career path.
This study shows that the respondents may regret lots of things before; for being
engaged in peer pressure and dealing with stress that their strand offers but it taught them to
be more self-reliant. It also shows that friends can also be a big help to a student who is
having a hard time on especially in academics. In contrary to the study by Ressurreccion
(2012) that states that the culture of Filipino students in academe is depending their work in
others or even their decision, because of that most of the students tends to commit cheating
and their academic performances will be affected.

Conclusions
The researchers concluded that students most especially those in their adolescence
stage experience peer pressure because of the need for attention from their peers and parents
also there are certain attitudes and behaviors possessed by their peers that affects their
decision making. Hence, the reasons why students experience peer pressure is for attention
and influences by their peers. Students who got peer pressured in choosing their strand now
experiences behavioral and attitude changes, challenges, independence and decision making.
This study shows that students who experience peer pressure on choosing their respective
strand cope up with their situation by accepting their situation, getting help from people
around them and being independent and self-reliant. It showed that students have different
ways to cope up with their strand. This study draws a conclusion on the effects perceived by
the students after taking their current strand. These effects includes changes in behavior and
attitude, being more independent and self-reliant and challenges they are currently
experiencing. In accordance to Erikson’s Theory on Social Development where he stated that
peer pressure is needed for a person to develop, learn and grow; peer pressure can have both
a negative and a positive effect. It is with peer pressure that people form and develop their
individuality, peer pressure often starts at the adolescent stage of an individual.
Recommendations
To the school officials, the researchers recommend to have a much profound and
planned seminars and program that will give more informations and knowledge to the
incoming Senior High School students so that they will be able to choose their strand
according to their will and choice.
And lastly to the students and their parents, the researchers recommend that students
should think carefully before making a decision and they must be well informed of the strand
that they are going to take up. For the parents, the researchers recommend to guide theirss
children properly on making decision for them not to be confused.
For the future researchers, the researchers of this study recommend to expand the
scope of your future study. Include other strands or courses in your study to gather more
information of the topic peer pressure on choosing a career or path.

REFERENCES/WORK CITED
Appendix 1
SAMPLE QUESTIONNAIRE
Appendix 2
LIST OF INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Appendix 3
REQUEST AND APPROVAL TO CONDUCT STUDY
Appendix 4
SPSS OUTPUT
Appendix 5
CERTIFICATE OF STATISTICIAN
Appendix 6
CERTIFICATE OF EDITING
Appendix 7
CURRICULUM VITAE

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A Qualitative Research about Peer Pressure on Choosing a Strand

in Senior High School in Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Acoba, Ma. Robelyn

Philippine Copyright 2018

A Qualitative Research about Peer Pressure on Choosing a Strand

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the

Title : A Qualitative Research about Peer Pressure on Choosing

Researcher : Acoba, Ma. Robelyn

Degree : Senior High School

Institution : Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Adviser : Krisette Romero

This study aimed to determine the effects of peer pressure on choosing a

CERTIFICATION AND APPROVAL SHEET…………………………………. ii

LIST OF TABLES..………………………………………………………………. xiii

LIST OF FIGURES...……………………………………………………………. xiv

Chapter 1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Chapter 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Chapter 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Chapter 4 PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

Demographic Profile of Respondents…………………………... 54

Chapter 5 SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Appendix 1 Sample Questionnaire…………………………… 81

Number Title Page

Number Title Page

Background of the Study

According to Erikson’s Theory on Social Development peer pressure is needed for a

Statement of the Problem

Scope and Limitation of the Study

Significance of the Study

The impact of Faculty, Peers and Integrity

The effects of Peer on Adolescence Delinquent Behavior

Peer pressure in Social life

Peer Pressure May Change Students' Brains

Teens and Peer Relationships

Population, Sample Size and Sampling Technique

Data Gathering Procedure

qualitative research. It emphasizes pinpointing, examining, and recording patterns within

1. Attention related to peer pressure

wiring response o early developmental neglect. Generation of teenagers nowadays

2. Independency related to peer pressure

Peer pressure controlled the teenagers’ independency. Adolescents

pressure happens most on the adolescent stage of an individual.

3. Distinct attitudes that attracts the students to their peer

personalities that usually a teenager wants. Because of that personality, the

individual set in their minds that they should

4. Psychosocial effects of peer pressure

Psychosocial is the psychological and social effects of a phenomena to an

5. Decision making related to peer pressure

Ones decision can be manipulated by the emotion that the individual is

experiencing. Because of the thought of neglecting, the teenagers usually pick

the majority decision his/her friends.

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

THEME 1: Reasons why they got peer pressure

Attitudes that influenced them

THEME 2: The Effects of the Current Experiences

Attitude of the respondents

“I feel pressured talaga kasi sabay-sabay yung trabaho”