the Abba’s Orchard

a Maria Montessori School

SENIOR HIGH ADOLESCENT PROGRAM
Research 2 – Quantitative Research

The Difference Between the

English Proficiency Test
Scores of K-Pop Fans and
Non K-Pop Fans
a Research Paper

Submitted by

Danica Jane Lu

Submitted to

Ms. Rica Ehlaine Cañeta

1
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We would like to express our special appreciation to my research adviser, Ms. Rica

Ehlaine Cañeta and my tutor, Ms. Juliena Diaz, for their guidance throughout the entire research

process.

I take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all the respondents for their help and

support.

I would also love to extend our heartfelt thanks to my parents for the unceasing

encouragement, support and attention and also for their never-ending love and care. Words

cannot express how grateful I am to my parents and my family for all of their sacrifices that they

have made on my behalf. I hope I made them proud. Without them I am not sure if I could make

it through my high school years. Thank you!

Above all, I would like to thank our Almighty Father for making this research possible.

Without His presence, I would not be able to make this research. He gave me an endless strength,

knowledge and wisdom. He is our great provider. Thank you very much.

And to all those people whom we forgot to mention, we thank you all.

The Researchers

2
 May 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE 1

ACKNOWLEDGMENT 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3

TABLES 5

FIGURES 6

ABSTRACT 7

Chapter I INTRODUCTION 8

The Problem and Its Background 8

Theoretical Framework 11

Statement of the Problem 13

Objectives of the Study 13

Research Hypothesis 13

Significance of the Study 13

Scope and Limitations 14

Definition of Terms 14

Chapter II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES 16

K-Pop 16

K-Pop Popularity 17

English Proficiency in the Philippines 18

K-Pop and English Proficiency Test Scores 19

Overall Summary of the Reviews and Related Literature 19

Chapter III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 20

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 Research Design 20

Research Environment 20

Respondents 21

Instruments 21

Data Gathering Procedure 22

Statistical Treatmentof Data 22

Ethical Considerations 23

Benefits 23

Risks 24

Confidentiality Pledge 24

Chapter IV PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF

DATA 25

Demographic Profile: Age 25

Demographic Profile: Sex 26

Duration 26

English Proficiency Test Scores 27

Chapter V SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND

RECOMMENDATIONS 28

Summary of Findings 28

Conclusion 29

Recommendations 29

REFERENCES 32

APPENDICES 36

4
 TABLES

Table No. Title Page

1 The Respondents’ Age 25

2 The Respondents’ Sex 26

3 The Respondents’ Duration as a K-Pop Fan 26

4 The Significant Difference of the English Proficiency test scores of K- 27

Pop fans and non K-Pop fans

5
 FIGURES

Figure No. Title Page

1 Schematic Diagram of the Theoretical Framework 12

6
 Abstract

This descriptive-comparative study identified the significant difference between the

English proficiency test scores of K-Pop fans and non K-Pop fans. The researcher employs a

descriptive-comparative design which involves two variables and establishes a formal procedure

to compare and conclude that one is better than the other if a significant difference exists through

using survey questionnaires and a modified test questionnaire for the respondents examination.

With the collected data, the researcher was able to find a significant difference between the

English proficiency test scores of K-Pop fans and non K-Pop fans. Based on the results, the

English proficiency test scores of K-Pop fans is higher than the non K-Pop fans. Thus, K-Pop has

an effect on the English proficiency test scores of Filipino students by improving their English

proficiency. To improve students’ English proficiency, the researcher recommends that K-Pop

can be incorporated in the English subject. For example, in designing a lesson for English

subjects, teachers should put into consideration that students would learn best if they make use of

the English translation of the K-Pop songs as an example so that the students will be more active

in participating class and interested in learning the subject.

Keywords: K-Pop, K-Pop fans, non K-pop fans, English proficiency

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 Chapter I

Introduction

The Problem and Its Background

With more than 350 million people around the world who speak English as a first

language and more than 430 million speaking it as a second language, English is considered a

global language or a lingua franca (Wil, English as a global language, ND). English cannot be

neglected since it is not only the universal mode of communication, but also the international

language of business making it essential (Wil, English as a global language, ND) (Torres, n.d.).

English is prevalent to most countries as well (Wil, English as a global language, ND).

Spoken by more than 14 million Filipinos, the Philippines is globally recognized as one of the

largest English-speaking nations (Cabigon, 2015). Proficiency in the language is also one of the

country’s strengths that has helped drive the economy and even made the Philippines the top

voice outsourcing destination in the world, surpassing India in 2012 (Cabigon, 2015). In an

English proficiency test conducted by TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) in 2010,

the Philippines scored 88 and ranked 35th out of 163 countries worldwide (The Philippines Is

Among The Top Asian Countries For English Language Proficiency, 2015) . It reflects that the

Philippines aptitude in speaking English is one of the best in Asia (The Philippines Is Among The

Top Asian Countries For English Language Proficiency, 2015). Moreover, Filipinos learn English

in school with a curriculum that is highly applicable to their daily lives and they are constantly

exposed and experienced in using the language (The Philippines Is Among The Top Asian

Countries For English Language Proficiency, 2015).

In the course of history, the Philippines has been influenced by many countries which

brought changes to its culture, tradition and most importantly, language (Stevens, 1999). Among

8
these countries include China, Japan, Spain, and U.S.A. Before the Spaniards came to the

Philippines, there were foreign trades with Japan, China, Borneo, Sumatra, Thailand, Cambodia,

and other islands near the Philippines (Stevens, 1999). The Filipino language was heavily

influenced by the Chinese at this time, and probably by many of the other languages to which

they were exposed as well (Stevens, 1999). During the period of the Spanish rule, it brought

many borrowed words into the Tagalog language from Spanish (Stevens, 1999). Some of these

included the adoption of the Spanish number system in many settings, especially when dealing

with money, and adoption of Spanish household and religious words (Stevens, 1999). Some

examples of borrowed words are the Spanish words for fork, spoon, knife, table, God, Holy

Spirit, Jesus Christ, and blessing (Stevens, 1999). When the Americans came, they made English

as the official language of the Philippines (Stevens, 1999). English began to be taught in the

schools to all (Stevens, 1999). For a time, Spanish was still used in many areas, but in time more

and more of the people learned English (Stevens, 1999). During World War II, Japan occupied

the Philippines for three years but English was still the official language of the Philippines,

however, Japanese certainly influenced the various dialects too (Stevens, 1999). Even though

English is no longer the official language of the Philippines, it continues to be taught today along

with Tagalog (Stevens, 1999). Several English words have also found their way into Tagalog and

other Filipino dialects, and are simply conjugated and adjusted to fit the conventions of the

languages into which they are adapted (Stevens, 1999). Some examples are the English word

"transfer" which is used in some languages to mean "move" (as in "magtransfer kami sa

Maynila"–"we are moving to Manila") and the English "adjust" which is used with the same

meaning (as in "maaram ko mag-adjust"–"I know how to adjust") (Stevens, 1999).

In recent years, South Korea is one of the countries that affected the Filipino language

and culture (Baniqued, 2017) . Despite the cultural barrier between South Korea and the

Philippines, the cultural

9
wave known as hallyu reached the shores of the Philippines (Cruz, REASON BEHIND THE

RISING POPULARITY OF K-POP IN THE PHILIPPINES, ND). It is a present-day name which

means Korean Wave and describes both the flow and

the popularity of Korean popular cultural products, especially media contents, in other Asian

countries and beyond, as well as exported Korean popular cultural products (Cruz, REASON

BEHIND THE RISING POPULARITY OF K-POP IN THE PHILIPPINES, ND). In the

Philippines, one part of the Korean culture reaching out and making a connection with the people

of the Philippines started off from having Korean dramas being shown in local television dubbed

from its original Korean language to the local Filipino language (Cruz, REASON BEHIND THE

RISING POPULARITY OF K-POP IN THE PHILIPPINES, ND). Another powerful facilitator of

the hallyu in particular is K-pop (or Korean-Popular) music and dance (Cruz, REASON BEHIND

THE RISING POPULARITY OF K-POP IN THE PHILIPPINES, ND) . According to the study

of Touhami and Al-Abed Al-Haq, Hallyu which K-Pop is a part of that is being idolized by

Algerians, has affected the way the fans communicate with each other and affected their linguistic

attitude. (Touhami & Al-Abed Al-Haq, The Influence of the Korean Wave on the Language of

International Fans: Case Study of Algerian Fans, 2017). The rapid spread of K-Pop in the

Philippines has made a great impact on the Filipinos especially students in schools and has been

accepted because of the globalization through the use of internet and has various effects to

students nowadays (Agatep, 2014).

Being highly interested in K-Pop or being a K-Pop fan might affect the English

proficiency of a person since they can develop their own specific language that people might not

understand. In one case study about the influence of Korean Wave on the language of

international fans, specifically Algerian xfans, concluded that Hallyu influenced the linguistic

attitude of fans in Algeria, the fans would use Korean words in their speech and English words

that are specifically related to K-Pop and K-Drama (Touhami & Al-Abed Al-Haq, The Influence

10
of the Korean Wave on the Language of International Fans: Case Study of Algerian Fans, 2017).

With this as basis, the researcher aims to explore the effect of K-Pop on the English proficiency

test scores of Filipino students. Furthermore, using descriptive-comparative method, this research

seeks to compare the English proficiency test scores of the Filipino students from age 12 to 24

years old in the Philippines who are K-Pop fans and non-K-Pop fans.

Theoretical Framework

K-Pop caused a big influence worldwide from their popular K-dramas to their catchy and

calculating strain of Korean popular music that manages to simultaneously sound like just about

every contemporary musical genre (David, 2019). In this generation, it became very well-known

because of the advancement of technology. Once a person is influenced, some changes occur such

as their habits, attitudes, cultural knowledge, and the way they communicate (David, 2019).

This study is anchored to the theory of Albert Bandura (1977) which is Social Learning

Theory. According to this theory, people learn from one another, via observation, imitation, and

modelling. The theory has often been called a bridge between behaviourist and cognitive learning

theories because it encompasses attention, memory, and motivation (David, 2019).

For an instance, seeing their K-Pop idols in social media can influence the fan to imitate

the style of K-Pop artist and like to eat Korean-style food (Diana, 2016) . Just like in

Mission.org, if such an honoured man wore a handkerchief as a decorative accessory, the rest of

the group would consider it to be trendy and an absolute must for them to wear too (Yarbrough,

2017). The more the person is exposed to their culture, the more they tend to copy the same habit.

Bandura believed in “reciprocal determinism”, that is, the world and a person’s behavior cause

each other, while behaviorism essentially states that one’s environment causes one’s behavior,

Bandura, who was studying adolescent aggression, found this too simplistic, and so in addition he

suggested that behavior causes environment as well.(David, 2019) Later, Bandura soon

11
considered personality as an interaction between three components: the environment, behavior,

and one’s psychological processes (one’s ability to entertain images in minds and

language)(David, 2019).

In this study, the subjects may have been highly influenced by their surroundings that is

why the researchers based on Bandura’s theory (David, 2019). He mentioned that people learn

through observing others’ behavior, attitudes, and outcomes of those behaviors, “Most human

behavior is learned observationally through modeling: from observing others, one forms an idea

of how new behaviors are performed, and on later occasions this coded information serves as a

guide for action” (David, 2019). Social learning theory explains human behavior in terms of

continuous reciprocal interaction between cognitive, behavioral, and environmental influences

(David, 2019). Using this theory, by the end of the study, the researcher aims to come up with an

intervention that would help improve student’s English Proficiency through incorporating K-Pop

in the English Subject.

Conceptual Framework

12
 Figure 1.0 Schematic Diagram of the Theoretical Framework

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to investigate the effect of K-Pop in English proficiency of students by

comparing English proficiency test scores of the K-Pop fanatic students from the non-K-Pop

fanatic students in the Philippines.

Objectives of the Study

Specifically, this study sought to answer the following questions:

1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of:

1.1 Age

1.2 Sex

2. For how long has the respondents been a fan of K-Pop?

3. Is there a significant difference between the English proficiency test scores of K-Pop fans

and non K-Pop fans?

4. Based on the findings of the research, what intervention can be made to improve the

English proficiency test scores of the students?

Research Hypothesis

There is no significant difference between the English proficiency test scores of K-Pop

fans and non K-Pop fans.

Significance of the Study

The findings of the study are beneficial to the following:

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It can benefit the K-Pop fans because it can make them aware if being part of the K-Pop fandom

is beneficial or detrimental for them in terms of their English proficiency.

It can also benefit to the parents because it can raise awareness to the effects of K-Pop to their

children’s English proficiency.

The community is benefitted to this study because it raises awareness about the effects of K-Pop

to their English proficiency. It can help them decide if they should join the fandom or not.

Department of Education is also benefitted to this study because they will be aware if K-Pop is

beneficial or detrimental to the English proficiency of the students.

The researcher will benefit from the study since she is also a K-Pop fan. This study can give the

researcher a realization or an awareness of the benefits and detriments of being part of the K-Pop

fandom.

The future researchers will benefit with this study as future reference.

Scope and Limitations

This study will only cover 50 purposely selected non K-Pop fans and 50 purposely

selected K-Pop fans who are students from age 12 to 24. K-Pop fans are the students who love to

listen to Korean pop music and idolize K-Pop celebrities. The respondents could be coming from

different gender. Since the sampling method used in this research will be purposive sampling,

there will be no specific location to conduct the survey.

Definition of Terms

14
For better and clearer understanding of the study, some of the terms were technically and

operationally defined based on the study.

English Proficiency - a student’s skill or ability to use English to communicate verbally and in

writing during their program of study

K-Pop – a short term for Korean pop (popular) music.

K-Pop fan – a person who loves Korean pop (K-Pop)

K-Dramas - televised dramas in Korean language that are made in South Korea, mostly in a

miniseries format, with distinctive features that makes it different from regular Western television

series or soap operas

Hallyu - a present-day name, meaning Korean Wave, it describes both the flow and

the popularity of Korean popular cultural products, especially media contents, in other Asian

countries and beyond, as well as exported Korean popular cultural products themselves

K-Pop Idol – a celebrity in Korea who trains for years and successfully debuts as a soloist or in

a group.

Social Learning Theory – a theory by Albert Bandura explaining that people learn from one

another, via observation, imitation, and modelling.

Reciprocal Determinism - a model composed of three factors that influence behaviour: the

environment, the individual, and the behaviour itself

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 Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Introduced in this phase are the synthesis of research that support the evaluation of the

difference between the English Proficiency Test Scores of K-Pop fans and Non K-Pop fans.

Included in this chapter are the related literature, related studies and overall summary of the

review.

K-Pop

K-Pop is a musical genre originating in South Korea, characterized by a wide variety of

audiovisual elements (Definitions for k-pop, ND). The modern form of K-Pop is traced back to

the early 90s, but the term itself has been popularized since the 2000s, replacing the term Gayo ,

referring to domestic pop music in South Korea (Central Research Institute of Korean Studies,

n.d.). Basically, it means “popular music” within South Korea. The term is often used in a

narrower sense to describe a modern form of South Korean pop that is influenced by styles and

genres from around the world (Central Research Institute of Korean Studies, n.d.).

Based on the case study conducted by Susada (n.d), K-Pop is beneficial because it can

inspire the person or a fan to learn how to sing and dance, which is good for the health (Susada,

n.d.). He also noted that it makes the person interested to learn the language, Korean.

Additionally, it helps Asian countries like the Philippines to stop fantasizing to become Western

and help support the Asian countries to embrace their Asian identity (Susada, n.d.). Another

benefit that a person can get from idolizing K-Pop is that it has been shown to reduce depression,

anxiety, stress, boost self-esteem, body image, coping ability, and overall sense of well-being

(Nutty Nomads, 2016). Furthermore, it helps the person learning the Korean language have a

16
better chance at retaining the language if they sang it rather than studying it (Nutty Nomads,

2016). Aside from that, K-Pop can raise culture awareness to people which can make them a

well-rounded person (Nutty Nomads, 2016). Lastly, in a K-Pop fan’s perspective, they can meet

new friends with the same interests, which is K-Pop, through concerts and conventions that brings

K-Pop fans together to enjoy and listen to the music they enjoy (Advantages and Disadcantages

about being a K-Pop Fan!!, 2016).

On the contrary, appreciating K-Pop too much can result to obsession which can lead to

its downside (Susada, n.d.). A person can experience being discriminated because people do not

have the interest to like K-Pop and at the same time losing friends for the same reason (Susada,

n.d.). In a similar study, Anasarias (n.d.) mentioned that being obsessed with K-Pop can affect

many things in a person’s life or lifestyle through influence, for instance, it can distract a student

from his/her studies or the students spends too much time watching music videos or searching

information about K-Pop idols resulting to lack of sleep, staying up late and sometimes skipping

meals (Anasarias, n.d.). Or worst, they can suffer from physical, mental and psychological

problems because of heavy K-Pop addiction as being highlighted by Anasarias (n.d.) in her case

study.

K-Pop Popularity

K-Pop has become a truly global phenomenon because of its distinctive blend of

addictive melodies, slick choreography and production values, and an endless parade of attractive

South Korean performers who spend years in grueling studio systems learning to sing and dance

in synchronized perfection (Romano, 2018).

Way back in 2007, K-Pop was not that popular (Morgan, 2017). It went on a meteoric

rise from 2008–2012, doubling in size every year, as a new wave of groups were able to

successfully capture audiences in many countries (Morgan, 2017). Kpop then more or less

17
plateaued from 2013–2014 as the groups that drove the initial wave of expansion began to

mature. Many fans at the time thought it had peaked, but it is since returned to a steady upwards

trajectory. A new generation of groups (led by groups such as BTS, EXO, Twice, and Blackpink)

have come along that have been able to build on the foundation laid down by the last generation

(Morgan, 2017). According to Singh, 2016, K-Pop is very popular in the Philippines. Mostly

students are big fans of K-Pop idols like BTS and EXO (Singh, 2016). A similar study concluded

that Filipino teenage fans are very active consumers of Korean popular music and videos and are

highly exposed to K-Pop (Alanzalon, 2011). The study mentioned that most of the fans were

females as proven by the gender ratio of the survey conducted both online and offline (Alanzalon,

2011).

English Proficiency in the Philippines

The Philippines is globally known as one of the largest English-speaking nations and

proficiency in the language is one of its strengths (Cabigon, 2015). In fact, an English proficiency

test conducted by TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) in 2010, the Philippines

ranked 35th out of 163 countries worldwide (The Philippines Is Among The Top Asian Countries

For English Language Proficiency, 2015) . It reflects that the Philippines English proficiency is

one of the best in Asia (The Philippines Is Among The Top Asian Countries For English

Language Proficiency, 2015). Moreover, Filipinos learn English in school with a curriculum that

is highly applicable to their daily lives and they are constantly exposed and experienced in using

the language (The Philippines Is Among The Top Asian Countries For English Language

Proficiency, 2015).

18
K-Pop and English Proficiency Test Scores

Despite the cultural barrier between South Korea and the Philippines, the cultural wave

known as Hallyu reached the shores of the Philippines (Cruz, REASON BEHIND THE RISING

POPULARITY OF K-POP IN THE PHILIPPINES, n.d.). In the Philippines one of the powerful

facilitator of the Hallyu in particular is K-pop (or Korean-Popular) music and dance (Cruz,

REASON BEHIND THE RISING POPULARITY OF K-POP IN THE PHILIPPINES, n.d.). In a

study of Alanzalon (n.d.), despite the language barrier in almost all K-Pop content such as songs,

videos, and clips, most of their survey respondents disregarded the barrier and channeled their

appreciation on other aspects of K-Pop (such as music quality, artists’ talents, etc.) (Alanzalon,

2011). According to the study of Touhami and Al-Abed Al-Haq, Hallyu which K-Pop is a part of

that is being idolized by Algerians, has affected the way the fans communicate with each other

and influenced their linguistic attitude wherein the fans would use Korean words in their speech

and English words that are specifically related to K-Pop and K-Drama (Touhami & Al-Abed Al-

Haq, The Influence of the Korean Wave on the Language of International Fans: Case Study of

Algerian Fans, 2017).

Overall Summary of the Reviews and Related Literature

Some of the related literature and the related studies might be proven similar to the

researcher’s study. They are similar in a way that they aim to find the effect of K-Pop to the fans

lifestyle. The studies and articles mentioned above support the information that being a K-Pop fan

has chances of affecting their English proficiency test scores and if it has a significant difference

between the English Proficiency test scores of K-Pop fans and Non K-Pop fans.

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 CHAPTER III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter of the study presents the research design, environment, respondents,

instruments, data gathering procedure, the statistical treatment, and the ethical consideration to

describe whether K-Pop is an advantage or a disadvantage to the English proficiency of students

in the Philippines specifically in Cebu. Essentially the study aims to compare the English

proficiency test scores of the students who are K-pop fans and non K-pop fans by providing a

questionnaire and survey.

Research Design

The research design employs a descriptive-comparative study which involves two

variables and establishes a formal procedure to compare and conclude that one is better than the

other if a significant difference exists (Villanueva, 2013).

This design is appropriate because by examining, describing, and comparing with the use

of surveys, the researcher will be able to find the difference between the English proficiency test

scores of K-Pop fans and non K-Pop fans.

Research Environment

There will be no specific location to conduct the survey. For face-to-face survey, the

location will be decided between the researcher and the respondents based on their convenience.

On the other hand, the researcher will also conduct online survey by sending the questionnaire to

the respondents through e-mail or Messenger; however, given the condition that they will finish it

within the time allotment of twenty minutes.

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Respondents

The respondents of the study will be 100 students that are purposely selected. The

researcher will gather 50 students who are K-Pop fans and 50 students who are non K-Pop fans.

The researcher will make sure that the respondents are from ages of 12 to 24 years old. The

researcher will use a survey questionnaire to identify if the respondents are considered as K-Pop

fans.

Janeal Renae (2019) stated in Quora that, “If someone says they love K-Pop, they

typically mean they listen to three or more groups”. Thus the researcher can say a respondent can

be considered K-Pop fan if and only if he or she loves to listen to Korean pop music and idolize

K-Pop idols. On the other hand, a non K-Pop fan does not love to listen to K-Pop music and does

not idolize K-Pop idols.

The respondents are free to withdraw on the said study if they wish to anytime in order to

maintain the quality of fairness. Thus, they have to participate voluntarily; no respondents will be

forced to participate in the survey.

Instruments

The researcher will use a survey questionnaire and a modified test questionnaire for the

respondents’ examination, validated by the researcher’s research teacher and an English subject

teacher, from the website Transparent.com which is a tool that provides an English proficiency

test (Transparent Language, n.d.). A multiple checklist will be used as a survey and a 20-item

multiple choice type test for the examination will be administered to all respondents wherein it

contains the demographic profile of the respondents specifically the age, gender and for how long

the respondent have been a K-Pop fan.

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Data Gathering Procedure

In the data gathering process, the researcher will inform the dean or principal of certain

schools by sending a transmittal letter to conduct the survey on their students. The researcher will

conduct a survey and will administer an examination to 100 respondents who will be purposely

selected. Furthermore, the researcher will also inform the respondents of the data gathering

process by giving them the certificate of confidentiality and letting each of them sign the

informed consent form.

In addition, the researcher will prepare a 20-item multiple choice tests to measure the

English proficiency of the students. The researcher will choose 100 students from different

schools. The research survey and examination will be conducted during the free time of the

students to find out if there is a significant difference between the English proficiency of students

who are K-Pop fans and non K-Pop fans. The results will be synthesized and segregated properly.

Statistical Treatment of Data

After the thorough gathering process, the researcher will use the following statistical

treatments in order to provide the most accurate results.

The frequency and percentage will be used in analysing the demographic profile of the

respondents such as age, gender, and how long the respondents have been a K-Pop fan.

The frequency of correct responses will be used in analysing the test results of the

students in the given examination for English proficiency test.

Minitab version 13.20 will be utilized in the computation process of the Z-test for

independent samples to evaluate the difference on the English proficiency of the students who are

considered K-Pop fans and non K-Pop fans.

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Ethical Considerations

A. Risks and Assessment

To ensure that the study will be conducted as thoroughly and ethically as possible, the

following ethical guidelines will be put into consideration for the entire research period.

According to Polit and Beck (2008), the risk-to-benefit ratio should be considered in terms of

whether the risks to participants are commensurate with the benefit to society in terms of the

quality of evidence produced (Denise F. Polit and Cheryl Beck, 2010). The general guideline is

that the degree of risk to be taken by participants should never exceed the potential humanitarian

benefits of the knowledge to be gained (Denise F. Polit and Cheryl Beck, 2010).

Polit and Beck said all research involves some risks but in many cases, the risk is

minimal. Minimal risk is defined as a risk expected to be no greater than those ordinarily

encountered in daily life or during routine physical or psychological tests or procedures (Denise

F. Polit and Cheryl Beck, 2010). When the risks are major, the researcher must proceed with

caution, doing what is possible to reduce risks and maximize benefits (Denise F. Polit and Cheryl

Beck, 2010).

Benefits

The students will benefit from the study for they will be aware if being part of the K-Pop

fandom is an advantage or a disadvantage for them in terms of English proficiency. Parents will

be able to know the knowledge of their child in English proficiency and they will be able to guide

their child properly. Moreover, the community will also benefit from the study in such a way that

it would be easy for them to make a decision to join the K-Pop fandom or not. Furthermore, the

23
researcher will also benefit from the study not only because the researcher is a K-Pop fan but

because it will help her realize the effects of being part of the fandom to her life. K-Pop fans must

learn to manage their personal life and their fandom life in order for both lives to not contradict

with each other.

Risks

There is an identified minor risk that is foreseen in the conduct of the study especially

during the survey and examination of the respondents. The respondents will lose a maximum of

twenty minutes of their time and will not be able to have their vacant time. Whenever they feel

awkward in answering some queries, they will not be forced to answer the question. The

researcher will make sure that the respondents will not be harmed in any form.

Confidentiality Pledge

The researcher will inform the respondents that the data gathered will be kept

confidential. Their responses to the survey and examination will be stated as anonymous. Efforts

will be made by the researcher to preserve their confidentiality including assigning code names or

numbers for respondents which were used on all research notes and documents; and shredding of

notes, survey results and any identification respondents’ information will then follow.

24
 Chapter IV

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This chapter presents the evidence collected concerning the respondents of the

study. Analysis is a process of finding out the result while interpretation is giving of explanations

and implications that were derived from the data gathered. The purpose of this chapter is to

answer the sub-problems mentioned in the first chapter. Data were presented in accordance with

the appearance in the questionnaire. Specific care was exercised to avoid mixing of information

and the researchers validated all the significant information entered on the table making sure that

they were reliable.

Demographic Profile: Age

Table 1

The Respondent’s Age

K-Pop Fans Non K-Pop Fans

Age(in Frequency Percentage Age Frequency Percentage
years)
12-15 9 18% 12-15 12 24%
16-18 24 48% 16-18 17 34%
19-21 17 34% 19-21 14 28%
22-24 0 0% 22-24 7 14%
Total 50 100% Total 50 100%

This table shows the demographic profile of the study. In the K-Pop fans, most of the

respondents are of age 16 to 18 years old with a percentage of 48% in the sample while there are

no respondents with age 22 to 24 years old. On the other hand, the non K-Pop fans, most of the

respondents are also age 16 to 18 years old with a percentage of 34% while only 7 out of 50

respondents are age 22 to 24 years old. This means that majority of the respondents are high

school students. According to Villarmin, the majority of K-Pop fans are teenagers because they

like the cuteness of what is portrayed in K-pop songs, the dance and the new beat (Villarmin,

25
2018). These groups of people are easily influenced by the peers, perhaps peer-pressure

(Villarmin, 2018).

Demographic Profile: Sex

The table below shows the demographic profile of the study based on gender. In the K-

Pop fans most of the respondents are females with a percentage of 92% while there are only four

male respondents with a percentage of 8%. For the non K-Pop fans, there are an equal number of

male and female respondents. This implies that most K-Pop fans are females. In a similar study, it

mentioned that most of the fans were females as proven by the gender ratio of the survey

conducted both online and offline (Alanzalon, 2011).

Table 2

The Respondent’s Sex

K-Pop Fans Non K-Pop Fans

Sex Frequency Percentage Sex Frequency Percentage
Male 4 8% Male 25 50%
Female 46 92% Female 25 50%
Total 50 100% Total 50 100%

Duration

Technically, duration is the number of years a student is a K-Pop fan.

Table 3

The Respondent’s Duration as a K-Pop Fan

Duration Frequency Percentage

Less than 1 year 9 18%
More than 1 year 8 16%
More than 2 years 18 36%
More than 5 years 15 30%
Total 50 100%

26
 Shown in the table above is the number of years the respondents are idolizing K-Pop.

Majority of them responded that they have been a fan for over two years. The least number of

respondents have been a fan for over a year but not more than two years. According to Villarmin,

some Filipinos are enamored with Korean Culture, K-Dramas, and K-Pop songs (Villarmin,

2018). Way back in 2015, K-Pop groups like BTS, EXO, and BIGBANG grabbed the public

attention with striking releases that included experimental collaborations, curveball genre

explorations and heartfelt concoctions ( Jeff Benjamin and Jessica Oak, 2015). During this period,

the respondents were in their preadolescent age (9-14 years old) Thus, the result implies that most

of the respondents has started idolizing K-Pop during their preadolescence stage.

English Proficiency Test Scores

Table 4

The Significant Difference of the English Proficiency test scores of K-Pop fans and non K-
Pop fans

Groups Mean Standard T-Value P-Value Remarks

Deviation (Tabular (Statistical
Value) Value)

K-Pop Fans 15.5 2.74

Non K-Pop 14.14 3.25 2.26 0.026 Reject Null
Fans Hypothesis
Difference 1.36 3.186
Note. Level of significance at α 0.05 (P-Value < α → reject; P-Value > α →accept)

n(sample size) = 50

From the table above, K-Pop fans with a sample size of 50 got the mean score of 15.5

with a standard deviation of 2.74. Since the statistical value or P-Value of 0.026 is lower than

the level of signifance at 0.05, this led us to reject the null hypothesis. Basing from the result,

there is a significant difference between the English proficiency test scores of K-Pop fans group

and Non K-Pop fans group. Thus, being a K-Pop fan is an advantage in terms of improving a

student’s English proficiency.

27
 Chapter V

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter encapsulated the study by highlighting the research directed on the

topic. The outcomes of the research on The Difference between the English Proficiency Test

Scores of K-Pop Fans and Non K-Pop Fans for the respondents are where the conclusion given

was stressed from. Moreover, the suggestions were based from the findings and conclusion of the

study.

Summary of Findings

From the previous chapter, the researchers presented the results from the work data. In

this section, the researchers put together the results of the study to answer the research questions

the researchers had presented on the first chapter.

Age

Most of the respondents, K-Pop fans and non K-Pop fans, are high school students at the
age of 16 to 18 years old.

Sex

Majority of the respondents that are K-Pop fans are females. For the non K-Pop fans,

there are an equal number of respondents.

Duration

Most of the respondents have been a K-Pop fan for more than two years. Therefore, the

result implies that most of the respondents have been idolizing K-Pop since the year 2015.

28
The Significant Difference Between the English Proficiency Test Scores of K-Pop Fans and

Non K-Pop Fans

From the presentations, the researcher found out that there was and indicative variation

between the K-Pop fans and the non K-Pop fans’ English proficiency test scores. There were 50

respondents in each group: K-Pop fans and non K-Pop fans, from the K-Pop fans the calculated

mean is 15.5 with the standard deviation of 2.74 while the non K-Pop fans calculated mean is

14.14 with the standard deviation of 3.25. It means that K-Pop fans scores are somehow more

proficient in English than non K-Pop fans with a p-value or computed value of 0.026 which was

lesser than 0.05 level of significance. Thus, the researcher should reject the null hypothesis.

Therefore, K-Pop fans have higher English proficiency compared to non K-Pop fans.

Conclusion

K-Pop has an effect on the English proficiency test scores of Filipino students. Based on

the results, the researcher concludes that being a K-Pop fan can improve a student’s English

proficiency. If used in a positive way and managed properly, idolizing K-Pop can be

advantageous to students. Proper guidance of the parents and teachers to students in idolizing K-

Pop is essential to avoid the negative effects

Recommendations

To improve students’ English proficiency, the researcher recommends that K-Pop can be

incorporated in the English subject. For example, in designing a lesson for English subjects,

teachers should put into consideration that students would learn best if they make use of the

29
English translation of the K-Pop songs as an example so that the students will be more active in

participating class and interested in learning the subject.

The researcher suggests that there should be additional modifications to be done to

further improve the quality of this study. To mention a few, the researcher can add more

objectives in the study and more respondents could have been part of the survey to strengthen the

authenticity of the result.

30
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34
Appendices

35
 APPENDIX A

TRANSMITTAL LETTER TO THE DEAN

March 20,2019
Dr. Nerissa S. Lopez
Dean, College of Education
University of the Visayas
Colon St., Cebu City

Dear Dr. Lopez:

Good Day!
I’m an ABM student from the Abbas’s Orchard School conducting a study entitled “The
Difference Between The English Proficiency of K-Pop Fans and Non K-Pop Fans” in line
with this we would like to ask permission to administer the survey questionnaire and
examination to your students as our respondents
Your kind consideration and favorable action to this matter is highly appreciated.

Sincerely yours,

Lu, Danica Jane

36
Noted by: Recommending Approval:

MS. RICA EHLAINE CANETA NERISSA S. LOPEZ, Ed. D

Research Adviser Dean, COED

APPENDIX B

TRANSMITTAL LETTER TO THE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

March 20, 2019

Mrs. Ma. Lizabeth Villamor, MAED
Senior High School Principal
University of the Visayas
Colon St., Cebu City

Dear Mrs. Villamor:

Good Day!
I’m an ABM student from the Abbas’s Orchard School conducting a study entitled “The
Difference Between The English Proficiency of K-Pop Fans and Non K-Pop Fans” in line
with this we would like to ask permission from your good office to allow us to conduct
our research to your students.
Your kind consideration and favorable action to this matter is highly appreciated.

Sincerely yours,
LU, DANICA JANE

Noted by: Recommending Approval:

37
MS. RICA EHLAINE CANETA NERISSA S. LOPEZ, Ed.
Research Adviser Dean, College of Education

Approved by:

MRS. MARIA LIZABETH VILLAMOR, MAED

Senior High School Principal

APPENDIX C

IMPLIED CONSENT FORM

The Difference Between The English Proficiency of K-Pop Fans and Non K-Pop

Fans

I understand that I am being asked to take part in a research study. Before I decide
to participate in this study, it is important that I understand why the research is being
done and what it will involve.

The aim of this study is to distinguish the comparison of the English proficiency of the
students in the Philippines who are K-pop fans and non K-pop fans. This study involves a
survey to find out if being a K-Pop fan affects the English proficiency of a student.
Students will benefit from the study for they can gain knowledge as a K-Pop fan or a Non
K-Pop fan on learning to be aware if being part of the K-Pop fandom is beneficial or
detrimental for them in terms of English proficiency.

I can participate in the study if I am not younger than 12 years of age.

38
 I understand that the study is part of an academic requirement and the expenses
incurred are financed by the researchers.

There are no anticipated risks to my participation. When I feel some discomfort at

responding some questions, I am free to ask to skip the question.

My responses to the survey, examination will be anonymous. Every effort will be

made by the researchers to preserve my confidentiality including the following:

• Assigning code names/ numbers for participants that will be used on all research
notes and documents.
• Keeping notes, survey results and any other identifying participant information in
a locked file cabinet in the personal possession of the researcher.
Participant data will be kept confidential except in cases where the researcher is
legally obligated to report specific incidents. These incidents include, but may not be
limited to, incidents of abuse and suicide task.

When the results of the research are published or discussed in conferences, no

information will be included that would reveal my identity.

I understand that I will not receive any payment for my participation in this research
study.

I may terminate my involvement at any time. My participation in this study is

voluntary. It is up to me to decide whether or not to take part of this study. If I decide to
take part in this study, I will be asked to sign a consent form. After I sign the consent
form, I am still free to withdraw at any time and without giving a reason. Withdrawing
from this study will not affect the relationship I have, if any, within researchers. If I
withdraw from the study before data collection is completed, my data will be returned to
me or destroyed.

_________

Consent

I have read and I understand the provided information and have had the
opportunity to ask questions. I understand that my participation is voluntary that I am free
to withdraw any time without giving a reason and without cost. I understand that I will be
given a copy of this consent form. I voluntarily agree to take part in this study.

Signature of Participant Date

39
Signature of Participant Date

APPENDIX D

SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE

Name: OPTIONAL Sex: Age:

I.) Direction: Put check on the Check buttons.

1. Are you a K-Pop fan?

 YES
 NO

2. If yes please answer this, how long have you been into the K-Pop fandom?
 Less than a year
 More than 1 year
 More than 2 years
 More than 5 years

40
II. English Proficiency Test

Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. Juan___________ in the library this morning.

A. is study B. studying C. is studying D. are studying

2. The movie was __________ the book.

as B. good as C. as good D. as good as

3. Eli's hobbies include jogging, swimming, and __________.

to climb mountains B. climb mountains C. to climb D. climbing mountains

4. Mr. Hawkins requests that someone _________ the data by fax immediately.

A. sent B. sends C. send D. to send

5. Each of the Olympic athletes ____________ for months, even years.

have been training B. were training C. has been training D. been training

Identifying Errors

Encircle the letter of the incorrect word in the sentence.

6. The majority to the news is about violence or scandal.

A. The B. to C. news D. violence

41
7. Each day after school, Jerome run five miles.

A. Each B. after C. run D. miles

8. Takeshi swimmed one hundred laps in the pool yesterday.

swimmed B) hundred C) in D) yesterday

9. Yvette and Rinaldo send e-mail messages to other often.

A. and B. send C. other D. often

10. Frederick used work for a multinational corporation when he lived in Malaysia.

A. used work B. multinational C. when D. lived in

Supply the correct word/s in each sentence.

Encircle the letter of your answer.

11. The rate of ___________ has been fluctuating wildly this week.

A) money B) bills

C) coins D) exchange

12. Jerry Seinfeld, the popular American comedian, has his audiences ___________.

A) putting to many irons in the fire B) keeping their noses out of someone’s business

C) rolling in the ailes D) going to bat for someone

13. The bus ___________ arrives late during bad weather.

A) every week B) later C ) yesterday D) always

14. We were __________ friends in that strange but magical country.

A. upon B. among C. toward D. in addition to

15. The hurricane caused ____________ damage to the city.

42
 A. extend B. extended C. extensive D. extension

Reading Comprehension

Directions to Erik's house

Leave Interstate 25 at exit 7S. Follow that road (Elm Street) for two miles. After one
mile, you will pass a small shopping center on your left. At the next set of traffic lights, turn right
onto Maple Drive. Erik's house is the third house on your left. It's number 33, and it's white with
green trim.

16. What is Erik’s address?

Interstate 25 B. 2 Elm Street C. 13 Erika Street D. 33 Maple Drive

17. Which is closest to Erik's house?

A) the traffic lights B) the shopping center

C) exit 7S D) a greenhouse

Anna Szewcyzk, perhaps the most popular broadcaster in the news media today, won the
1998 Broadcasting Award. She got her start in journalism as an editor at the Hollsville County
Times in Missouri. When the newspaper went out of business, a colleague persuaded her to enter
the field of broadcasting. She moved to Oregon to begin a master's degree in broadcast journalism
at Atlas University. Following graduation, she was able to begin her career as a local newscaster
with WPSU-TV in Seattle, Washington, and rapidly advanced to national television. Noted for
her quick wit and trenchant commentary, her name has since become synonymous with Good
Day, America! Accepting the award at the National Convention of Broadcast Journalism held in
Chicago, Ms. Szewcyzk remarked, "I am so honored by this award that I'm at a total loss for
words!" Who would ever have believed it?

18. What is the purpose of this announcement?

A) To invite the people to the National Convention of Broadcast Journalism

B) To encourage college students to study broadcasting

C) To recognize Ms. Szewcyzk’s accomplishment

D) To advertise a job opening at the Hollsville County Times

43
19. The expression "to become synonymous with" means

A) To be the same as

B) To be the opposite of

C) To be in sympathy with

D) To be discharged from

20. What was Ms. Szewczyk's first job in journalism?

A) She was T.V. announcer in Washington.

B) She was a newscaster in Oregon

C) She was an editor for a newspaper in Missouri

D) She was a talk show host in Chicago

44