Minor Academic Orientation Research Methods

Minor Academic Orientation Research Methods Chapter 3 Conceptual model, RQs, hypotheses/propositionsDr. Vera Hartog v.hartog@fontys.nlEindhoven, September 2013

The research process

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http://www.bcps.org/offices/lis/researchcource/Components of a research problemThere must be an individual/group which has some difficulty/problem or to whom the problem can be attributed.There must be some objective(s) to be attained. If one wants nothing, there is no problem.There must be alternative means/courses of action for obtaining the objective(s). There must remain some doubt with regard to the selection of alternatives (relative efficiency of the possible alternatives).

3Research questions help to focus your literature searches, data collection, analysis and writingensure that your research questions are clearly defined and researchableBad research questionIs advertising copy X better than advertising copy Y?Good research questionWhich advertising copy has a higher day-after recall score?should be theoretically groundedshould be linked together should be neither too large nor too small4 Recapitulating: the literature review allows for:

the researcher to be conversant with existing research, relevant theories, reports, data and records of the problemawareness of logical, factual flaws, identification of the limitations of existing research, detecting missing perspectives and/or an angle that has not been consideredthe consideration of related problems that can help shed some light on the problem at hand identification of the variables and their relationships andsubsequent designing a theoretical/conceptual frameworkreducing the risk of re-inventing the wheel confirmation that the problem is perceived as relevant and significant

5Theoretical FrameworkA theoretical framework represents your beliefs on how certainphenomena (or variables or concepts) are related to each other (a model) and an explanation on why you believe that these variables are associated to each other (a theory).

Basic steps:Identify and label the variables correctlyState the relationships among the variables: formulate hypothesesExplain how or why you expect these relationships

Sekaran, 2009Concepts:an image or symbolic representation of an abstract idea. e.g. intelligence , health, pain, .Definitions of a concept, particularly its attributes and associated varieties:value: for quantitative research, e.g. IQ scorenature: for qualitative research, e.g. good poor health.Relationships:type: chronological, procedural, causal, intentional,..nature: direct, intervening, moderating, confounding,..

Recapitulating Variable Any concept or construct that varies or changes in value

Main types of variables:Dependent variableIndependent variableModerating variable Mediating variable

(In)dependent VariablesDependent variable (DV)Is of primary interest to the researcher. The goal of the research project is to understand, predict or explain the variability of this variable. (CAUSE)

Independent variable (IV)Influences the DV in either positive or negative way. The variance in the DV is accounted for by the IV. (EFFECT)

Example 10Education RenumerationIndependent variable Dependent variable 10Mediating and moderating variablesMediating variableEnhances understanding of relation between independent and dependent variableModerating variableInteraction effect (ANOVA)Elaborates/qualifies conditions under which independent and dependent are relatedRelation between two variables is a function of the level of a third variableSekaran, 2009Variables a picture is worth a 1000 words

Sekaran,2009A mediating or intervening variable surfaces between the time the independent variables start operating to influence the dependent variable and the time their impact on it is felt. ModeratorsA moderating variable is a qualitative (e.g., gender, race, class) or quantitative (e.g., level of reward) variable that affects the direction and/or strength of relation between independent and dependent variable.13Sekaran, 2009

Moderating and mediating (intervening) variables

Sekaran, 2009Theoretical framework complexitydirect main and indirect mediating effects

Sekaran, 2009One cannot specify independent variables without specifying dependent variables.Number of independent and dependent variables depends on the nature and complexity of the study K I S S!The number and type of variables dictates which statistical analysis should be used.All concepts and constructs can be either independent or dependent variables:depends of the RQs and hypotheses!

RecapitulatingThe hypothesisHypotheses are empirical statements that translate research questions into precise formulaic supposition . (Empirical = the creation of primary data). Hypothesis state the nature of the relationships between variables (in the conceptual model and the research questions).Hypotheses are always tentative. They are educated guesses or presumptions based on literature review, conceptual model/theoretical framework, and research questions deductiveThey often predicts the research outcome/results.Research hypothesis, not the null hypothesis, is the focus of the research and presented in the research reportGood hypotheses:Must be adequate for its purposeMust be testableAre directional or non-directional Sekaran, 2009Directional hypothesisPrecise statement indicating the nature and direction of the relationship/difference between variablese.g. The higher the study motivation, the greater the study success.Non-directional hypothesisStates only that relationship/difference will occure.g. There is a relationship between study motivation and study success.(non-)directional hypotheses States no relationship/difference exists between variablesStatistical test performed on the nullAssumed to be true until support for the research hypothesis is demonstrated

The doctrine of falsification Null HypothesesSimply stated?Single sentence?At least two variables?Variables clearly stated?Is the relationship/difference precisely stated?Testable?

Quantitative Research Hypotheses simple check-listCourtesy Dr. Noi Kwanjai21

Examplecompare and contrast22Give the hypotheses for the following framework: Customer satisfactionService quality ofutility companiesCustomer switchingExamplecompare and contrast23Give the hypotheses for the following framework: Service quality utility companies Customer switchingSwitching cost

Barrella, E. M., & Buffinton, K. W. (2009). Corporate Assessment of Strategic Issues in Technology Management. Engineering Management Journal, 21(1), 27-33.

Critical review of research articles

CHENGYAN, L., LILI, B., & QIANG, J. (2013). LEADERSHIP STYLES OF ENTREPRENEURIAL WOMEN IN EASTERN CHINA: CHARACTERISTICS AND DIFFERENCES. Social Behavior & Personality: An International Journal, 41(3), 421-431.For lesson 4Study Part 1 of textbook (Bryman & Bell, 2011)Draw the theoretical/conceptual model for the three articles (see assignment 3), map hypotheses/ propositions and bring these to class for next weeks workshop

25Thank you for your attention