Business Research Methods

Chapter 5

The Research Process

Step 4 and 5

Theoretical Framework Hypotheses Development

After this lecture you would be able to:1. Identify and label variables associated with any

given situation

2. Trace and establish the links among the variables and evolve a theiretical framework.

3. Develop a set of hypotheses to be tested and state them in the null and the alternate.

4. Apply what has been learned to a research project.

The Research Process for Basic and Applied ResearchObservation

Report Presentation

Managerial Decision

Making

Report Writing

Deduction

Data Collection

Research Design

HypothesesTheoretical Framework

Problem Identification

Preliminary data collection

YesNo

The Need for Theoretical Framework A Theoretical Framework is a conceptual model of how

one theorizes or makes logical sense of the relationships among the several factors that have been identified as important to the problem.

It discusses the interrelationships among the variables that are deemed (supposed) to be integral (complete) to the dynamics of the situation being investigated.

From the theoretical framework then, testable hypotheses can be developed to examine whether the theory formulated is valid or not.

Variables

A variable is anything that can take on differing or varying values. The values can differ at various times for the same object or person, or at the same time for different objects or persons.

Examples: Production, Motivation, Absenteeism

Students should do it

Examples 5.1

Examples 5.2

Examples 5.3

Types of Variables

Dependent Variable

IndependentVariable

ModeratingVariable

InterveningVariable

Dependent Variable

The dependent variable is the variable of primary interest to the researcher.

The researcher goal is to describe and understand the dependent variable or to explain its viability or predict it.

Through the analysis of the dependent variable it is possible to find solutions to the problems.

Researcher not only quantifies and measures the dependent variable but explains other variables that influence this variable.

Example 5.4

Example 5.5

Example 5.6

Now respond to Exercises Page 89

5.1

&

5.2

Independent Variable

An independent variable is one that influences the dependent variable in either positive or negative way.

When the independent variable is present, the dependent variable is also present, and with each unit of increase in the dependent variable there is an increase or decrease in the dependent variable also.

Example 5.7

Example 5.8

Now respond to Exercises Page 90

5.3

&

5.4

Moderating Variable

The moderating variable is one that has a strong contingent effect on the independent variable—dependent variable relationship.

Example: 5.9

Example 5.10

The Distinction between an Independent Variable and a Moderating Variable

Situation 1

Situation 2

Now do Exercises Page 93

5.5

&

5.6

Intervening Variable

An intervening variable is one that surfaces between the time the independent variables start operating to influence the dependent variable and the time their impact is felt on it.

Thus there is a temporal quality or time dimension to the intervening variable.

Explains the influence of the independent variable on the dependent variable.

Example 5.11

Example 5.12

Now do Exercises Page 96

5.7

5.8

&

5.9

Theoretical Framework

The Theoretical Framework is the foundation on which the entire research project is based.

It is logically developed, described and elaborated network of associations among the variables deemed relevant to the problem situation and identified through such processes as interviews, observations and literature survey.

Experience and intuition also guide in developing the theoretical framework.

Cont.

Identify the problem first. Identify the variables that contribute to it. The purpose of interviews and literature

review now becomes clear. Elaborate the network of associations

among the variables. So that the hypotheses can be developed

and subsequently tested.

The Components of the Theoretical Framework1. The variables considered relevant to the study should

be clearly identified and labeled in the discussion.2. The discussions should state how two or more

variables are related to one another. This should be done for the important relationships that are theorized to exist among the variables.

3. If the nature and direction of the relationships can be theorized on the basis of the findings of previous research, then there should be an indication in the discussions as to whether the relationships would be positive or negative.

4. There should be a clear explanation of why we would expect these relationships to exist. The arguments could be drawn from the previous research findings.

5. A schematic diagram of the theoretical framework should be given so that the reader can see and easily comprehend the theorized relationships.

Example 5.13

Now do Exercises Page 102

5.10

&

5.11

HYPOTHESES DEVELOPMENT

A Hypotheses can be defined as a logically conjectured relationship between two or more variables expressed in the form of a testable statement.

Example: 5.14

Statement of Hypotheses: Formats

If—Then Statements

Directional and Non-Directional Hypotheses

Null and Alternate Hypotheses