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Scientific 8
Scientific 8
009
Scientific
Research
Methodology
Fall 2023
Chapter 5
Theoretical Framework &
Hypothesis Development
Slide 5-3
Theoretical Framework
Slide 5-4
Theoretical Framework
Slide 5-5
Theoretical Framework
▪ The process of building a theoretical framework includes
basic steps:
▪ Identify and label the variables correctly
▪ State the relationships among the variables:
formulate hypotheses
▪ Explain how or why you expect these relationships.
▪ Since a theoretical framework involves the identification of
the network of relationships among the variables considered
important to the study of any given problem situation, it is
essential to understand what a variable means and what the
different types of variables are.
Slide 5-6
Variable
▪ 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 of variables: are production units, absenteeism,
and motivation.
▪ Any concept or construct that varies or changes in value.
▪ Main types of variables:
▪ Dependent variable (criterion or effect variable)
▪ Independent variable (predictor or cause variable)
▪ Moderating variable (contingent effect)
▪ Mediating variable (intervening variable)
▪ Each of these variables can be discrete (separate) (e.g.,
male/female) or continuous (e.g., the age of an individual).
Slide 5-7
Dependent Variables
▪ Dependent 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 (viable or practical factor).
▪ Exp: Sales, debt to equity, organizational loyalty.
▪ It is possible to have more than one dependent variable
in a study (quality and volume of output, low‐cost
production and customer)
Slide 5-9
Independent Variables
To establish that a change in the independent variable causes
a change in the dependent variable, all four of the following
conditions should be met:
convince
Slide 5-12
Moderators
▪ Moderating variable: is one that has a strong contingent
effect on the independent variable–dependent variable
relationship. That is, the presence of a third variable (the
moderating variable) modifies the original relationship
between the independent and the dependent variables.
Slide 5-13
Moderators
▪ Example
(a)
Diagram of the relationship
between the independent
variable (availability of
reference manuals) and the
dependent variable (rejects);
(b)
diagram of the relationship
between the independent
variable (availability of
reference materials) and the
dependent variable (rejects) as
moderated by the moderating
variable (interest and inclination
(tendency-desire)
Slide 5-14
Moderators
▪ Example
Diagram of the relationship among the
three variables: workforce diversity,
organizational effectiveness, and
managerial expertise
This synergy can be exploited, however, only if managers know how to harness
the special talents of the diverse work group; otherwise they will remain
untapped.
Contingent on the skill of the managers
Moderators
Q: List and label the variables in these two exercises and explain and illustrate by means of
diagrams the relationships among the variables
Mediating Variable
▪ Mediating variable (or intervening variable)(
▪ surfaces between the time the independent variables
start operating to influence the dependent variable and
the time their impact is felt on it.
▪ Example
Slide 5-17
Mediating Variable
Situation 1
Motivation to Work as an Independent Variable
The performance of employees is influenced by their motivation to work.
Situation 2
Motivation to Work as an Intervening Variable (Mediating)
Employees perform better when they are given challenging jobs, because such jobs
tend to motivate them to work.
Situation 3
Motivation to Work as a Moderating Variable (Contengent)
The performance of employees with low levels of motivation to work will not
improve despite increases in job challenge.
Mediating Variable
Following Accounting
Principles
Confusion Problems
IV Intervening (Mediator) V DV
Experience in
Book Keeping
Moderating variable
Mediating Variable
Diagram?
Variables
It is now easy to see what the differences are among an independent
variable, a mediating variable, and a moderating variable.
Slide 5-22
Exercise Answer
Problem
The model:
Dependent variable: attractiveness of the auditing firm
Independent variables: perceived service quality, fees charged,
reputation, proximity (nearness).
Moderating variable: firm size (reputation – attractiveness)
Mediating variable: possibility to personally meet (proximity
(nearness) – attractiveness)
Slide 5-23
Diagram?