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Business Research Methods

Lecture No. 2
Scientific Investigation

Dr. M. Nawaz

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Research
• Organized, systematic, data-based, critical, objective,
scientific inquiry into a specific problem that needs a
solution.
Scientific Research
• Focuses on solving problems
• Step-by-Step logical, organized & rigorous method to
identify the problems, gather data, analyze them, draw
valid conclusions therefrom.
• Never based on hunches, experience & intuition

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The Characteristics of Scientific Research
The characteristics of scientific research may
be listed as follows:
1. Purposiveness
2. Rigor
3. Testability
4. Replicability
5. Precision and Confidence
6. Objectivity
7. Generalizability
8. Parsimony
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 Hallmarks of Scientific Research
1. Purposiveness
 It has to start with a definite aim or purpose.
 Well thought of goals, and objectives for research
2. Rigor
 A good theoretical base and sound methodological
design would add rigor to the purposive study. It adds
carefulness, preciseness and the degree of accuracy in
research.
 These factors enable the researcher to collect the
right kind of information from an appropriate sample
with the minimum degree of bias and facilitate suitable
analysis of the data gathered.
e.g. ISSB selection, University admission process system 5
• E.g. a manager asks 15-20 of its employees to indicate
what would increase their level of commitment with
organization, and on their responses he reaches several
conclusions.
- but the whole procedure is unscientific.
Why?
1- Conclusions are based on just few response
2- Biasness (unscientific approach adopted in 1)
3-There may be other factors not taken into consideration
(lack of good theoretical background)
3. Testability
--after data has been collected
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4. Replicability (Repeat, Replication)
It means that it can be used again if similar circumstances prevails.
Hypothesis are not supported by chance, rather they are reflective of
true state / scenario. OR
• The results of the tests of hypotheses should be supported again
and yet again when the same type of research is repeated in similar
circumstances.
• It shows that our hypotheses have not been supported by chance,
rather they are reflective of the true state of affairs in the population.
To the extent that this does happen (i.e., the results are replicated or
repeated).
5. Precision and Confidence
Precision:
1-It refers to the closeness of the findings to “reality” based on a
sample.
2-It reflects the degree of accuracy of the results of the sample.
Confidence:
Confidence refers to the probability that our estimations are correct.
This is also known as confidence level. 7
5-Objectivity
The conclusions drawn through the interpretation of the results of data
analysis should be objective; based on the facts of the findings, not on our
emotions or judgments.
6-Generalizability
It refers to the scope of applicability of the research findings in one
organization setting to other settings.
e.g. Fringe benefits enhance employee commitment in services sector.
7- Parsimony
Simplicity in explaining the phenomenon or problems that occur, and in
generating solutions for the problems, is always preferred to complex
research frameworks that consider an unmanageable number of factors.

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 Logic of Scientific Methods
Deduction (Traditional, Theory Testing)
• Deduction is the process by which we arrive at a reasoned conclusion
by logical generalization of a known fact. Example: we know that all
high performers are highly proficient in their jobs. If Ali is a high
performer, we then conclude that he is highly proficient in his job.
• Works from the more general to the more specific
• More open-ended and exploratory

Theory
Hypothesis
Observation
Confirmation
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 Inductive (Theory Building; Qualitative)
• Induction is a process where we observe certain phenomena and on this basis arrive at conclusions.
• In other words, in induction, we logically establish a general proposition based on observed facts.
• Move from specific observations to broader generalizations and theories
• Narrower in nature and is concerned with testing or confirming hypotheses

Theory
Tentative
Hypothesis

Pattern
Observation 11
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 The Research Process
• An eight step process:
1.Formulating a research Problem Steps in
2.Conceptualizing a research design planning a
research study
3.Constructing an instrument for data collection
4.Selecting a sample
5.Writing a research proposal
6.Collecting a data
7.Processing a data Steps in Conducting
8.Writing a research Report a study

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• Formulating a research Problem
---more specific and clear, more better it is
---decide what want to find out about
• Conceptualizing a research design
---includes study design, logistical arrangement, measurement procedure, sampling
strategy, frame of analysis, and time frame.
----finding gaps in knowledge,
---the strength of what you find out rests on how it was found.
---it should be manageable, workable, and valid

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• Constructing an instrument for data collection
---anything through which you collect information is called instrument
or research tool.
----either construct one or borrow already one
----Field testing or pre-testing is also an important part,
• Selecting a sample
---accuracy of your research depends on the way you select your
sample
• Writing a research proposal
---Now, you put all your preparatory work together to provide adequate
information
---It is overall plan which tells about your research problem, and how
you are going to investigate it.

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• Collecting a data
---You actually collect the data
• Processing a data
---Different data analysis for quantitative or qualitative
studies
---If study is purely descriptive, you can go on by
analyzing your field notes, analyses of contents of
notes i.e. Content Analysis or use PC software such as
NUD*DIST N6, NVIVO, or Ethnograph.
---For quantitative study, decide type of analysis
suitable depending on the type of variables.
• Writing a research Report
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Thanks to Allah

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