Chapter Four

The research process

Theoretical framework and hypothesis
development

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THE NEED FOR A THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

“is a logically developed, described, and elaborated

network of associations among the variables deemed
relevant”.

A theoretical framework is the foundation of

hypothetico-deductive research.

Represents your believes on how certain phenomena

are related to each other.
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THE PROCESS OF BUILDING A THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
INCLUDES:

1. Introducing definitions of the concept or

variable in your model.
2. Developing a conceptual model that provides a
descriptive representation of your theory
3. Coming up with a theory that provides an
explanation for relationships between the
variable in your model.

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VARIABLES:
 A variable is anything that can take on differing
or varying values.
 Examples of variables are: production units,
absenteeism and motivation.

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TYPES OF VARIABLES :

1- Dependent variable
 Variable of primary interest to the researcher.
 Through the analysis of the dependent variable is

possible to find answers or solutions to the

problem
 Known as “Criterion Variable”

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2- Independent variable
 An independent variable is one that influences

the dependent variable in either a positive or

negative way.
 Known as “Predictor variable”
 With each unit of increase in the independent

variable, there is an increase or decrease in the

dependent variable.

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3- Moderating variable
The moderating variable is the presence of a third
variable that modifies the relationship between the
independent and the dependent variables.

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4- Mediating variable
The Mediating variable surfaces as a function of the
independent variable operating in any situation, and
helps to conceptualize and explain the influence of
the independent variable on the dependent variable.

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Workforce Creative Org.
diversity synergy effectiveness

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HYPOTHESIS DEVELOPMENT
 Hypothesis can be defined as logically
conjectured relationships between two or more
variables expressed in the form of testable
statement.
 By testing the hypothesis and confirming the
conjectured relationships, it is expected that
solutions can be found to correct the problem
encountered.

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STATEMENT OF HYPOTHESIS : FORMATS

1- If-Then statement
To examine whether or not the conjectured
relationship or differences exist, this hypothesis can
be set either propositions or in the form of If-Then
statement.
Example:
IF the employees are more healthy, THEN they will
take sick leave less frequently.

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2- Directional and non directional hypothesis
If, instating the relationship between two variables or comparing two groups, terms
such as positive, negative, more then, less then, and the like are used, then these
are:

Directional hypothesis because the direction of the relationship between the

variables ( positive – negative) is indicated.
Example:
The greater the stress experienced in the job, the lower the job satisfaction of
employees.
Non directional hypothesis there is a significant relationship between two variables,
we may not be able to say whether the relationship is positive or negative.
Example:
There is a relationship between age and job satisfaction.
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3- Null and alternate hypothesis
Null hypothesis may state that the correlation
between two variables is equal to zero.
The null statement is expressed in terms of there
being no relationship between two variables.
The alternate hypothesis, whish is the opposite of
the null, is a statement expressing a relationship
between two variables.

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The steps to be followed in hypothesis testing are:
1. State the null and the alternate hypothesis.
2. Choose the appropriate statistical test depending
on whether the data collected are parametric or
non parametric.

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