Developing Hypothesis Variables • A variable is generally a symbol to which we assign numerals or values.
• Research problems requires identification of
the key variables under the particular study. A VARIABLE is a measurable characteristic that varies. It may change from group to group, person to person, or even within one person over time. Example of variable are age, sex, education, area, occupation etc., Dependent variable The most important variable to be studied and analysed in research study is the dependable variable. A dependent variable is exactly what it sounds like. It is something that depends on other factors. Independent Variable Any variable that can be stated as influencing or impacting the dependent variable is referred to as an independent variable • Example in the Hawthorne study in the first experiment that is the Illumination experiment they wanted to find out the relationship between the impact of light on productivity. In this hypothesis the independent variable is Light and the dependent variable is productivity. • Dependent and Independent variables are variables in mathematical modeling, statistical modeling and experimental sciences. Dependent variables receive this name because, in an experiment, their values are studied under the supposition or demand that they depend, by some law or rule, on the values of other variables. • A dependent variable is exactly what it sounds like. It is something that depends on other factors. For example, a test score could be a dependent variable because it could change depending on several factors such as how much you studied, how much sleep you got the night before you took the test, or even how hungry you were when you took it. Usually when you are looking for a relationship between two things you • are trying to find out what makes the dependent variable change the way it does. Moderating variable • Moderating variables are the ones that have a strong contingent effect on the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Intervening variables • Tuckman (1972) defines it as ‘that factor which theoretically affects the observed phenomena but cannot be seen, measured, or manipulated, its effect must be inferred from the effects on the independent variable and moderator variables on the observed phenomenon. Extraneous variable • Ask a question. Writing a hypothesis begins with a research question that you want to answer. ... • Do some preliminary research. ... • Formulate your hypothesis. ... • Refine your hypothesis. ... • Phrase your hypothesis in three ways. ... • Write a null hypothesis. Framework • A research framework clearly illustrates the structure of the research plan and helps the researcher formulate relevant research questions. ... This framework consists of the key concepts of the research project and of the assumed relationships between these concepts. • There are two kinds of framework used when writing the background of a study, theoretical and conceptual. Framework in Research •It is the ‘blueprint’ or guide for a research (Grant &Osanloo, 2014). It is ‘borrowed’ by the researcher to build his/her own house. It serves as the foundation upon which a research is constructed. Sinclair (2007) compares the role of the theoretical framework to that of a map or travel plan. Brondizio, Leemans, and Solecki (2014) contend that it is the specific theory or theories about aspects of human endeavour that can be useful to the study of events. It consists of theoretical principles, constructs, concepts, and tenants of a theory (Grant & Osanloo, 2014). It normally serves as the focus for the research study and it is linked to the research problem under study. Importance of understanding theoretical framework in Research •It guides a researcher’s choice of research design and data analysis plan. It provides a common worldview or lens from which to support one’s thinking on the problem and analysis of data (Grant & Osanloo, 2014). The theoretical framework guides and resonates with every aspect of the research (Statement of the problem, Literature Review, Methodology, Presentation and Discussion of Findings). •The theoretical framework guides the kind of data to be collected (Lester, 2005). It convinces readers that the study is not based on the personal instincts of the researcher but rather on established theory gathered via credible studies. examples • Cognitive Theory Behavioral Theory • Human Environment Relations Theory Conceptual Framework The conceptual framework is composed of a basic objective, fundamental concepts, and recognition, measurement, and disclosure concepts. Theoretical framework • Any theoretical framework must comprise a number of components, including a conceptual model, a theory or theories, as well as various concepts. • It is logically developed described and elaborated network of association among variables identified through interviews, observation and literature review • Identifies the relationships among the variables considered to the study of a problem. Explains the theory underlying these relationships describes the nature and the direction of these relationships of the entire research project. Process of building theoretical framework
• Introducing definitions of the concepts
examined or variables Developing a conceptual model that provides a descriptive representation of the theory developed Introducing a theory that provides an explanation of relationships between the variables in the model Components of Theoretical Framework • Variables relevant to the study • Relationships among variables • Nature and direction of the relationship based on previous research. • Positive ? Negative? Explanation of why we would expect these relationships to exist A schematic diagram of the theoretical framework to visualize the theorized relationships (visual model) • Any theoretical framework must comprise a number of components, including a conceptual model, a theory or theories, as well as various concepts and pr opositions. Consumer Behaviour Model, Hawkins, 1998 How to construct a theoretical framework • There is no one perfect or right theory for a dissertation, though certain theories are popular (Grant & Osanloo, 2014). The theory must reflect the understanding of the researcher regarding the study and must direct the study (Simon & Goes, 2011). • A predictive model for turnover intentions developed to explain the high rate of attrition amongst BPO professionals. Once validated it is of course possible to test if in different contexts and differing respondent population. The turnover intention model • The proposed model to predict turnover intention is specified as mentioned below : • TI = f(WE, OC, A, MS, TWE) where • TI – Turnover intention • WE - Work exhaustion • OC – Organisational commitment • A – Age • MS – Marital status • TWE – Total work experience • The theoretical construct of work exhaustion is influenced by Perceived Workload (PWL), Fairness of Reward (FOR), Job Autonomy (JA) and Work Family Conflict (WFC) • This can be mathematically written as • WE = f (PWL, FOR, JA, WFC) • Organisational Commitment depends upon Job Autonomy, Work Family Conflict, Fairness of Reward and Work Exhaustion (WE) • OC = f (JA, WFC, FOR, WE) • Proposed model for turnover intention • Diagrammatical model representation Understanding Concepts • A concept is a bundle of meanings or characteristics associated with certain events, objects, conditions, situations, and behaviors • Concepts have been developed over time through shared usage Understanding Concepts • The success of research hinges on: – how clearly we conceptualize – how well others understand the concepts we use • Constructs are measured with multiple variables. Constructs exist at a higher level of abstraction than concepts. Justice, Beauty, Happiness, and Health are all constructs. Constructs are considered latent variable because they cannot be directly observable or measured. • Research framework will be for implementing the steps taken throughout the research. It is normally used as a guide for researchers so that they are more focused in the scope of their studies. Research the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions. Type of Research Quantitative research Quantitative research is referred to as the process of collecting as well as analyzing numerical data. It is generally used to find patterns, averages, predictions, as well as cause-effect relationships between the variables being studied. Quantitative Data •A jug of milk holds one gallon. •The painting is 14 inches wide and 12 inches long. •The new baby weighs six pounds and five ounces. •A bag of broccoli crowns weighs four pounds. •A coffee mug holds 10 ounces. •John is six feet tall. •A tablet weighs 1.5 pounds. Eg electric vehicle Qualitative Research • Qualitative research relies on data obtained by the researcher from first-hand observation, interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, participant-observation, recordings made in natural settings, documents, and artifacts. The data are generally nonnumerical. Fundamental research is defined as basic and applied research in the areas of science and engineering where the resulting information is intended to be published and shared broadly within the scientific community. Exploratory Research Exploratory research is defined as a research used to investigate a problem which is not clearly defined. It is conducted to have a better understanding of the existing problem, but will not provide conclusive results. ... Such a research is usually carried out when the problem is at a preliminary stage. A study into the role of social networking sites as an effective marketing communication channel. An investigation into the ways of improvement of quality of customer services within hospitality sector.