brm variable types

8/7/2019 BRM Variable types

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Business Research Methods

By: Prof. Soofia Waleed


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Chapter 5

The Research Process

Step 4 and 5

Theoretical Framework Hypotheses Development


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A fter this lecture you would beable to:

1. Identify and label variables associated with anygiven situation

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

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

4. A pply what has been learned to a research project.


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The Research Process for Basicand A pplied Research

Observation

ReportPresentation

ManagerialDecisionMaking

ReportWriting

Deduction

DataCollection

ResearchDesignHypotheses

TheoreticalFramework

ProblemIdentification

Preliminarydata collection

YesNo


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The Need for TheoreticalFramework

A Theoretical Framework is a conceptual modelof 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 thevariables that are deemed to be integral to the

dynamics of the situation being investigated.From the theoretical framework then, testablehypotheses can be developed to examine whether the theory formulated is valid or not.


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Variables

A variable is anything that can take ondiffering or varying values. The values candiffer at various times for the same object or

person, or at the same time for differentobjects or persons.

Examples: Production, Motivation,A bsenteeism


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Examples 5.1

Examples 5.2

Examples 5.3


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Types of V

ariables

DependentV ariable

IndependentV ariable

ModeratingV ariable

InterveningV ariable


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DependentV

ariableThe dependent variable is the variable of primaryinterest to the researcher.

The researcher goal is to describe and understandthe dependent variable or to explain its viablilityor predict it.Through the analysis of the dependent variable itis possible to find solutions to the problems.

Researcher not only quantifies and measures thedepenedent variable but explains other variablesthat influence this variable.


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Example 5.4

Example 5.5

Example 5.6


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Now respond to Exercises Page 89

5.1

&

5.2


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IndependentV

ariableA n independent variable is one thatinfluences 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 dependentvariable there is an increase or decrease inthe dependent variable also.


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Example 5.7

Example 5.8


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Now respond to Exercises Page 90

5.3

&

5.4


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ModeratingV

ariableThe moderating variable is one that has astrong contingent effect on the independentvariabledependent variable relationship.

Example: 5.9

Example 5.10


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The Distinction between an Independent

Variable and a Moderating Variable

Situation 1

Situation 2


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Now do Exercises Page 93

5.5

&

5.6


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Intervening VariableA n intervening variable is one that surfaces

between the time the independent variables start

operating to influence the dependent variable andthe time their impact is felt on it.Thus there is a temporal quality or time dimensionto the intervening variable.Explains the influence of the independent variableon the dependent variable.


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Example 5.11

Example 5.12


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Now do Exercises Page 96

5.7

5.8

&

5.9


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Theoretical Framework The Theoretical Framework is the foundation onwhich the entire research project is based.

It is logically developed, described and elaboratednetwork of associations among the variablesdeemed relevant to the problem situation andidentified through such processes as interviews,observations and literature survey.Experience and intuition also guide in developingthe theoretical framework.


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Cont.

Identify the problem first.Identify the variables that contribute to it.The purpose of interviews and literaturereview now becomes clear.Elaborate the network of associations

among the variables.So that the hypotheses can be developedand subsequently tested.


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The Components of the

Theoretical Framework 1. 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 theimportant relationships that are theorized to exist amongthe variables.

3. If the nature and direction of the relationships can betheorized on the basis of the findings of previousresearch, then there should be an indication in thediscussions as to whether the relationships would be

positive or negative.


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4. There should be a clear explanation of why we wouldexpect 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 comprehendthe theorized relationships.


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Example 5.13


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Now do Exercises Page 1025.10

&

5.11


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HYPOT

HESES DE

VELOPMENT

A H ypotheses can be defined as a logicallyconjectured relationship between two or more variables expressed in the form of atestable statement.Example: 5.14


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Statement of H

ypotheses: FormatsIfThen Statements

Directional and Non-DirectionalH ypotheses

Null and A lternate H ypotheses

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