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Methodology Lecture 2

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10 views3 pages

Methodology Lecture 2

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qbdpqp4kv4
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lOMoARcPSD|8270028

Lecture 2 – chapter 2 Research strategies


Science are structured activities aimed at observing, understanding, predicting and
controlling certain phenomena. In business it is a scientific approach to systematically solve
business problems.
There are two general research styles:
- Basic research
o Also called pure or fundamental research
o Problem-solving of a theoretical nature
o Little impact on action, performance or policy
decisions
o Mainly conducted at universities but increasingly at
companies
- Applied research
o Practical problem-solving for a business or
management issue
o Application of theoretical notions (evidence-based
solutions)
o Mainly performed at companies, but also at universities
There is interaction between basic and applied research see pictogram.
Research is based on reasoning (theory) and observation (data). The central dilemma of
research is if we can know the world objectively, or is knowledge always a subjective
representation of reality?
Induction is the process in which a general conclusion is formed from a limited set of
specific cases (observations).
- You see all white swans
- Conclusion: swans are white
Deduction is a from of reasoning in which the conclusion
necessarily follows from the reasons given (premises).
- Assume swans are white, you see two swans
- Conclusion: these swans are white
Theory is a set of systematically interrelated concepts,
definitions, and propositions that are advanced to explain or predict phenomena (facts).
- Narrows the range of facts under study
- Summarizes what is already known
- Suggests type of research approaches
- Can be used to predict any further new facts
Some theories have different views on reality this is called competing theories. For
example:
- Expected utility theory:
o Absolute outcome determines satisfaction
- Prospect theory:
o Relative outcome determines satisfaction
o Outcome is experienced pending on the reference point

Gedownload door Cass ([email protected])


lOMoARcPSD|8270028

Building blocks of a theory:


- Model
- Constructs
- Concepts
- Variables
- Hypotheses
- Definitions
- Propositions

Model
A model is a schematic representation of reality, represents phenomena through the use of
analogy. A model has as function:
- Visualization
- Simplification
- Explanation
- Representation
- Heuristic
If a model represents a theory with one of these functions than it is a theoretical model.
They are very important in science as they are the basis of a lot of research.

Variable
A variable is a characteristic, trait, or attribute that is
measured (to which a numeral or value can b
assigned and is able to vary).
- Operationalization of a construct/concept at
the empirical level.
- Numerical value is based on the variable’s properties
- Can be dichotomous (0,1) or continuous (1,2,3,4..)
- Can also reflect categories with discrete values (1,2,3,4..)
There are two types of variables. Independent variables (predictors) predict other
variables while dependent variables (outcomes) receive something from other variables.
The value of the dependent variable depends on the value of the independent variable. The
dependent variable represents the outcome whose variation is being studied.
Types of variables:
- Moderator variable, the relation between two variables is
contingent on a third variable (moderator)
- (Partial) mediating variable, explains partly relation.
- (Full) mediating variable, relation between two variable is
not significant only via other variable.
- Confounding/control variable, relation is confounded by
variable. So not like stress you can’t remove it.

Gedownload door Cass ([email protected])


lOMoARcPSD|8270028

Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a statement and formulated for empirical testing. A hypothesis wants to
prove or disprove something and test or modify a theory. Never start with a null hypothesis
(i.e. there is no effect or difference). Hypothesis types:
- Descriptive: state the existence, size, form or distribution of a variable
- Relational: statements that describe a relation between two or more variables
- Categorical: statement that describe differences between groups or classes with
regard to each other or to another variable.
A good hypothesis should be:
- Adequate for its purpose
- Uniform and concrete (no interpretation possible)
- Testable (most important of these four!)
- Better than its rivals

Lecture 2 – Chapter 4 Planning and research questions


You can make a Gannt chart for your planning. Making a planning and using your resources
is of utter most importance for your project and research project.
The next step is formulating a research question. The type of research questions largely
depends on your research strategy. Research questions can be global in the beginning, and
can become more concrete during the research process.
Research questions will guide several aspects of your project for example:
- Hypotheses formulation
- Literature study
- Type of research design
- Data collection methods
- Data analysis
- Write-up of the project
Criteria for research questions:
- Clarity and non-trivial
- Researchable
- Link with theory and research
- Logical and conceptually linked to each other
- Neither too broad nor too narrow
- Contribution to new knowledge
- Relevant for the field
- The KISS-principles (Keep It Stupidly Simple)
Research question hierarchy:
1. Management dilemma
2. Management questions
3. Research questions
4. Investigative questions
5. Measurement questions
6. Management decision

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