1 Understanding Research in OB OS 386 August 29, 2002 Fisher

2 Agenda Review basic research terminology and concepts –Goal is to become an informed consumer of organizational research –Will be using OB research in your paper Read and discuss research summaries

3 Correction!!! Team research report is due on Monday, December 9 Please correct your syllabus

4 What is a theory? We will study many theories this semester A theory is not absolute truth –Set of propositions about how concepts are related –Purpose is to try and understand various phenomena Theories should be –Clear and simple –Logically consistent

5 Graphic Presentation of Feedback Intervention Theory (FIT) (Kluger & DiNisi, 1996)

6 Textual Presentation of FIT Proposition l: FI effects on performance are attenuated by cues that direct attention to meta-task processes. Proposition 2: FI effects on performance are augmented by (a) cues that direct attention to task-motivation processes and (b) cues that direct attention to task-learning processes coupled with informa- tion regarding erroneous hypotheses. Proposition 3: In the absence of learning cues, the fewer cognitive resources needed for task performance, the more positive is the effect of FIs on performance. Proposition 4: Goal-setting interventions should augment the effect of F1 on performance. Proposition 5: FI cues that match salient self goals of a given per- sonality type direct attention to meta-task processes and therefore debilitate performance.

7 All good theories must be tested Form hypotheses Define and measure constructs Collect and analyze data Test hypotheses Refine theory as needed

8 Constructs in OB Challenge -- it can be difficult to clearly define and measure the constructs. –Leadership –Motivation –Personality Critical when you are reading studies to examine the definitions of the constructs.

9 Milgram authority experiments Theory was that people would behave in ways inconsistent with their beliefs if instructed to do so by an authority figure Subjects were asked to administer electric shocks to a confederate 65% administered “dangerous” levels of shock when instructed to do so

10 Research Ethics Basic idea – cause no harm to the subjects –Freedom to participate –Informed consent –Protecting privacy University Institutional Review Board (IRB) intended to ensure compliance with ethical guidelines

11 Your experience… Have you ever participated in a research study? What was it like?

12 Basic research methods Lab experiments –Highly controlled –Less generalizable –Can it happen? Field studies –Less control –More generalizable –Does it happen?

13 Who participated in the study? Identifying study participants is called sampling In lab and field, sampling is critical –Size of sample –Appropriateness of sample

14 Research Summary Discussion Questions What are the key constructs? What method was used to collect data? –Does that seem like a good way to collect data in this situation? What were the conclusions? –Do you think the conclusions will generalize to other settings?

15 For next class: Topic: Introduction to Individuals –What kinds of individual attributes and behaviors are we studying? Read Chapter 2, pages Will distribute team assignments –Start thinking about research topics