Research Tools and Techniques The Research Process: Step 6 (Research Design – Elements 6, 8 and 5A Measurement and Measures) Lecture 13

Lecture Topics Covered Previously in the Last Lecture Extent of Researcher Interference Study Setting: Contrived Vs. Non Contrived Unit of Analysis

What we are going to Cover in this Lecture Time Horizon of Study Exercises to Understand the Elements of Research Design How Variables are Measured Operational Definitions: Dimensions and Elements

THE RESEARCH PROCESS Observation (4). Theoretical Framework (7). (6).   THE RESEARCH PROCESS (1). Observation  The Broad Problem Area   (2). Preliminary Data Gathering Interviews and Library Search (3). Problem Definition  (4). Theoretical Framework Variables Identification (5) Generation of Hypothesis (6). Scientific Research Design (7). Data Collection and Analysis (8) Deduction (9). Report Writing (10). Report Presentation (11). Managerial Decision Making  

THE ELEMENTS OF RESEARCH DESIGN 2. Type of Investigation Establishing: Causal Relationship or Co-relational 1. Purpose of Study Exploratory Descriptive Hypothesis Testing Case Study 3. Extent of Researcher Interference Minimal Moderate Excessive 4. Study Setting Contrived Non-Contrived 10. Test Application Feel for Data Goodness of Data Hypotheses 6.Unit of Analysis (Population to be studied) Individuals Dyads Groups Organizations Machines etc. 7. Sampling Design Probability Non-probability Sample Size (n) 8. Time Horizon One-Shot (Cross-Sectional) Longitudinal 9. Data Collection Method Observation Interview Questionnaire Physical Measurement 5. Measurement & Measures Operational Definition Scaling Categorizing Coding Problem Statement

Groups as Unit of Analysis Productivity Group 1(Night Shift) 3.4 2.8 6.7 4.3 5.6 Mean=4.56 t-value = 2.87 Group 2 (Morning Shift) 3.3 4.7 6.3 6.6 6.2 Mean=5.42

Countries as Unit of Analysis Top 50 Corporations Earn US$/month (Mean) Country 1 Pakistan (700,000) Country 2 India (900,000) Country 3 China (5000,000)

TIME HORIZON: CROSS-SECTIONAL Vs LONGITUDINAL STUDIES Cross Sectional / One Shot: Data gathered only once maybe over a period of days/weeks/months i.e. data collection occurring by developing a questionnaire on research topic, dependent and independent variables. Time Line Jan

Longitudinal Studies: Researcher might want to study people/phenomena at more than one point in time 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 JAN APR JUL OCT JAN BEFORE ENHANCED IT SYSTEM INSTALLED AFTER

Exercises to Understand the Elements of Research Design Studied So far A foreman thinks that the low efficiency of the machine operators is directly linked to the high level of fumes emitted in the workshop. He would like to prove this to his supervisor through a research study. Would this be a causal or a correlational study? Why? Is this an exploratory, descriptive or hypothesis testing study? Why? Would this be a field study, lab experiment or field experiment? Why? What would be the unit of analysis? Why? Would this be a cross-sectional or a longitudinal study? Why?

Exercise 2 Many were concerned about the operations of world famous bank BCCI. If a researcher has desired to probe into details, would this investigation be A causal or a correlational study? Why? Is this an exploratory, descriptive or hypothesis testing study or case study? Why? Would this be a field study, lab experiment or field experiment? Why? Would this be a cross-sectional or a longitudinal study? Why?

HOW VARIABLES ARE MEASURED Some variables lend themselves to easy measurement i.e. The length and breadth of the room you sit in i.e. 20’x10’ How long have you been working in this organization The # of bottles produced on average by a factory worker Some variables are hard to measure due to their subjective nature i.e. thirst, motivation, consumer satisfaction Abstract notions are broken down into observable characteristic behavior

OPERATIONAL DEFINITION: DIMENSIONS & ELEMENTS Operationalizing or operationally defining a concept to render it measureable is done by looking at the behavioral dimensions or properties of the concept. Dimensions are then broken down into observable and measurable elements.

OPERATIONALIZING THE CONCEPT OF ACHIEVEMENT MOTIVATION The concept of achievement motivation would have five typical broad characteristics People would be driven by work To achieve their desired goal They would not relax at all times They prefer to work on their own They would seek moderate challenge They need feedback

The Concept of Achievement Motivation D D D D D Driven by Work Unable to Relax Impatient with Ineffectiveness Seeks Moderate Challenge Seeks Feedback E E E Constantly Working E E Not Like Slow Inefficient People Prefer Challenging Rather Routine Job Thinks of Work Even at Home Ask for Feedback E Very Reluctant to take Time Off E E E No/Less Hobbies Prefer Moderate Upon Overwhelming Challenges Not Like Small Mistakes E E Is Impatient for the Feedback Persevering despite Setbacks

Summary Exercises to Understand the Elements of Research Design How Variables are Measured Operational Definitions: Dimensions and Elements From Concepts to Elements: Some Examples