1. OB Research Methods (Optional session)
Dynamics of Organizational Behavior
Virginia Tech MBA Program
Andrew Watson

2. Introduction What? OB research methods
For whom? Whoever’s interested enough
So, an optional session
How long? About 45 minutes
Planned for 7:15-8:00
Happy to talk about methods for longer if there’s interest
Sources
G&J textbook for definitions
E-Learning and the Science of Instruction (Clark & Mayer, 2008)
That’s the 2nd edition, I think that there’s now a 3rd
Example drawn from pp
Minimum wage debate

3. Terms Theory Hypothesis Variable Research Designs Independent
Qualitative
Experimental
Other

4. Theory and Hypotheses Theory Hypothesis Explanation of some phenomenon
Can never be proved correct
Example: Expectancy theory of motivation
Hypothesis
Statement about relationship between variables
Often represented by arrow
In expectancy theory
Effort → Performance
Performance → Outcome

5. Variables Variable: dimension along which there is variation
Across subjects, or across time
Empirical research requires measurement
Independent variable → dependent variable
The arrow indicates causation
IV also referred to as predictor
DV also referred to as outcome
Relationship between variables may be:
Direct
Mediated
Moderated

6. Example: Multimedia Principle
Focus of Ch.3 in e-Learning
Hypothesis
Learning from words and graphics combined > from words alone
Mayer and colleagues conducted 11 different studies
Why this many?
Data from all 11 supported the hypothesis
How would you relate this to Statistics class(es)?
This hypothesis lends itself to experimental research
What does that mean?

7. Example: Minimum Wage Debate
Recent instance in AL
Independent variable: minimum wage
Dependent variable and hypothesis?
There could be multiple DVs and Hs
Research design
Can’t experiment?
Why not?
So what’s a researcher to do?
Many studies, so there must be something we can do!

8. Concluding Remarks OB research on individuals tends to be experimental
OB research on organizations tends not to be
Results describe samples from a population
Sampling: key words include random, representative,..,
Results don’t necessarily describe any specific individual
Questions?
Individual or otherwise
See you in two weeks for chapters on groups
Safe home, have a good break,…