2. Scientific Investigation and the Research Process
Chapter 2
Scientific Investigation and the Research Process

3. Chapter Objectives Explain what is meant by scientific investigation
Explain the eight hallmarks of science
Briefly explain why research in the organisational behaviour and management areas cannot be completely scientific
Compare and contrast quantitative and qualitative research.
Discuss the eleven steps of the research process

4. Scientific Investigation
The need for an honest, truthful, accurate and complete investigation
Focused on the goals of problem-solving
Pursues a step-by-step, logical, organised and rigorous method

5. The Hallmarks of Scientific Research
Purposiveness
Rigour
Testability
Replicability

6. The Hallmarks of Scientific Research (cont.)
Accuracy
Objectivity
Generalisability
Parsimony

7. Limitations to Scientific Research in Management
Difficulties in measurement and collection of data
Obtaining a representative sample

8. Some Basic Definitions
Observations – perceptions of reality and can be expressed in the form of ‘facts’ or ‘opinions’
Concepts – an idea expressed as a symbol or in words
Constructs – abstract representation of a phenomenon

9. Approaches to Research
Quantitative research
Qualitative research
Deduction
Induction

12. Deductive and Inductive Reasoning in Business Research

13. The Business Research Process
Insert figure 2.2

14. The Research Process Catalyst for research
Preliminary information gathering and literature search
Problem definition
Framework development

15. The Research Process (cont.)
Research objectives
Research design
Data collection
Data analysis
Interpretation of findings
Report
Management action