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THE RESEARCH PROCESS
(Theoretical framework and hypothesis development)
Earlier, the subject of our paper focused on the first three steps in research process-the broad problem areas, preliminary data gathering, and problem definition,however,step 4 and 5 which are theoretical framework and hypothesis development are intended to continue where the last 3 steps stopped.
Theoretical framework
The theoretical framework is the foundation on which the entire research project is based. It a logically developed, described, and elaborated network of association among the variables deemed relevant to the problem situation and identified through such processes as interviews, observations, and literature survey. Experience and intuition also guide in developing the theoretical framework. A good theoretical framework identifies and labels the important variables in the situation that are relevant to the problem defined. It logically describes the inter-connections among these variables. The relationships among the independent variables, dependent variables, and if applicable, the moderating intervening variables are elaborated.
The elaboration of the variables in the theoretical framework thus addresses the issue of why or how we expect certain relationship to exsist, and nature and direction of the relationships among the variables of interest. In sum, there are five basic features that should be incorporated in any theoretical framework.
1. The variables consider relevant should be identified and labelled in the discussion.
2. The discussion should state how two or more variables are related to one another. This should be done for the important relationships that are theorized to exist among the variables.
3. If the nature and the direction of the relationship can be theorized on the basis of the findings of previous research, then there should be an indication in the discussion as to whether the relationships would be positive or negative.
4. There should be a clear explanation of why we would expect these relationships to exsist.The argument could be drawn from the previous research findings.
5. A schematic diagram of the theoretical framework should be given so that the reader can see and easily comprehend the theorized relationship.
Since the theoretical framework offers the conceptual foundation to proceed with the research, and since a theoretical framework is none other than identifying the network of relationships among the variables considered important to the study of any given problem situation, it is essential to understand what a variable means and what the different types of variables are.
A variable is anything that can take on differing or varying values. The values can differ at various times for the same object or person, or at the same time for different object and person. Examples of variables are production unit, absenteeism, and motivation.
TYPES OF VARIABLES
Four main types of variables are discussed below:
The dependable variable: this is the variables of primary interest to the researcher.the researcher’ goal to understand and describe the dependent variables, or to explain its variability, or predict it.
The independent variable is one that influences the dependent variable in either positive or negative way. That is, when the independent variable is present, the dependent variable ids also present, and with each unit of increase in the independent variable, there is an increase or decrease in the dependent variable.
The moderating variable is one that has a strong contingent effect on the independent variable-dependent variable relationship. That is, the presence of a third variable (the moderating variable) modifies the original relationship between the dependent and the independent variables.
An intervening variable is one that surfaces between the times the independent variables start operating to influence the dependent variable and time their impact is felt on it. There is thus a temporal quality or time dimension to the intervening variable.
HYPOTHESIS DEVELOPMENT
A hypothesis can be defined as a logically conjectured relationship between two or more variables expressed in the form of testable statement. Relationships are conjectured on the basis of the network of association established in the theoretical framework formulated for the research study. By testing the hypothesis and confirming the conjecture, it is expected that solutions can be found to correct the problem encountered.
Statement of Hypothesis: Formats
As already stated, a hypothesis is a testable statement of the relationship among variables. A hypothesis can also test whether there are differences between two groups or among several groups with respect to any variable or variables. To examine whether or not the conjecture relationship or differences exsist, these hypothesis can be set either as propositions or in the form of if-then statements.
Examlpe: Employees who are healthier will take sick leave less frequently.
Example: If employees are healthier, then they will take sick leave less frequently.
TYPE OF HYPOTHESIS
Null
And, alternative hypothesis.
The managerial advantage of the theoretical framework and the hypothesis development is that it is easy for managers to follow the progression of research from the first stage when managers sense the broad problem areas, to preliminary data gathering, with the aid of experience and intuition. It is also clear that once the problem is identified, a good hold of the four different types of variables enlarges the understanding of managers as to how multiple factors impinge on the organization setting. Knowledge of how and for what purpose the theoretical framework is developed and the hypotheses are generated enables the managers to be an intelligent judge of the research report submitted by the consultant. Likewise, knowledge of what significance means, and why a given hypothesis is either accepted, helps the managers to persist in or desist from following hunches which, while making good senses, do not work. If such knowledge is absent, many of the findings through research will not make much sense to the managers and decision making will bristle confusion.
Endnote:
Uma Sekaran,fourth edition
(Theoretical framework and hypothesis development)
Earlier, the subject of our paper focused on the first three steps in research process-the broad problem areas, preliminary data gathering, and problem definition,however,step 4 and 5 which are theoretical framework and hypothesis development are intended to continue where the last 3 steps stopped.
Theoretical framework
The theoretical framework is the foundation on which the entire research project is based. It a logically developed, described, and elaborated network of association among the variables deemed relevant to the problem situation and identified through such processes as interviews, observations, and literature survey. Experience and intuition also guide in developing the theoretical framework. A good theoretical framework identifies and labels the important variables in the situation that are relevant to the problem defined. It logically describes the inter-connections among these variables. The relationships among the independent variables, dependent variables, and if applicable, the moderating intervening variables are elaborated.
The elaboration of the variables in the theoretical framework thus addresses the issue of why or how we expect certain relationship to exsist, and nature and direction of the relationships among the variables of interest. In sum, there are five basic features that should be incorporated in any theoretical framework.
1. The variables consider relevant should be identified and labelled in the discussion.
2. The discussion should state how two or more variables are related to one another. This should be done for the important relationships that are theorized to exist among the variables.
3. If the nature and the direction of the relationship can be theorized on the basis of the findings of previous research, then there should be an indication in the discussion as to whether the relationships would be positive or negative.
4. There should be a clear explanation of why we would expect these relationships to exsist.The argument could be drawn from the previous research findings.
5. A schematic diagram of the theoretical framework should be given so that the reader can see and easily comprehend the theorized relationship.
Since the theoretical framework offers the conceptual foundation to proceed with the research, and since a theoretical framework is none other than identifying the network of relationships among the variables considered important to the study of any given problem situation, it is essential to understand what a variable means and what the different types of variables are.
A variable is anything that can take on differing or varying values. The values can differ at various times for the same object or person, or at the same time for different object and person. Examples of variables are production unit, absenteeism, and motivation.
TYPES OF VARIABLES
Four main types of variables are discussed below:
The dependable variable: this is the variables of primary interest to the researcher.the researcher’ goal to understand and describe the dependent variables, or to explain its variability, or predict it.
The independent variable is one that influences the dependent variable in either positive or negative way. That is, when the independent variable is present, the dependent variable ids also present, and with each unit of increase in the independent variable, there is an increase or decrease in the dependent variable.
The moderating variable is one that has a strong contingent effect on the independent variable-dependent variable relationship. That is, the presence of a third variable (the moderating variable) modifies the original relationship between the dependent and the independent variables.
An intervening variable is one that surfaces between the times the independent variables start operating to influence the dependent variable and time their impact is felt on it. There is thus a temporal quality or time dimension to the intervening variable.
HYPOTHESIS DEVELOPMENT
A hypothesis can be defined as a logically conjectured relationship between two or more variables expressed in the form of testable statement. Relationships are conjectured on the basis of the network of association established in the theoretical framework formulated for the research study. By testing the hypothesis and confirming the conjecture, it is expected that solutions can be found to correct the problem encountered.
Statement of Hypothesis: Formats
As already stated, a hypothesis is a testable statement of the relationship among variables. A hypothesis can also test whether there are differences between two groups or among several groups with respect to any variable or variables. To examine whether or not the conjecture relationship or differences exsist, these hypothesis can be set either as propositions or in the form of if-then statements.
Examlpe: Employees who are healthier will take sick leave less frequently.
Example: If employees are healthier, then they will take sick leave less frequently.
TYPE OF HYPOTHESIS
Null
And, alternative hypothesis.
The managerial advantage of the theoretical framework and the hypothesis development is that it is easy for managers to follow the progression of research from the first stage when managers sense the broad problem areas, to preliminary data gathering, with the aid of experience and intuition. It is also clear that once the problem is identified, a good hold of the four different types of variables enlarges the understanding of managers as to how multiple factors impinge on the organization setting. Knowledge of how and for what purpose the theoretical framework is developed and the hypotheses are generated enables the managers to be an intelligent judge of the research report submitted by the consultant. Likewise, knowledge of what significance means, and why a given hypothesis is either accepted, helps the managers to persist in or desist from following hunches which, while making good senses, do not work. If such knowledge is absent, many of the findings through research will not make much sense to the managers and decision making will bristle confusion.
Endnote:
Uma Sekaran,fourth edition
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