5 - Theory, Problem Definition And Tesearch Design

Question 1

A theory

Answer 1

or model proposes relationships between abstract concepts and allows for généralisations based o individual situations and facts. It can be expressed graphically as a conceptual framework

Question 2

Abstract concepts

Answer 2

Consists on different:
- specific
- objective
- measurable
Behaviours

Question 3

Research design

Answer 3

A framework for the collection and analysis of data

Question 4

Research method

Answer 4

A technique for data collection

Question 5

Conceptual framework

Answer 5

Links abstract concepts and turn them into measurable variables in order to make sense of their relationship (operationalising)
Turn vague concepts into specific, objective and measurable data by defining variables in terms of procedure used to measure it

Question 6

Decide on an operational definition

Answer 6

• provide valuable data
• convincing the audience
• use several operational definitions

Question 7

Theoretical framework

Answer 7

Offers the nature and relationships between the measurable variables in a diagram.

Question 8

Independent variable

Answer 8

Manipulated

Question 9

Dependent variable

Answer 9

Measured or observed

Question 10

Moderating variable

Answer 10

Gender, Age, affect in between

Question 11

Mediating variable

Answer 11

Almost a dv

Question 12

Issues with intact groups

Answer 12

1. How subjects were allocated in groups
2. What happened in the groups
3. The length of time groups pre existed prior to interventions

Question 13

Blind studies

Answer 13

Don’t know if they receive treatment or placebo

Can be double blind when the administrator doesn’t know as well.

Question 14

Problem definition to theory

Answer 14

1- management problem: open question focusing on outcome presenting the problem like an opportunity
How can we attract better qualified IT staff?
2- research problem: what information you need
Why don’t our job ads attract well qualified IT staff?
3- research questions: break down research pb
What reach do we have ? Most effective channel?
4- hypothesis: questions turned into hypothesis

Question 15

Types of research studies

Answer 15

• cross-sectional research studies: gather data one time

- longitudinal research studies: collect data several times

Question 16

Exploratory studies

Answer 16

When the study area is vague. The initial step is qualitative methods. Quick and cheap but should not guide more than the direction of the research as they lack experimental control + adequate sampling

Question 17

Descriptive studies

Answer 17

Record what is observed. It provides quite accurate information but casual links cannot be established

Question 18

Correlational studies

Answer 18

Observe the degree to which certain things tend to co-occur or relate to each other.
No IV are being manipulated.
It doesn’t imply causality.

Question 19

Experimental studies

Answer 19

The researcher manipulates the level of IV and observed any corresponding change in DV.
The goal is to advance knowledge but costly and time consuming.

Question 20

How to have similar groups ?

Answer 20

• random assignment: external factors are randomly distributed among both groups
• paired groups: subjects that match on important factors
• pre-testing: for initial group difference
• same group twice

Question 21

Different experimental group design

Answer 21

• random independent group design
• pre-post random group design
• factorial design
• quasi-experimental group design (doesn’t meet control or random)
• one group pre-post design
• non-equivalent group comparison designs (not random)

Question 22

In between group design

Answer 22

We have influence of individual differences on the treatment