Appendix: Research in OB Flashcards
What is management?
The art of getting things accomplished in organizations through others.
What is Evidence-Based Management (EBM)?
Organizational practices based on scientific evidence.
What are 3 benefits of Evidence-Based Management (EBM)?
1) Increases predictability
2) Increases odds of success
3) Increases your value to an organization
What is a theory in scientific research?
A theory is backed by evidence from multiple studies and explains why, how, and when variables are related.
What is a hypothesis?
A prediction that specifies the relationship between variables
What is the difference between independent and dependent variables?
Independent Variable: Predictor
Outcome, varies as a function of the independent variable
What is validity in measurement?
The extent to which a measure truly reflects what it is supposed to measure.
What is reliability in measurement?
The consistency of data; less reliability means more random error.
What are the types of research designs?
Case Studies
Observational Studies
Correlational Studies
Experimental Studies
What are the types of observational research?
Participant Observation: Researcher takes part
Direct Observation: No active participation
What is a correlational study?
A study measuring the relationship between variables without introducing changes.
* Surveys
* Interviews
* Existing (Archival) Data
What is an experimental study?
A study involving manipulation and random assignment to determine causation.
Lab or Field
What is a correlation coefficient (r)?
A measure of the strength (-1 to +1) and direction of a relationship between variables.
What does correlation not imply?
Causation. Correlation indicates association but not cause and effect.
What is internal validity?
The extent to which changes in a dependent variable are due to the independent variable.
What is external validity?
The extent to which study results can generalize to other samples and settings.
External and Internal Validity of Case study, observational study, correlational study, experimental study
Case study – low external validity, low internal validity
Observational study – modest external validity, modest internal validity
Correlational study - high external validity, low internal validity
Experimental study – low external validity, high internal validity
What is a mediator variable?
A variable that explains why or how a relationship operates.
What is a moderator variable?
A variable that explains when a relationship operates or affects its strength.
What are common issues in research?
Correlation mistaken for causation
Poor measurement (low validity)
Small sample sizes
Lack of replication
Ignoring third variables
What is convergent validity?
How closely a test relates to other tests measuring the same construct.
What is discriminant validity?
How well a test measures the concept it was designed to measure.
What is a cross-sectional design?
Independent and dependent variables measured at the same time.
What is a longitudinal design?
Independent and dependent variables measured at different times.
What is a control group in an experiment?
A group not exposed to the experimental treatment for comparison.
What is the Hawthorne Effect?
Participants’ responses influenced by psychological factors rather than the independent variable.
What are key threats to internal validity?
Selection bias
Testing effects
Instrumentation issues
Statistical regression
History effects
Maturation effects
Participant dropout
What is a quasi-experiment?
A study without random assignment, limiting causal inferences.
What is random sampling?
Random selection of participants from the population to increase external validity.
Issues and Concerns in Organizational Behaviour Research
- Sampling
- Hawthorne effects
- Ethical concerns
