Chapter 3 Planning a research project and formulating research questions

Question 1

What is a research proposal?

Answer 1

A research proposal is a plan outlining what your research project will be about and how you intend to go about it

Question 2

What is a mediating variable?

Answer 2

A mediating variable is the variable that causes mediation in the dependent and the independent variables. In other words, it explains the relationship between the dependent variable and the independent variable.

Question 3

What is a moderating variable?

Answer 3

Moderating variables are factors that can strengthen or weaken the relationship between two other variables. So, a moderating variable is a third variable that affects the strength or direction of the relationship between two other variables.

Question 4

What is the difference between moderating and mediating variables?

Answer 4

mediating variables explain the mechanism through which the independent variable affects the dependent variable. Moderating variables change the strength or direction of the relationship. In simpler terms, mediating variables explain “how” the relationship occurs, while moderating variables explain “when” or “for whom” the relationship occurs.

Question 5

What is a reciprocal research model?

Answer 5

A reciprocal research model is a type of research design that explores the bidirectional or mutual influence between two variables. The relationship between two variables is examined in both directions, where each variable is both the cause and the effect.

Question 6

According to Thomas Kuhn (-98), what is a good theory?

Answer 6

1. accurate,
2. consistent,
3. has broad scope,
4. simple
5. fruitful for new research.

Question 7

What is a Spurious research model?

Answer 7

A variable c affects both variable a and b but there is potentially no relationship between a and b ( no causality)