Chapter 6 - Theoretical Framework and Hypotheses Flashcards
Identify the IV, DV, Moderator, and Mediator
A store manager observes that the loyalty of employees in her company is low. She thinks that if their working conditions are improved, pay scales raised, and the vacation benefits made attractive, employee loyalty will be boosted. She doubts, however, if an increase in pay scales would increase the loyalty of all employees. Her conjecture is that those who have supplemental incomes will just not be “turned on” by higher pay. Finally, providing employees with more attractive vacation benefits will make them happy, with a resultant boost in loyalty.
IV: Working ConditionsIV1, Pay ScalesIV2, Vacation BenefitsIV3
DV: LoyaltyDV1
MED: HappinessMED1
MOD: Supplemental IncomeMOD1
A theoretical framework is the foundation of
hypotheticodeductive method
Theoretical framework
A logically developed, described, and explained network of
associations among variables of interest to the research study.
In the hypothetico-deductive method, _____________
need to be falsifiable
hypotheses
Hypotheses cannot be confirmed, only ____________
rejected
H0=
Null hypotheses
HA=
alternate hypotheses
Characteristics of a good theory
– Contributes to the objectives of science
– Logically consistent within itself
– Consistent with known facts
– Leads to testable propositions (i.e., hypotheses)
– Is simple and elegant
objectives of science
Description
prediction
explanation
management/control
Variables
- Observable/measurable characteristics
- Anything that can take on differing or varying
values
concepts, constructs, and variables are
used interchangeably by researchers
DV=
Dependent variable
IV=
Independent variable
Other types of variables
– Mediator variable
– Moderator variable
Dependent variable
Variable you are trying to understand, explain, or predict
Independent variable
Influences or explains the dependent variable
Mediator variable
explanatory/intervening variable
Moderator variable
contingencies, conditions
Hypothesis
a tentative, yet testable, statement
Hypothesis format
Propositions vs. if-then statements
A hypothesis is ____________ proved!
never
Instead, a researcher is able to either support or reject a
hypothesis
If we fail to reject the H0 and do not find
support for the HA then…
If the HA is continually supported, it may evolve into a
new theory or contribute to the development of an existing
theory
Hallmarks of a Good Hypothesis
– Logical consistency
– Testability
– Stated in clear and simple terms
– Directionality
– Focused
Logical consistency
Based on the current research literature, knowledge
base, and logic, does this hypothesis make sense?
Testability
If one cannot design the means to conduct the
research, the hypothesis is meaningless
Directionality
we know that X leads to Y, and we know
whether the prediction is negative or positive
Focused
Avoid double-barreled propositions
What is wrong with these hypotheses?
Employee engagement is important for work
motivation.
Better:
Employee engagement is positively related to
work motivation.
What is wrong with these hypotheses?
Perceived over-qualification (POQ) is related to job
crafting.
Better:
POQ is positively related to job crafting.
What is wrong with these hypotheses?
POQ is positively related to job satisfaction.
Corrected:
POQ is negatively related to job satisfaction.
What is wrong with these hypotheses?
POQ is negatively related to work
engagement and citizenship behaviours.
Better:
POQ is negatively related to (a) work engagement and (b) citizenship behaviours. (OR write these as separate sentences.)
What is wrong with these hypotheses?
Okay but consider a simpler option:
POQ is negatively related to job satisfaction.
Establishing a Causal Relation
Association
Temporal precedence
Isolation
Association
Independent and dependent variables covary
Temporal precedence
Presumed cause (IV) precedes presumed effect (DV)
Isolation
– Presumed cause (IV) must be able to affect the
presumed effect (DV) all by itself (not due to another
factor)
– Does NOT mean that there is only one cause for any
given effect (DV) – think “a” cause, not “the” cause
A variable
Anything that can take on differing or varying values.
Independent variable
A variable that influences the dependent or criterion variable and accounts for (or explains) its variance.
Moderating variable
A variable on which the relationship between two other variables is contingent. That is, if the moderating variable is present, the theorized relationship between the two variables will hold good, but not otherwise.
Directional hypothesis
An educated conjecture as to the direction of the relationship, or differences among variables, which could be positive or negative, or more or less, respectively.
Nondirectional hypothesis
An educated conjecture of a relationship between two variables, the directionality of which cannot be guessed.
