HOC2: Scientific Approach

Question 1

what are the 7 steps of the hypothetical deductive approach in order

Answer 1

1. identify a broad problem area
2. define the problem statement
   3.develop a testable hypothesis
3. choose measures for the variables in the hypotheses
4. collect data
5. analyze the data
   7.interpret the data

Question 2

what does defining the problem statement entail

Answer 2

gather information and generate ideas -> information comes from literature and experience -> identify key concepts and variables related to the problem and to each other -> narrow down and develop a conceptual framework

Question 3

what does developing a testable hypothesis entail

Answer 3

in this step variables are examined to ascertain their contribution or influence in explaining why the problem occurs and how it can be solved

Question 4

what are the two requirements that a scientific hypothesis must meet

Answer 4

1. the hypothesis must be testable
2. the hypothesis must also be falsifiable -> must be possible to disprove the hypothesis

Question 5

what does choosing measures for the variables in the hypothesis mean

Answer 5

make hypothesis testable -> make sure it measures the thing you are interest in -> or use proxy measures

Question 6

what are proxy measures

Answer 6

indirect or substitute indicators used to assess or infer an unobservable or difficult - to - measure variable or concept

Question 7

define what a deductive approach means

Answer 7

to test a theory from general to specific
first theory => findings
should be a random sample based on theory

Question 8

define what inductive approach means

Answer 8

to generate a theory from specific to general
first findings => theory

Question 9

what is the difference between deductive and inductive approach

Answer 9

inductive reasoning goes from specific examples to a general rule, while deductive reasoning starts with a general rule and applies it to specific cases.

Question 10

what do both the deductive and inductive approach have in common

Answer 10

both are :
- essential parts of the scientific process
- form part of reflective thought
- can be used in a sequential way , or back and form

Question 11

what ontology

Answer 11

study of the nature of reality

Question 12

what is epistemology

Answer 12

study of the nature of knowledge

Question 13

why are ontology and epistemology important to research

Answer 13

-> ontology helps you look at objects , reality you are studying
whilst -> epistemology influences the way you learn and develop knowledge about the reality

Question 14

difference between ontology objectivism and constructionism

Answer 14

Ontology Definition:
- The study of the nature of reality.

Objectivism:
- Belief in Objective Truth.
- Assumes there is a single, objective reality.
- All researchers understand reality in the same way.
- Examples include colors and prices.
- Market of supply and demand is considered objective.

Constructionism:
- Denies Objective Reality.
- Belief that there is no single, objective reality; knowledge is mentally constructed.
- Each researcher constructs a different perception of reality, influenced by experiences and moral perspectives.
- Examples include stress and taste.
- Reality is subject to individual interpretation.

Question 15

epistemology -> difference between positivism , critical realism and interpretivism

Answer 15

epistemology is the way your observation of reality goes into the knowledge about that reality
- positivism :
knowledge is based on observed facts
cause-and-effect relationship
research is independent analysis
- critical realism :
objective knowledge edits -> but it is subject to interpretation , it is not impossible to fully reach it
some phenomena can be and some cannot be measured directly ( ex. motivation)
distinguishes between what is real and what is observable
- interpretivism or phenomenology
knowledge is built through ideas and interpretation
particular situations
values , thinking process and viewpoint research also count

Question 16

Quantitative research -> the feature , role of theory in relation to research , epistemological position , ontological position

Answer 16

• features : numbers , close ended questions
• role : deductive ( testing of theory )
• epistemological position : positivism ( why?)
• ontological position : objectivism

Question 17

Qualitative research -> the feature , role of theory in relation to research , epistemological position , ontological position

Answer 17

• features : words , open-ended questions , text
• role : inductive -> generation of theory
• epistemological : interpretivism
• ontological : constructionism ( or subjectivism )

Question 18

when choosing a topic and designing your project what 7 points need to keep in mind

Answer 18

• interest and relevance -> choose something interesting
• durability -> ongoing relevance
• breadth of research questions -> not too broad ( more problematic ) then too narrow -> keep simple only study few relationships
• topic adequacy -> check topic against assessment criteria
• access -> check feasibility of interviews etc
• micro-politics , risk and security
• resources -> sufficient literature -> but not too much

Question 19

what is the 6 stage process for choosing your topic

Answer 19

• identify broad topic
• determine the scope -> be practical
• brainstorm issues , puzzles and questions
• map and structure the issues and questions -> decide which issues you are going to research
• discuss with others
• frame your aim or research question -> keep it simple -> use plain English

Question 20

what does the step of identifying a brand topic entail

Answer 20

-> meaning of a ‘problem’ -> should be any situation indicating a gap ( question or problem not yet answered)
-> translate broad problem area into feasible research topics by making it more specific , setting clear boundaries
-> select a perspective ( discipline ) -> ex broad area economies -> perspective legal

Question 21

what does

Question 22

defining good problem statements include

Answer 22

research objectives
research questions
-> why is the study being done , what is the purpose of this

Question 23

from a managerial perspective research is relevant if it related to …

Answer 23

-> a problem that currently exists in an organizational setting
-> an area that a manager believes needs to be improved in the organization

Question 24

from an academic perspective research is relevant if …

Answer 24

-> nothing is known about a topic
-> much is known about the topic , but the knowledge is scattered and not integrated
-> much research on the topic is available , but the results are partly contradictor
-> established relationships do not hold in certain situations

Question 25

what is the different between managerial and academic perspective when choosing a good problem statement

Answer 25

The managerial perspective typically focuses on practical, real-world applications and solutions in a business context, while the academic perspective emphasizes theoretical analysis and research within an educational or scholarly framework

Question 26

what is the difference between a strategic question and a research question

Answer 26

-> strategic question : cannot be directly answered by doing academic research -> ex. how can our company improve -> providing a solution for one company is too narrow in academic research
-> research question : can be answered through research , and can help the manager to make better judgements -> academic viewpoint is key as the results enhance understanding of phenomenon in more general terms