HOC2: Scientific Approach Flashcards
what are the 7 steps of the hypothetical deductive approach in order
- identify a broad problem area
- define the problem statement
3.develop a testable hypothesis - choose measures for the variables in the hypotheses
- collect data
- analyze the data
7.interpret the data
what does defining the problem statement entail
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
what does developing a testable hypothesis entail
in this step variables are examined to ascertain their contribution or influence in explaining why the problem occurs and how it can be solved
what are the two requirements that a scientific hypothesis must meet
- the hypothesis must be testable
- the hypothesis must also be falsifiable -> must be possible to disprove the hypothesis
what does choosing measures for the variables in the hypothesis mean
make hypothesis testable -> make sure it measures the thing you are interest in -> or use proxy measures
what are proxy measures
indirect or substitute indicators used to assess or infer an unobservable or difficult - to - measure variable or concept
define what a deductive approach means
to test a theory from general to specific
first theory => findings
should be a random sample based on theory
define what inductive approach means
to generate a theory from specific to general
first findings => theory
what is the difference between deductive and inductive approach
inductive reasoning goes from specific examples to a general rule, while deductive reasoning starts with a general rule and applies it to specific cases.
what do both the deductive and inductive approach have in common
both are :
- essential parts of the scientific process
- form part of reflective thought
- can be used in a sequential way , or back and form
what ontology
study of the nature of reality
what is epistemology
study of the nature of knowledge
why are ontology and epistemology important to research
-> ontology helps you look at objects , reality you are studying
whilst -> epistemology influences the way you learn and develop knowledge about the reality
difference between ontology objectivism and constructionism
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.
epistemology -> difference between positivism , critical realism and interpretivism
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
Quantitative research -> the feature , role of theory in relation to research , epistemological position , ontological position
- features : numbers , close ended questions
- role : deductive ( testing of theory )
- epistemological position : positivism ( why?)
- ontological position : objectivism
Qualitative research -> the feature , role of theory in relation to research , epistemological position , ontological position
- features : words , open-ended questions , text
- role : inductive -> generation of theory
- epistemological : interpretivism
- ontological : constructionism ( or subjectivism )
when choosing a topic and designing your project what 7 points need to keep in mind
- 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
what is the 6 stage process for choosing your topic
- 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
what does the step of identifying a brand topic entail
-> 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
what does
defining good problem statements include
research objectives
research questions
-> why is the study being done , what is the purpose of this
from a managerial perspective research is relevant if it related to …
-> a problem that currently exists in an organizational setting
-> an area that a manager believes needs to be improved in the organization
from an academic perspective research is relevant if …
-> 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
what is the different between managerial and academic perspective when choosing a good problem statement
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
what is the difference between a strategic question and a research question
-> 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
