Terminology Flashcards
Constructs
theoretical concepts that may or may not be observable and measurable (so they are often abstract): trust, customer loyalty, job satisfaction, organizational interdependence…
Variables
also theoretical concepts, but they must be observable and measurable (essentially, they are operationalized constructs)
> Example: operationalization of ‘organizational interdependence’ in a study of alliances
Proposition
a researcher’s statement about the relationship between two or more theoretical constructs. It can be about abstract and non-measurable constructs. It can be developed conceptually or based on empirical data. It does not have to be measurable or directly testable.
Hypothesis
a statement about the relationship between two or more variables (thus, operationalized constructs). A hypothesis is typically informed by any underlying proposition(s). It should be testable and show the direction of the relationship/effect between the variables.
Theory
- A theory is a statement of relationships between units (constructs) observed or approximated in the empirical world
- A theory answers questions How? When? Why?
- Every theory has boundaries
Research objective
explains the main purpose of a research project, its intended contribution to the scientific literature and management practice
- Can be found in academic papers in the Introduction and Abstract
- Should explain to the reader what, why, and how (by doing what) should be achieved
Research question
the focal point of the research objective and project
- In academic papers can be found in the Introduction
Research strategy
a ‘plan of action – how the research objective will be achieved
- Always described in every academic paper; can be typically found in the Method section
- Existing research strategies (survey, case study, etc.) represent a systematic set of rules and guidelines
