Research Process Overview
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Questions and Answers

What type of research questions are typically developed when not much is known about a phenomenon?

  • Descriptive research questions
  • Correlational research questions
  • Causal research questions
  • Exploratory research questions (correct)

Which of the following is a characteristic of exploratory research?

  • It focuses narrowly from the start.
  • It always results in generalizable findings.
  • It relies heavily on quantitative data.
  • It uses qualitative data gathering methods. (correct)

In descriptive research, what is a primary focus?

  • Determining the effectiveness of a treatment.
  • Developing theories based on hypotheses.
  • Explaining causation among variables.
  • Obtaining data that describes a topic of interest. (correct)

What type of data may descriptive studies involve?

<p>Both quantitative and qualitative data. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the nature of exploratory studies?

<p>Flexible and broad initially. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of relationships might descriptive research investigate?

<p>Associations among various variables. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of the results obtained from exploratory research?

<p>They are usually not generalizable to the population. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason for conducting exploratory research?

<p>When sufficient theoretical frameworks exist. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a research proposal?

<p>To serve as the primary communication document between the researcher and the sponsor. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is essential to include in a research proposal?

<p>A definition of the problem in the form of a decision statement. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must the management evaluate in a research proposal?

<p>The potential use of information and the proposed budget. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the purposes of the study in the research proposal example provided?

<p>To find solutions to the problem of employee turnover. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does preparing a research proposal benefit the researcher?

<p>It encourages critical thinking about the research process. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a cycle that a research proposal goes through after submission?

<p>Acceptance, modification, or rejection. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor related to employee turnover is deemed undesirable in the proposal?

<p>High turnover resulting in extra costs and reduced profits. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the research methodology must be explicitly stated in the proposal?

<p>Details concerning sample selection, measurement, and analysis. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated cost of employee turnover to firms in relation to the employees' remuneration package?

<p>Up to 150 percent (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of costs are considered direct costs of employee turnover?

<p>Transition costs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the initial interviews conducted in the research design?

<p>To explore findings for questionnaire development (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How will the questionnaires be administered in this study?

<p>At home, to be returned anonymously (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected time frame for the completion of the research project?

<p>Five months (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of commitment does Meyer and Allen's work focus on?

<p>Affective, continuance, and normative commitment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the aims of the study regarding organizational commitment?

<p>To decrease the costs associated with employee turnover (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What method will be used to remind participants about the questionnaire return date?

<p>A reminder two days before the due date (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do constructs that are theoretically related demonstrate?

<p>They produce highly correlated results. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is reliability in the context of questionnaire design?

<p>The consistency of measurements over time. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which guideline should be followed to avoid confusion in questionnaire design?

<p>Avoid leading questions that may skew results. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the fundamental questions to consider when designing a questionnaire?

<p>What should be asked to gather relevant data? (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does scientific rigor in research refer to?

<p>The strictness and accuracy of the research methods. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a census in research?

<p>A complete survey of every member of a population (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a pragmatic reason for sampling?

<p>Need for complete accuracy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does using a sample influence the reliability of results?

<p>Samples may yield more accurate results due to fewer chances of errors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by a sampling frame?

<p>A list of elements from which a sample may be drawn (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of determining the target population in sampling?

<p>To identify the universe of elements relevant to the research (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which situation describes when sampling is necessary due to destruction of test units?

<p>When there are limited units and using them would deplete them (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does sample size refer to in the context of sampling?

<p>The number of individuals actually included in the study (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Results obtained from a sample are expected to be true for what?

<p>The entire population from which the sample is drawn (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic of judgment sampling?

<p>An expert selects the sample based on personal knowledge. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes snowball sampling?

<p>A technique where initial respondents provide referrals for further participants. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT impact the choice of sample design?

<p>Personal preferences of the researcher. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'goodness of measures' ensure in research?

<p>That the measure accurately targets the intended variable. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of reliability is referred to as 'stability'?

<p>The measure remains constant over repeated assessments. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods assesses 'test-retest reliability'?

<p>Repeating the same measure at a later time. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration in planning a national versus local project?

<p>How broadly the findings are expected to apply. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'reliability' in measurements?

<p>The measure yields the same results across different items. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Research Proposal

"The primary communication document between the researcher and the sponsor."

Research Design

A written statement of the overall structure and methodology for the research project, detailed in the proposal.

Purpose of Study

A statement explaining the overall objective of the research.

Problem Definition (Decision Statement)

Defining the problem to be researched. Often framed as a statement of the problem needing a solution.

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Research Methodology (Procedures)

Details the procedures the researcher will use at each stage of the research. This is included in the research proposal.

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Costs & Deadlines

A schedule outlining the financial and time commitments involved in completing the research.

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Sample Selection

The process of choosing the participants or data points that will be included in the research.

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Management Problem

The specific business problem or issue the research is meant to address.

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Exploratory Research Questions

Used when little is known about a phenomenon, research results are unclear, the topic is complex, or there's lack of theory. Often uses qualitative methods like interviews or focus groups.

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Descriptive Research Questions

Aims to describe characteristics of a topic (e.g., demographics, preferences, relationships). Can involve quantitative or qualitative data collection.

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Qualitative Research

Focuses on gathering descriptive information through interviews, observations, and focus groups.

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Quantitative Research

Uses numerical data (e.g., percentages, satisfaction ratings) to describe characteristics of a group or event.

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Correlational Studies

Investigate if there is a relationship between two or more variables; does not imply cause and effect.

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Limited Generalizability

Exploratory research often only applies to the specific group or setting studied; not easily applicable to a wider population.

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Flexible Research

Exploratory research can adapt based on new information, initial broad scope becomes narrower over time.

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Research Question Types

Three basic types of research questions: exploratory, descriptive, and causal.

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Employee Turnover

The rate at which employees leave a company.

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Employee Turnover Costs

Direct and indirect costs of losing an employee.

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Organizational Commitment

Employee's dedication and loyalty to the company.

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Survey Instruments

Methods for collecting employee data, like interviews and questionnaires.

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Interview

Direct interaction with employees to gather data.

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Questionnaire

Set of written questions to collect employee feedback.

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Research Time Frame

The planned duration for completing the entire research project.

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Research Budget

Financial plan for conducting the research.

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Sampling

Selecting a smaller group from a larger group (population) to study.

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Census

Studying every member of a group.

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Sampling Frame

A list of individuals you can study.

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Target Population

The entire group you want to know about.

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Sampling Technique

Method used to choose the sample.

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Sample size

Number of individuals in the sample.

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Pragmatic reasons for sampling

Practical reasons for studying a smaller group, like budget or time constraints.

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Why sample instead of a census?

Studying a sample can be faster, cheaper, and easier.

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Construct Validity

The extent to which a measure accurately assesses the intended theoretical construct.

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Reliability

The consistency of a measure; how consistently an instrument measures the same concept each time.

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Questionnaire Design

The process of creating a survey, considering questions, phrasing, order, layout, and pretesting.

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Leading Question

A question that suggests a particular answer, usually biasing the respondent.

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Double-Barreled Question

A question that asks about multiple issues or concepts in one question, making it confusing for the respondent.

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Judgment Sampling

A sampling method where an expert chooses participants based on their knowledge and believed relevance to the study.

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Snowball Sampling

A sampling method where initial participants refer others who meet the study criteria, creating a chain of referrals.

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Sample Design

The selection process for participants in research, influenced by accuracy needs, resources, time constraints, population knowledge, and project scale.

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Goodness of Measures

Ensuring a measurement tool accurately targets and measures the intended construct, avoiding overlooked or irrelevant elements.

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Test-Retest Reliability

A method to assess stability by administering the same measure at different times and comparing the results.

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Stability (Reliability)

Consistency of a measure when administered multiple times to the same group.

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Appropriate Sample Design

Selection process for research participants considering accuracy, resources, time, knowledge of population, and project scope.

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Study Notes

Beginning the Research Process

  • Applied research begins with a management problem.
  • A well-defined management problem forms the basis for defining the research problem.
  • Research objectives need to be defined to guide actions as a researcher.
  • Objectives can't be established until the managerial decision is understood.
  • The understanding is often described as a problem statement.
  • A good problem statement should include research objectives and research questions.
  • Research objectives should briefly explain the study's purpose and focus.

Research Objectives Examples

  • To find out what motivates consumers to buy online.
  • To study leadership style's effect on employee satisfaction.
  • To investigate the relationship between capital structure and firm profitability.

Research Questions

  • Research questions specify what a researcher wants to learn.
  • They guide and structure the process of collecting and analyzing data.
  • Research questions are used to attain the study's objectives.

Types of Research Questions

  • Exploratory: used when little is known about a phenomenon, existing research is unclear, or the topic is complex.
  • Examples use qualitative methods:
    • Informal discussions with consumers or employees
    • Interviews
    • Focus groups
    • Case studies
  • Descriptive Questions: used to describe characteristics of objects, people, or situations.
  • Qualitative and quantitative data can be collected.
  • Examples include: satisfaction ratings, production figures, and sales figures, or ways consumers make decisions.
  • Correlational Questions: used to describe relationships between variables.
  • Example is investigating the relationship between job involvement and job satisfaction.
  • Causal Questions: used to test whether one variable causes another variable to change. Example is: What motivates consumers to purchase a product online.

Exploratory Research

  • Exploratory research is often used when not much is known about a phenomenon, existing research is unclear or has limitations, or the topic is complex.
  • Typically done using qualitative approaches,
  • Examples include, informal discussions, interviews, focus groups, and case studies.
  • Flexible in nature. The focus broadens at the outset and narrows as the research progresses.

Descriptive Research

  • The objective is to obtain data that describes a topic.
  • Descriptive studies are used to collect data that describe characteristics of objects, people, organizations, products, events, or situations.
  • They can be quantitative or qualitative.
  • Example, what percentage of people prefer coca cola over pepsi.

Causal Research

  • Causal studies test whether one variable causes another to change.
  • Determining factors involved in a problem is crucial.
  • Example: How does a reward system affect productivity.
  • Independent variable causes a change in the dependent variable. Removing/altering the independent variable solves the problem.
  • Conditions for causal relationship: variables covary, independent variable precedes the dependent variable, extraneous variables are controlled.

Example of a Problem Statement

  • Bakery is struggling to establish itself in the market.
  • Customers prefer national brands.
  • Hesitancy to try new bakery items.
  • Problem: Consumers do not appreciate the bakery's approach to production.
  • Solution: Redesign the bakery to be more appealing.

Problem Definition - Translating Decision Statements

  • Breaking down a managerial issue into actionable research elements
  • Identify symptoms
  • Identify probable problems
  • Define objectives
  • Create research questions
  • Formulate research hypotheses

Research Proposal

  • A formal plan outlining the proposed research.
  • Includes a description of the management problem, the research problem, methodology, duration, and cost.
  • Needed to gain approval from management.
  • Crucial for guiding the research process thoroughly.

Elements of Research Design

  • Research Format: exploratory, descriptive, comparative, causal, and correlational.
  • Researcher Interference: minimal or excessive.
  • Setting: contrived or non-contrived (natural environment).
  • Time horizon: cross-sectional (snapshot) or longitudinal (over time).
  • Unit of analysis: individual, household, organization, or geographical area.

Survey Research

  • Non-experimental method to assess attitudes, activities, opinions and beliefs.
  • Methods include questionnaires and interviews.
  • Advantages include practicality and wide geographical reach.
  • Disadvantages may include limited depth, bias from self-reports, and potential misinterpretation.

Observation Research

  • Systematic process of recording actual behavioral patterns.
  • Can observe visible (known) or hidden (unknown to participant) behaviors/actions.
  • Useful for gathering data on behaviors that people may not be able to or are unwilling to verbally describe.

Sampling

  • Process of selecting a subset of individuals from a larger population.
  • Census: Studying every single member of a population.
  • Sampling: Studying parts of a population. More practical for large populations.
  • Different Sampling techniques:
    • Probability sampling:
      • Simple random sampling
      • Systematic sampling
      • Stratified sampling
      • Cluster Sampling
    • Non-Probability sampling:
      • Convenience sampling
      • Quota sampling
      • Purposive sampling
      • Snowball sampling

Validity and Reliability

  • Validity: Degree to which a measure accurately assesses the intended construct.
  • Reliability: Extent to which a measure produces consistent results.
  • Types of Validity:
    • Content validity
    • Criterion validity
    • Construct validity
  • Types of Reliability:
    • Test-retest reliability
    • Parallel-form reliability
    • Split-half reliability

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BUS204 Final Exam - Chapter 6: Beginning the Research Process PDF

Description

This quiz covers the essential elements of beginning the research process, emphasizing the significance of management problems and well-defined research objectives. It outlines how research questions guide the collection and analysis of data, providing examples to illustrate key concepts.

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