Research Methods LSP 700 Chapters 2 & 3 PDF

RESEARCH METHODS LSP 700: CHAPTERS 2 & 3 TODAY’S AGENDA 1. Chapter 2 and 3 o Distinguish deductive vs. inductive research o Identify characteristics of Scientific research o Define management problem o How to do exploration and diagnosis o Differentiate among types of Act...

RESEARCH METHODS LSP 700: CHAPTERS 2 & 3 TODAY’S AGENDA 1. Chapter 2 and 3 o Distinguish deductive vs. inductive research o Identify characteristics of Scientific research o Define management problem o How to do exploration and diagnosis o Differentiate among types of Action problem 2. Review Expectations for first assignment 3. Get into Groups & Decide on Research Topics (Work on Group Contract if Decided) CHAPTER 2 The scientific approach and alternative approaches to investigation RESEARCH CYCLE THEORY DATA HYPOTHESIS ANALYSIS DATA COLLECTION DEDUCTION AND INDUCTION  Deductive research: a process where one starts with a general theory (often in the form of a hypothesis or proposition) and then collects specific data to test this theory. Hypothesis testing  Inductive research: a process where we observe specific phenomena and on this basis arrive at general conclusions. Counting white swans  Both inductive and deductive processes are often used in (fundamental and applied) research. DEDUCTIVE RESEARCH  Application of a general theory to a specific case Observation Theory Information gathering Hypothesis Data collection Data analysis Confirm Data interpretation INDUCTIVE RESEARCH  A process where we observe specific phenomena and, on this basis, arrive at general conclusions. Possible Hypothesis Add to theory Analysis of data Look for Data Collection patterns and both Secondary themes General and primary observation or research question WHAT MAKES SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH?: Main distinguishing characteristics: 1. Purposiveness 2. Rigor 3. Testability 4. Replicability 5. Precision and Confidence 6. Objectivity 7. Generalizability 8. Parsimony CONCEPT CHECK! 1. ‘Rigor’ related to scientific investigation refers amongst others to: a. The probability that our estimations are correct. b. The idea that a simple model that explains a certain phenomenon has preference over a complex model. c. The degree to how meticulous and carefully the research is carried out d. The fact that an investigation has a clear theoretical foundation. 2. A researcher who observed separate specific phenomena and on this basis attempts to arrive at general conclusions, works inductively. a. T b. F CONCEPT CHECK! 3. A manager observes that higher prices lead to more sales. The results of a focus group point out that consumers use price as an indicator for quality. This is an example of deductive research. a. T b. F 4. An inductive investigation starts with an observation of empirical data. a. T b. F CHAPTER 3 Defining the Management Problem INFORMATION PROBLEM LEADS TO RESEARCH  Every research project starts with a problem (an information problem!) that the researcher wants to address.  Previous chapter introduced two situations that are commonly associated with more complex forms of research in an applied context. TWO SITUATIONS THAT MAY LEAD TO RESEARCH  Research is often needed when managers are proactively looking for decision opportunities.  Applied research may also result from a specific situation that a manager wants to change (for instance, staff turnover is 20% and for some reason the manager finds this problematic). If a manager wants to solve the (action) problem, but does not know how, research is needed. MANAGEMENT PROBLEM  First the management problem has to be defined  If research is needed the researcher develops a research problem. Depends on: the potential usefulness of the research results, the resources available for implementing the research results, the attitude of various stakeholders towards the project and the costs and benefits of the project  The research problem helps the researcher to explain to the manager how the collection of information may help to solve the management problem. DEFINING THE MANAGEMENT PROBLEM  The existing situation: In order to grow we are considering to enter a new market. However, it is unclear how attractive this market is in the long run.  Why this situation is problematic: This is problematic because we want to make a market entry decision.  The desired situation (the management objective): To obtain insight in the long-term attractiveness of the market. FIXING SITUATIONS THAT ARE BROKEN  Process starts with exploration and diagnosis  Objective exploration: make a decision with regard to diagnose or not  Objective diagnosis: to define the management problem USEFUL TOOLS DIAGNOSIS  Five times why DEFINING THE MANAGEMENT PROBLEM: EXAMPLE  Existing situation: The undesirable turnover of personnel who have been in service for less than a year is on average 18% over the past three calendar years.  Why this is problematic (the motive to change the existing situation): The high turnover rate among employees who have been working for the organization for less than a year leads to dissatisfaction, demotivation and dropping out of colleagues who have chosen not to leave, to frustration with regard to supporting inexperienced and inefficient recruits, to extra management time needed to deal with the negative consequences of turnover, and to high recruitment costs.  Desired situation (the management objective): To reduce the undesirable turnover of personnel who have been in service for less than a year with 50%. TYPES OF MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS Technical/routine problem Information problem Consensus and available Broad consensus but solution not Consensus solution/s available present Example: Turnover due to lack of Example: Agreement that turnover is pre-boarding resources an issue but multiple/lack of solutions Strategy: Planning & action Strategy: Research Consensus problem Information and consensus Lack of consensus but problem available solution Lack of consensus and solutions Example: Conflicting opinions on Example: Agreement that turnover is Lack of turnover as issue but solutions an issue but multiple/lack of solutions Consensus available Strategy: Leadership Strategy: Negotiation Solutions present Lack of Solutions CONCEPT CHECK! 1. There are many reasons to do applied research. The common theme is that every research project starts with a ____________ a) research proposal b) theory c) problem d) question 2. A logical starting point for exploration in situations where a manager is pro-actively looking for decision opportunities or areas for improvement is: a) The issue of whether to conduct research b) Developing a research proposal c) Defining the problem d) Conducting a literature review NEXT STEPS 1. COMPLETE GROUP CONTRACT by September 21 - posted on blackboard site under “Week 3- Group Contract” 2. READ CHAPTERS 4-6 & come with your questions 3. Test 1 week after (week 4- September 28) – Chapters 1-6 will be on the test 4. Research topic assignment due October 5 5. Guest lecture on October 12 – please attend (class attendance/ participation part of grading for Literature Review assignment due October 19) REVIEW  Group Contract  Peer Evaluation Form GROUPS AND TOPICS 1. Will get you into your Groups 2. Have ONE person in your group email me which topic you choose as soon as you decide. Will go with first come, first serve. 3. Here to listen to your ideas 4. THINK SMALL! Has to Be achievable HOW TO SELECT RESEARCH TOPIC  Is this topic everyone interested in?  Is this doable and achievable?  Do you have few hypotheses that you can test (ideally 3-4) ?  Can you collect data quickly?  Can you analyze data and report findings (not in this course- BMI802)?  Is the topic unique and not something other groups are doing?