04 theory, research, variables

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Research Methodology Dr. Nimit Chowdhary, Professor

© Dr. Nimit Chowdhary Research Methodology Workshop p. 2

Saturday, April

14, 2012

‘X’ is innocent‘X ‘ is Guilty

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© Dr. Nimit Chowdhary Research Methodology Workshop p. 3 Saturday, April 14, 2012

We all operate on basis of theories we hold A theory is a set of systematically interrelated

concepts, definitions, propositions that are advanced to explain and predict phenomena (fact)

Theories tend to be abstract and involve multiple variables

Hypothesis is simple, two-variable propositions involving concrete instances


Research

Test theory

Theorize

Theory

Suggest a system to researcher to impose on data

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Theory Concepts Constructs

Research Variables

A concept is a bundle of meanings or characteristics associated with certain events, objects, conditions, situations, etc.

Variables accept numerical values for empirical testing and measurementVariable is used synonymously for construct

A construct is an image or idea specifically invented or created for a given research and/ or-theory building purpose

© Dr. Nimit Chowdhary

Research

Methodology

Workshop p. 6Saturday, April 14, 2012

Theory The abstract statements that make claims about the world and how it work. Research problems are usually stated at a theoretical level

Example “poverty leads to poor health”

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Research

Methodology


Concepts The building blocks of theory which are usually abstract and cannot be directly measured Descriptive/ nominal/ conceptual definition Operational definition

Example “poverty”


Concept Descriptive definition

Operational definition

Customer A patron of firm ‘x’ or one who buys products and services from firm ‘x’

One who has purchased at least one third of his family’s need from firm ‘x’ during the last 3 months

Year A twelve month period Financial year, April 1 through March 31

Boy A male youth A male of 12-16 years of age

Small-scale unit An industrial undertaking which manufactures some product/s on a small scale

An industrial unit with investment in plant and machinery less than 3 crores

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What is ‘rural’ as in rural tourism?



Research

Methodology


Constructs The phenomenon which point to the existence of the concept

Example “poor living conditions”

Remember that ‘poverty’ was the concept. ‘Poverty’ is explained as ‘poor living conditions’

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Research

Methodology


Variables The components of the constructs which can be measured

Example “provision of sanitary facilities”

Construct ‘poor living conditions’ can be construed from a number of ‘measurable’ variables like ‘provision on sanitary facilities’


Research

Methodology


Value The actual units or methods of measurement of the variables. These are data in their most concrete form

Example “number of people per toilet”

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© Dr. Nimit ChowdharyResearch Methodology Workshop p.

13 Saturday, April 14, 2012

Identify variables Relate variables Nature of relationship Degree of relationship

Create a system of variables (Model) Predict variables



Dichotomous variables Discrete variables Continuous variable

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Independent variables Dependent variables



A moderating variable is a second independent variable that is included because it is believed to have a significant contributory or contingent effect on the originally stated IV-DV relationship.The introduction of a 4-day week (IV) will lead to higher productivity (DV) especially among younger workers (MV)

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An almost infinite number of extraneous variables (EV) exist that might conceivably effect a given relationship. Some can be treated as IV or MV, but most must either be assumed or excluded from the study.In routine office work (EV) the introduction of a 4-day week (IV) will lead to higher productivity (DV) especially among younger workers (MV)



The intervening variables (IVV) are factors that may theoretically affect the observed phenomenon but cannot be seen, measured, or manipulated; its affects must be inferred from the effects of the independent and the moderator variables on observed phenomenon.The introduction of a 4-day week will lead to higher productivity by increasing job satisfaction (IVV).

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Proposition (Problem) is a statement about concepts that may be judged as true or false if it refers to observable phenomenon.When a proposition is formulated for empirical testing, we call it a hypothesis. As a declarative statement, a hypothesis is of a tentative and conjectural nature.

Is an assumption about relations between variables

Is a predictive statement that relates an independent variable to a dependent variable.

Are tentative, intelligent guesses as to the solution of the problem



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Is a specific statement of prediction. It describes in concrete terms what you expect to happen in the study

Is an assumption about the population of study

Delimits the area of research and keeps the researcher on right track



04 theory, research, variables

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