Formulating a research problem in qualitative research

The difference in qualitative and quantitative studies starts with the way you formulate your research problem. In quantitative research you strive to be as specific as possible, attempt to narrow the magnitude of your study and develop a framework within which you confine your search. On the other hand, in qualitative research, this specificity

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What is a variable?

Whether we accept it or not, we all make value judgements constantly in our daily lives: ‘This food is excellent’; ‘I could not sleep well last night’; ‘I do not like this’; and ‘I think this is wonderful’. These are all judgements based upon our own preferences, indicators or assessment. Because these explain feelings

The difference between a concept and a variable

Measurability is the main difference between a concept and a variable. Concepts are mental images or perceptions and therefore their meanings vary markedly from individual to indi­vidual, whereas variables are measurable, though, of course, with varying degrees of accuracy. A concept cannot be measured whereas a variable can be subjected to measurement by crude/

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Converting concepts into variables in management research

If you are using a concept in your study, you need to consider its operationalisation — that is, how it will be measured. In most cases, to operationalise a concept you first need to go through the process of identifying indicators — a set of criteria reflective of the concept — which can then

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Types of variable in management research

A variable can be classified in a number of ways. The classification developed here results from looking at variables in three different ways (see Figure 5.1): the causal relationship; the study design; the unit of measurement. 1. From the viewpoint of causal relationship In studies that attempt to investigate a causal relationship or association,

Types of measurement scale in management research

The frame into which we wish to make everything fit is one of our own construction; but we do not construct it at random, we construct it by measurement so to speak; and that is why we can fit the facts into it without altering their essential qualities. (Poincare 1952: xxv) Measurement is central

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The definition of a hypothesis in management research

The second important consideration in the formulation of a research problem in quantitative research is the construction of a hypothesis. Hypotheses bring clarity, specificity and focus to a research problem, but are not essential for a study. You can conduct a valid investigation without constructing a single formal hypothesis. On the other hand, within

The functions of a hypothesis in management research

While some researchers believe that to conduct a study requires a hypothesis, having a hypoth­esis is not essential as already mentioned. However, a hypothesis is important in terms of bring­ing clarity to the research problem. Specifically, a hypothesis serves the following functions: The formulation of a hypothesis provides a study with focus. It tells

The testing of a hypothesis in management research

To test a hypothesis you need to go through a process that comprises three phases: (1) con­structing a hypothesis; (2) gathering appropriate evidence; and (3) analysing evidence to draw conclusions as to its validity. Figure 6.1 shows this process diagrammatically. It is only after analysing the evidence that you can conclude whether your hunch

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The characteristics of a hypothesis in management research

There are a number of considerations to keep in mind when constructing a hypothesis, as they are important for valid verification. The wording of a hypothesis therefore must have certain attributes that make it easier for you to ascertain its validity. These attributes are: A hypothesis should be simple, specific and conceptually clear. There

Types of hypothesis in management research

Theoretically there should be only one type of hypothesis, that is the research hypothesis — the basis of your investigation. However, because of the conventions in scientific enquiries and because of the wording used in the construction of a hypothesis, hypotheses can be classified into several types. Broadly, there are two categories of hypothesis:

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Errors in testing a hypothesis in management research

As already mentioned, a hypothesis is an assumption that may prove to be either correct or incorrect. It is possible to arrive at an incorrect conclusion about a hypothesis for a variety of reasons. Incorrect conclusions about the validity of a hypothesis may be drawn if: the study design selected is faulty; the sampling

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Hypotheses in qualitative research

One of the differences in qualitative and quantitative research is around the importance attached to and the extent of use of hypotheses when undertaking a study. As qualitative studies are characterised by an emphasis on describing, understanding and exploring phe­nomena using categorical and subjective measurement procedures, construction of hypotheses is neither advocated nor practised.

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What is a research design?

A research design is a plan, structure and strategy of investigation so conceived as to obtain answers to research questions or problems. The plan is the complete scheme or programme of the research. It includes an outline of what the investigator will do from writing the hypotheses and their operational implications to the final

The functions of a research design in management research

The above definitions suggest that a research design has two main functions. The first relates to the identification and/or development of procedures and logistical arrangements required to undertake a study, and the second emphasises the importance of quality in these procedures to ensure their validity, objectivity and accuracy. Hence, through a research design you:

The theory of causality and the research design

Now let’s turn to the second function of the research design — ensuring that the procedures undertaken are adequate to obtain valid, objective and accurate answers to the research questions. To ensure this, it is important that you select a study design that helps you to isolate, eliminate or quantify the effects of different

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Differences between quantitative and qualitative study designs

In this chapter we will discuss some of the most commonly used study designs in both quan­titative and qualitative research. Overall, there are many more study designs in quantitative research than in qualitative research. Quantitative study designs are specific, well structured, have been tested for their validity and reliability, and can be explicitly defined

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Study designs in quantitative research

Some of the commonly used designs in quantitative studies can be classified by examining them from three different perspectives: the number of contacts with the study population; the reference period of the study; the nature of the investigation. Every study design can be classified from each one of these perspectives. These perspectives are arbitrary

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Other designs commonly used in quantitative research

There are some research designs that may be classified in the typology described above but, because of their uniqueness and prevalence, have acquired their own names. They are therefore described separately below. 1. The cross-over comparative experimental design The denial of treatment to the control group is considered unethical by some professionals. In addition,

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Study designs in qualitative research

This section provides a brief description of some of the commonly used designs in qualita­tive research. For an in-depth understanding you are advised to consult books on qualitative research. 1. Case study The case study, though dominantly a qualitative study design, is also prevalent in quantita­tive research. A case could be an individual, a