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

Other commonly used philosophy-guided designs

There are a number of other approaches to research that have acquired recognition, in terms of design and name, in the research literature. While not designs per se, they do enhance a particular philosophical perspective in social research. These are: action research, femi­nist research, participatory research and collaborative enquiry. Strictly speaking, a piece of

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Differences in the methods of data collection in quantitative and qualitative research

Most methods of data collection can be used in both qualitative and quantitative research. The distinction is mainly due to the restrictions imposed on flexibility, structure, sequential order, depth and freedom that a researcher has in their use during the research process. Quantitative methods favour these restrictions whereas qualitative ones advocate against them. The

Major approaches to information gathering in management research

There are two major approaches to gathering information about a situation, person, problem or phenomenon. When you undertake a research study, in most situations, you need to collect the required information; however, sometimes the information required is already available and need only be extracted. Based upon these broad approaches to information gathering, data can

Collecting data using primary sources in management research

Several methods can be used to collect primary data. The choice of a method depends upon the purpose of the study, the resources available and the skills of the researcher. There are times when the method most appropriate to achieve the objectives of a study cannot be used because of constraints such as a

Methods of data collection in qualitative research

To draw a clear distinction between quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection is both difficult and inappropriate because of the overlap between them. The difference between them mainly lies in the manner in which a method is applied in an actual data collection situ­ation. Use of these methods in quantitative research demands standardisation

Collecting data using secondary sources in management research

So far we have discussed the primary sources of data collection where the required data was collected either by you or by someone else for the specific purpose you have in mind. There are occasions when your data have already been collected by someone else and you need only to extract the required information

Measurement of attitudes in quantitative and qualitative research

There are a number of differences in the way attitudes are measured in quantitative and qualitative research. In quantitative research you are able to explore, measure, determine the intensity and combine attitudes to different aspects of an issue to arrive at one indicator that is reflective of the overall attitude. In qualitative research, you

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Attitudinal scales in quantitative research

In quantitative research there are three scales which have been developed to ‘measure’ atti­tudes. Each of these scales is based upon different assumptions and follows different procedures in their construction. As a beginner in research methods it is important for you to understand these procedures and the assumptions behind them so that you can