REVIEW COURSE ON RESEARCH

Research Problem unsatisfactory situation in need of solution or improvement question needing answer

Sources of problems in business research: customer complaints conversation with company employees observations of inappropriate behavior or conditions in a firm deviation from the business plan success of firm’s competitor company records and reports published materials (which may reveal changes in market or environmental trends, new government regulations, anticipated changes in the economy etc.)

Research Problem Title does away with “when,” “a study of,” “an investigation of,” “a research on, “an analysis of” meticulously devised phrase that conveys the topic (variable) and population of interest (preferably not more than 15 words

Wordy: Analysis of Factors Affecting the Movements of the Philippine Stock Composite Index, Fiscal Year 1999-2000

Improved: Factors Affecting Movements of the Philippine Stock Composite Index

Characteristics of business research:

almost always applied research (problem-oriented) tends to have shorter time limit done in an environment in which conditions change rapidly a for-profit enterprise, so must have cost limit

THE PARTS OF CHAPTER ONE (HNU Format)

Rationale introduces the general topic of interest establishes the scenario justifies the need to conduct the study

Theoretical Background schematic diagram and its brief explanation theories / models that support the research problem legal basis (optional) review of related literature and related studies synthesis of the concepts lifted from theories and studies

What is a theory?

abstract generalization that presents a view of a phenomenon which has been verified to some degree

What is a model? symbolic representation of a phenomenon or a diagram of a theory or conceptual framework

Example: Goal Theory (The goals we set for ourselves affect our level of motivation).

Descriptive• integrated set of concepts• shows dimensions, characteristics or commonalities of phenomenon

Theory

Explanatory• depicts how concepts or phenomena are related• composed of concepts and propositions

What is a concept? mental image of an object or phenomenon word or phrase that labels an abstract but commonly understood object or phenomenon

Examples: effectiveness, development, economic support, productivity, system etc.

What is a proposition? relational statement specifies relationship between two or more concepts

Examples: The systems theory assumes that the original culture of an organization is derived from the founder’s philosophy

which influences the criteria used in hiring (Robbin in Edralin, 2002).

Examples of descriptive theory: Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Theory

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Examples of explanatory theory/model

Systems and Behavioral Approach in Conflict Management Model (Flippo, 1994)

- A system is composed of internal subsystems and external environment which affect conflict in an organization. In turn, conflict resolution influences organizational effectiveness.

Demographic Transition Theory (in Padua, 2000)- Socioeconomic development has a suppressing effect on natural increase of population.

These theories and models are assembled to create the research framework.

What is a framework?- A researcher’s perspective about how the concepts and variables in a study fit together.

Theoretical -based on existing explanatory theory -contains propositions

Framework

Conceptual -set of related concepts assembled because of their relevance to a phenomenon but lacks propositions -indicates rudimentary or untested theory -used when no theory exists and researcher constructs one to depict relationship

What to do when utilizing a theory? specify theory used as basis for the study mention the proponents cite the main points support claims of the theory by ideas from other experts illustrate framework through diagram / paradigm end up by reiterating the researcher’s theoretical perspective in the study

APPLICATIONSResearch Title: Economic Development in Relation to the Natural Growth of Population

This study is anchored on the Demographic Transition Theory which maintains that the decline in the natural increase in population can be explained by tracing the socioeconomic development of countries, which includes a) economic aspect (e.g. income increase); b) social aspects (e.g. equal distribution of opportunities for social mobility); c) health aspects (e.g. availability of advanced medical technology and medicine); and d) psychological aspects (e.g. enhancement of self-esteem (in Padua, 2000).

General(Abstract)

Specific(Concrete)

Theory : Demographic Transition Theory

Concepts: socioeconomic development, natural increase of population

Propositional Statement: Socioeconomic development has a suppressing effect on natural increase of population.

Translate Concepts into Variables

Socioeconomic Development = economic development (per capita income)Natural Increase of Population = difference between number of crude births number of crude deathsRate of Natural Increase (RNI) = CBR - CDR

Formulate Hypothesis

Countries that have high increase in per capita income experience decline in the natural increase of population.

Research Title:Supervisors’ Human Resource Management Skills and Personal Characteristics in Relation to

Supervisory Effectiveness of Food Centers

Theoretical Framework: This study is anchored on Parson’s and Merton’s

Personality Systems Theory which maintains that supervisory effectiveness and organizational performance is influenced by the human resource management skills and personal characteristics of the leader.

General (Abstract)

Specific(Concrete)

Theory : Supervisory effectiveness in influenced by the human resource management skills and personal characteristics of a leader.

Concepts : supervisory effectiveness human resource management skills personal characteristics of a leader

Translate Concepts into Variables

Supervisory Effectiveness = number of complaints, better attendance, high morale of subordinates, ability of supervisory units to meet deadlines

Human Resource Management Skills = skills in handling conflict, in organizing the right workforce for the right type of job, in establishing and maintaining empathy

Personal Characteristics of a Leader = training, years of work experience and mental ability

Formulate HypothesisThere is a significant correlation between supervisory effectiveness and human resource management skills measured in the aspects of the leader’s skill in:

a. handling conflict;b. organizing the right workforce for the right type of job;c. establishing and maintaining empathy: (variables may be expanded to include)d. training;e. years of work experience; andf. mental ability.

Statement of the Problem

Structure: ▪ general statement of aim(s) or objective(s) containing variable / phenomenon measured, environment and time ▪ specific questions

Research Designs Sample Verbs

Descriptive Research ------------------------------------- describe, analyze, determine, illustrate

Exploratory Research ------------------------------------ explore, examine, investigate

Experimental Research ---------------------------------- determine the effects examine differences compare the results analyze the effect

Action Research ---------------------------------- develop, propose, suggest, recommend, determine alternative approaches identify solutions formulate policies

Comparative Research --------------------------------- compare determine similarities, differences

Correlational Research ----------------------------------- determine (positive , negative) correlation

ExampleStatement of the Problem Criteria in Writing Problem Statement

This study compares the volatility transmission of Philippine peso and Indonesian rupiah.Specifically, it answers the following specific questions:1. How does peso and rupiah volatility

respond to shocks originating in their respective countries?

2. Which currency is more dominant in transmitting volatility to other countries?

3. How did the Asian currency crisis change the dynamics of volatility transmission between the peso and rupiah?

4. Is there a significant difference in volatility transmission between the peso and rupiah before and during the crisis years?

▪ preferably written in question form ▪ identifies specific area▪ phrased in workable and manageable terms▪ unbiased and not emotion-laden▪ relationship between variables clearly cited▪ identifies data and technique▪ stated in correct grammatical forms

The Hypothesis▪ statement of expected relationship stated in null or alternative form using the following formats:

Relational format (directional or non-directional relationships such as difference or correlation)

Example: There is no significant difference in volatility transmission between the peso and rupiah before and during the crisis years.

Explanatory / Causal Format: The Asian financial crisis has no effect on the volatility of the peso and the rupiah.

N.B. Hypothesis is required in experimental research but may be optional in other types of research.

Significance of the Study▪ brief introduction▪ description (in concrete terms) who benefited and how

Study–derived benefits may benefit any or all of the following:

Example:

Broad: The study will provide information for improving management of hotels. Specific: The study will provide hotel managers updated information on grievance procedures that can be used for reviewing and possibly improving the hotels’

present grievance machinery.

Individual Level

▪ researchers▪ students▪ employees▪ managers▪ entrepreneurs

Organizational Level

▪ firms▪ industry▪ associations▪ schools▪ funding agencies

Others

▪ government▪ communities▪ consumers▪ suppliers▪ investors

Scope and Limitation

▪ indicates study coverage and limitations with concrete reference to:

√ variables√ sources of data√ methods employed in data collection and analysis√ time frame√ constraints encountered in the investigation

E.g. non-availability of data, uncooperativeness of respondents, inability of respondents to recall accurate responses, confidentiality of some relevant info

METHODOLOGYResearch Design General Definition: Schema that maps out the sources of data, type of data to collect, how data will be collected, methods in data analysis, time constraints and the environment

HNU Definition: type or category of research according to objective and method of data collection

DescriptiveCorrelationalComparative

Research Design ExploratoryActionEvaluativeCausal / Explanatory

weakExperimental quasi

true

Research Environment

▪ identifies the specific place where data will be collected brief history▪ may include brief history▪ states reason for choice of place▪ provides description of the special features that relate to the variables / problem▪ may include geographical sketch or map

Research Respondents

▪ identifies number and characteristics of respondents▪ may include table if respondents are stratified ▪ includes reason(s) for choice of respondents ▪ the sampling technique

simple randomstratified random

Probability systematicmulti-stage or cluster

Samplingquotapurposive / judgment

Non-probability convenienceaccidentalsnowball

Research Instrument

▪ technique / tool used to gather data▪ scoring / measuring system▪ if test or questionnaire it includes description of what the part measures▪ validation technique▪ if standardized or borrowed indicate how permission was secured

Types:Questionnaire Achievement TestsInterview Schedule Aptitude TestsObservation Form Ability TestOpinionaires InterestInventoriesDocument Analysis Forms Projective TestsSociometric Electronic Tools

Data Gathering Procedure Steps: Preparatory Process1. Ask permission well in advance.2. Send a copy of the outline of the research proposal and instruments.3. Research proposal and instruments.4. Time the visit to cover all aspects.5. Ensure sufficient copies plus extras.

Arrival in the Research Environment1. Report to the head of the institution.2. Involve them in the research (if possible).3. Be tactful at all times.4. Fit into their normal schedules.5. Check that equipment is in good working order.6. Thank them for their assistance.

In the Field Setting

1. Put respondents at ease.2. Reassure them that it is not an examination.3. Tell them that responses will be confidential.4. Tell them the aims of the study (if appropriate).5. Ensure an easy rapport.6. Answer any questions or queries.

Definition of Terms

Conceptual – “thinking” or dictionary basedOperational – describes how variables are measured

Example:Job Satisfaction

The term refers to a “set of favorable or unfavorable feelings and emotions with which employees view their work” (Newton and Davis, 1993). To measure the level of job satisfaction of survivors, specific satisfaction, scales of the job diagnostic survey were utilized in the Attitude Questionnaire, wherein respondents were asked to rate on a 7-point Likert scale (1 = extremely dissatisfied to 7 = extremely satisfied) their feelings towards the different aspects of jobs) namely, job security, pay and compensation, peer and co-workers, supervision and opportunity for personal growth and development.

Note: Only the variables and key terms in the title and statement of the problem are included the definition of terms. Other terms are defined or described in parts where they are found.