Chapter 5

Babajide Okuntola May 19, 2009

(BA 301) THE RESEARCH PROCESS

CHAPTER 5

Summary of Theoretical Framework Hypothesis Development

This chapter basically looks at the four types of variables and their definitions. It also discusses how the theoretical framework is developed and how testable hypotheses are generated there from.

Variables are properties or characteristics of some event, object, or person that can take on different values or amounts (as opposed to constants such as p which do not vary). When conducting research, experimenters often manipulate variables. For example, an experimenter might compare the effectiveness of four types of antidepressants. In this case, the variable is the "type of antidepressant".

There are four main types of variables namely;

·         Dependent variable

·         Independent variable

·         Moderating variable

·         Intervening variable

Dependent variables are the variables of primary interest to the researcher. It is the main variable that lends itself for investigation as a variable factor. Through the analysis of the dependent variable it is possible to find answers or solutions to a problem.

E.g. A researcher is investigating why there is a very high demand for a particular product produced by organization A. From this example, the high demand for the products is the dependent variable while the factors leading to the excessive demand are the independent variables.

 

Independent Variables are the variables that influence the dependent variable either in a positive or negative way. From the dependent variable above, the independent variables are the factors that bring about high demand for the products of organization A. examples of the independent variables that affect demand for products are;

·         Disposable Income of Consumers

·         Necessity & importance of Products to consumers

The above are major factors that manufactured products depend on.

 

Moderating variables are variables that have contingent effect on the relationship between two or more variables. A moderating variable serves as a catalyst for the impact of an independent variable on a dependent variable. Examples of a moderating variable between dependent and independent variables with reference to the case study are as follows;

·       Factors of production

·       Quality of products produced

·       Job Satisfaction of staff in Organization A

·       Job effectiveness and efficiency of staff of Organization A

The above affect the ability to organization A to produce as many products to meet consumer needs and consumer patronizing organization A.

 

Intervening Variable is the variable that surfaces between the time the independent variable starts influencing the dependent variable and the time the impact is felt on it. An example of an intervening variable with reference to the case study is as follows;

·         Advertisement of products

The intervening variable of the case study is comes up between the period of completion of manufacturing of a product and when they are made available for consumers.

 

A theoretical framework is a collection of interrelated concepts, like a theory but not necessarily so well worked-out. A theoretical framework guides your research, determining what things you will measure, and what statistical relationships you will look for.

 

A hypothesis is a logically conjectured relationship between two or more variables expressed in the form of a testable statement. Relationships are conjectured on the basis of the network of associations established in the theoretical framework formulated for the research study. By testing the hypotheses and confirming the conjectured relationships, it is expected that solutions can be found to correct the problem encountered.

There are 2 types of hypothesis;

I) Directional
ii) Non - Directional

Directional hypothesis are those where one can predict the direction (effect of one variable on the other as 'Positive' or 'Negative)

for e.g. Girls perform better than boys (better than' shows the direction predicted)

Non Directional hypothesis are those where one does not predict the kind of effect but can state a relationship between variable 1 and variable 2.

For e.g. there will be a difference in the performance of girls & boys (Not defining what kind of difference)

you can choose any of these hypotheses based on the kind of results you expect at the end.