2. The hallmarks of scientific research 1-3
1. Purposiveness
Started the research with a definite aim or purpose
2. Rigor
Rigor connotes carefulness, scrupulousness, and the
degree of exactitude in research investigations
3. Testability
The manager or researcher develops certain hypotheses
on how employee commitment can be enhanced, then
these can be tested by applying certain statistical tests to
the data collected for the purpose.
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3. The hallmarks of scientific research 2-3
4. Replicability
The results of the tests of hypotheses should be supported again
and yet again when the same type of research is repeated in other
similar circumstances.
5. Precision and confidence
Design the research in a manner the ensures that our findings are
as close to reality
Precision: reflects the degree of accuracy or exactitude of the
results on the basis of the sample, to what really exists in the
universe.
Confidence: refer to the probability that our estimations are
correct, it is important that we can confidently claim that 95% of
the time our results will be true and there is only a 5 % chance of
our being wrong. 3
4. The hallmarks of scientific research 3-3
6. Objectivity
The conclusion drawn through the interpretation of the results of
data analysis should be based on facts of the findings derived from
actual data, and not on our own subjective or emotional values.
7. Generalizability
Refers to the scope of applicability of the research findings in one
organizational setting to other settings
8. Parsimony
Simplicity in explaining the phenomena or problems that occur, and
in generating solutions for the problem,
And it can be introduced with a good understanding of the problem
and the important factors that influence it.
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5. Some obstacles to conducting scientific research
in the management area
In the management and behavioral areas, it is
not always possible to conduct investigations
that are 100 % scientific, in the sense that,
unlike in the physical sciences, the results
obtained will not be exact and error-free. This
is primarily because of difficulties likely to be
encountered in the measurement and
collection of data in the subjective areas of
feelings, emotions, attitudes, and perceptions.
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7. The seven-step process in the
hypothetico-deductive method 1-2
1. Identify a broad problem area
A drop in sales, frequent production interruptions,… and the like, could
attract the attention of manager and catalyze the research project
2. Define the problem statement
Problem statement that states the general objective of the research
should be developed
3. Develop hypotheses
In this step variable are examined as to their contribution or influence in
explaining why the problem occurs and how it can be solved.
4. Determine measures
Unless the variables in the theoretical framework are measured in some
way, we will not be able to test our hypotheses.
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8. The seven-step process in the
hypothetico-deductive method 2-2
5. Data collection
Data with respect to each variable in the hypothesis need
to be obtained.
6. Data analysis
In the data analysis step, the data gathered are
statistically analyzed to see if the hypotheses that were
generated have been supported
7. Interpretation of data
Now we must decide whether our hypotheses are
supported or not by interpreting the meaning of the
results of the data analysis.
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9. Review of the hypothetco-deductive
method
Deductive reasoning is a key element in the
hypothetico—deductive methods.
• Deductive reasoning: start with a general
theory and then apply this theory to a specific
case.
• Inductive reasoning: works in the opposite
direction it is a process where we observe
specific phenomena and on this basis arrive at
general conclusions.
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10. Other types of research
Case studies and action research are sometimes used to study
certain types of issues.
• Case studies
Involve in depth, contextual analyses of similar situations in other
organizations.
Case study, as a problem solving technique, is not often
undertaken in organizations
• Action research
Is sometimes undertaken by consultants who want to initiate
change processes in organizations.
Thus, action research is a constantly evolving project with
interplay among problem, solution, effects or consequences,
and new solution.
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