This document outlines the key aspects of scientific research methods. It discusses that scientific research focuses on following a logical, organized, and rigorous method to solve problems by identifying issues, gathering data, analyzing it, and drawing valid conclusions. Some hallmarks of scientific research are that it is purposeful, rigorous, testable, replicable, precise, objective, and generalizable. While not all management research can be 100% scientific due to studying human behavior, the hypothetico-deductive method provides a structured process involving identifying a problem, developing a hypothesis, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting results. Other research types discussed include case studies and action research.

1. Chapter – 2 Notes Research Methods (KJAN) Winter Quarter 2017
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Scientific Investigation:
Scientific Research focuses on solving problems by following a logical, organized, and rigorous method to
identify the problems, gather data, analyze that data, and draw valid conclusions from it. Decisions based
on scientific research are purposive, rigorous and effective. Scientific Research applies to both basic and
applied research.
The Hallmarks or Main Characteristics of Scientific Research
Purposiveness: Scientific Research has a specific goal and well-defined purpose.
Rigor: It means the research involves a good theoretical base, a good methodology, and carefulness,
scrupulousness, and exactitude.
Testability: Scientific Research can be used to test logically developed hypotheses.
Replicability: Means results or conclusions drawn are such that they will withhold in other similar
situations over and over again.
Precision and Confidence: Precision refers to the closeness of the findings to the “reality” based on the
sample. It reflects the degree of accuracy of results of research. Confidence refers to the probability that
our results are correct. The range in which the research results fall is known as the Confidence Interval.
The probability that a certain result will definitely be true at all times is known as the Confidence Level.
Objectivity: This implies that the conclusions drawn from the collected data must be based only on the
facts and should not involve subjective or emotional values.
Generalizability: This means that the results of scientific investigation will also be applicable with same
results to other similar situation in other organizations.
Parsimony: This implies that research design should be meaningful and simple. A more complex,
elaborate and cumbersome research model is more difficult to handle in scientific terms.
Obstacles in Conducting Management Research:
It is not possible to conduct 100% scientific research studies. It is due to human behavior being studied.
Data collection in the subjective areas of feelings, moods, attitudes and perceptions may not be 100%
accurate. Sometimes, the obstacle is due to lack of a representative sample.
The Hypothetico-Deductive Method:
1. Identify a broad problem area
2. Define the problem statement
3. Develop hypothesis
4. Determine measures
5. Data collection
6. Data analysis
7. Interpretation of the data
Identify the broad problem area Observation: Manager observes that changes are occurring in
the work environment showing variation in behaviors, attitudes, feelings, communication pattern
and styles, work performance and many other variables.

2. Chapter – 2 Notes Research Methods (KJAN) Winter Quarter 2017
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Define the problem statement through preliminary information gathering
This involves collecting of information in depth regarding the observed critical change.
Develop Hypothesis through theory formulation
It integrates all the information in a logical manner, so that the factors responsible for the problem
can be conceptualized and tested. The Theoretical Framework is designed to assess the influence
of the critical variables on the problem.
Determination of Measures
A hypothesis is a statement that proposes a possible relationship or conclusion that can be
tested. The research process is undertaken to test this hypothesis. Inductive Research is used for
hypotheses generation. Deductive Research is used for hypotheses testing.
Further Scientific Data Collection
For each variable in the hypothesis, data needs to be collected scientifically, so that it is valid and
reliable. Data on every variable in the Theoretical Framework also needs to be collected.
Data Analysis
The collected data are statistically analyzed to see if the data support the hypotheses.
Qualitative data: (narrative information through interviews, group discussions, observation etc.)
Quantitative data: (numerical information through structured interviews, questionnaires, human
and technology-based observations, etc.).
Deduction interpretation of the analysis: Deduction is the process of arriving at conclusions by
interpreting the meaning of the results of the data analysis, leading recommendations to solve the
problem.
Other Types of Research
Case Studies: Case studies involve in-depth, contextual analyses of similar situations in other
organizations, where the nature and definition of the problem happen to be the same as
experienced in the current situation.
Action Research: Action Research is used by trained and experienced consultants to bring about
a planned change. In Action Research, the researcher begins with a problem that is already
identified, and gathers relevant data to provide a tentative problem solution.
This solution is then implemented, with the knowledge that there may be unintended
consequences as a result of this implementation. The effects are then evaluated, defined, and
diagnosed.