3. Theoretical Framework
Foundation of the hypothetical-deductive
research project!
Deductive research: moving from the general
(a theory) to the specific (observations).
This is crucial in deductive, theory testing,
and causal research.
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4. Theoretical Framework
A theoretical framework represents your
beliefs on how certain phenomena (or
variables or concepts) are related to each
other (a model) and an explanation on why
you believe that these variables are
associated to each other (a theory).
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5. Theoretical Framework
Basic steps:
Identify and label the variables correctly
State the relationships among the
variables: formulate hypotheses
Explain how or why you expect these
relationships
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6. Theoretical Framework
From the framework, a testable hypotheses
then can be developed to examine the theory.
This can be done by using statistical analyses.
Since the theoretical framework is central to
examining relationships between variables, it is
essential to understand what does a variable
mean…
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7. Variable
Any concept or construct that varies or changes in
value
This change can be occurred at various times or
different people.
Main types of variables:
Dependent variable (or criterion)
Independent variable (or predictor)
Moderating variable
Mediating variable
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8. (In)dependent Variables
Dependent variable (DV)
Is of primary interest to the researcher.
The goal of the research project is to understand,
predict or explain the variability of this variable.
Independent variable (IV)
Influences the DV in either positive or negative way.
The variance in the DV is accounted for by the IV.
It is possible to have more than one in(dependent) variable.
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9. (In)dependent Variables
To establish that a change in the independent variable
causes a change in the dependent variable, all four of
the following conditions should be met:
1. A change in the dependent variable should be
associated with a change in the independent one.
2. The independent variable should precede the
dependent one.
3. No other variable should be a possible cause, and
thus the need for controlling variables
4. A logical justification is needed (theory)
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11. Moderators
Moderating variable
Moderator is qualitative (e.g., gender, race, class) or
quantitative (e.g., level of reward) variable that affects
the direction and/or strength of relation between
independent and dependent variable.
How do we distinct between independent and
moderating variables?
Whenever the relationship between the independent
variable and the dependent variable becomes
contingent on another variable, we say that the third
variable has a moderating effect on the Ind-Dep
relationship.
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13. Mediating Variable
Mediating variable (or intervening variable):
surfaces between the time the independent
variables start operating to influence the dependent
variable and the time their impact is felt on it.
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14. Slide 5-14
Independent, moderator and mediator
variables (Summary)
Independent Variable: Helps to explain the variance
in the dependent variable
Mediating Variable: Surfaces as a function of the
independent variable, which also helps to understand the
relationship between the independent and dependent
variables.
Moderating Variable: Has a contingent effect on the
relationship between two variables.
15. Theory
A proposition that is empirically testable.
It is an empirical statement concerned with the
relationship among variables.
It is a tentative, yet testable statement which
predicts what you expect to find in your data.
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16. Hypothesis
So, A hypothesis: is a suggested solution for an
unexplained occurrence that does not fit into current
accepted scientific theory.
The basic idea of a hypothesis is that there is no pre-
determined outcome.
For a hypothesis to be termed a scientific hypothesis, it
has to be something that can be supported or refuted
through carefully crafted experimentation or observation.
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17. Hypothesis
A key function in this step in the scientific method is
deriving predictions from the hypotheses about the
results of future experiments, and then performing those
experiments to see whether they support the predictions.
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18. Hypothesis
For a hypothesis to be sound, hold tight to these tips:
1. Define the independent and dependent variables very specifically,
and don't take on more than you can handle. Keep yourself laser-
focused on one specific cause-and-effect theory.
2. Be logical and use precise language.
3. Make sure your hypothesis is testable with research and
experimentation.
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19. Hypothesis
Statement of hypotheses: Formats
• Propositions: (Employees will be more satisfied when they are
more motivated)
• If-then statement: (If employees are more motivated, they will
be more satisfied)
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A Good hypothesis:
• Must be adequate for its purpose
• Must be testable
• Must be better than its rivals
20. Hypothesis
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• A Hypothesis can be either:
1. Directional: (Positive, negative, more than, less than) There is a positive
relationship between x and y
2. Non-directional: No indication of the direction of the relationships
There is a relationship between x and y
Why we use non-directional hypotheses??!
1. The relationship have never been explored
2. Conflicting findings
21. Null and alternative hypotheses
Null hypothesis (H0):
• is a hypothesis that says there is no statistical significance
between the two variables in the hypothesis, or there is no
relationship between the variables.
• is a hypothesis set up to be rejected in order to support the
alternative hypothesis (Ha)
Alternative hypothesis (Ha):
• is a statement expressing a relationship between two variables
or indicating differences between groups
• It is a hypothesis set up to be accepted.
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