Business Research Methods

By: Prof. Soofia Waleed

 Chapter 5
The Research Process

Step 4 and 5

Theoretical Framework
Hypotheses Development
 After this lecture you would be
able to:
1. Identify and label variables associated with any
given situation
2. Trace and establish the links among the
variables and evolve a theiretical framework.
3. Develop a set of hypotheses to be tested and
state them in the null and the alternate.
4. Apply what has been learned to a research
project.
 The Research Process for Basic
and Applied Research
Observation Theoretical Research Data
Hypotheses
Framework Design Collection

Problem
Identification Deduction

No Yes

Preliminary Managerial
data collection Report Report
Decision
Writing Presentation
Making
 The Need for Theoretical
Framework
• A Theoretical Framework is a conceptual model of
how one theorizes or makes logical sense of the
relationships among the several factors that have
been identified as important to the problem.
• It discusses the interrelationships among the
variables that are deemed to be integral to the
dynamics of the situation being investigated.
• From the theoretical framework then, testable
hypotheses can be developed to examine whether
the theory formulated is valid or not.
 Variables
• A variable is anything that can take on
differing or varying values. The values can
differ at various times for the same object or
person, or at the same time for different
objects or persons.
• Examples: Production, Motivation,
Absenteeism
• Examples 5.1

• Examples 5.2

• Examples 5.3
 Types of Variables

Dependent Independent Moderating Intervening

Variable Variable Variable Variable
 Dependent Variable
• The dependent variable is the variable of primary
interest to the researcher.
• The researcher goal is to describe and understand
the dependent variable or to explain its viablility
or predict it.
• Through the analysis of the dependent variable it
is possible to find solutions to the problems.
• Researcher not only quantifies and measures the
depenedent variable but explains other variables
that influence this variable.
• Example 5.4

• Example 5.5

• Example 5.6
Now respond to Exercises Page 89

5.1
&
5.2
 Independent Variable
• An independent variable is one that
influences the dependent variable in either
positive or negative way.
• When the independent variable is present,
the dependent variable is also present, and
with each unit of increase in the dependent
variable there is an increase or decrease in
the dependent variable also.
• Example 5.7

• Example 5.8
Now respond to Exercises Page 90

5.3
&
5.4
 Moderating Variable
• The moderating variable is one that has a
strong contingent effect on the independent
variable—dependent variable relationship.

• Example: 5.9

• Example 5.10
 The Distinction between an Independent
Variable and a Moderating Variable

• Situation 1

• Situation 2
Now do Exercises Page 93

5.5
&
5.6
 Intervening Variable
• An intervening variable is one that surfaces
between the time the independent variables start
operating to influence the dependent variable and
the time their impact is felt on it.
• Thus there is a temporal quality or time dimension
to the intervening variable.
• Explains the influence of the independent variable
on the dependent variable.
• Example 5.11

• Example 5.12
Now do Exercises Page 96
5.7

5.8

&

5.9
 Theoretical Framework
• The Theoretical Framework is the foundation on
which the entire research project is based.
• It is logically developed, described and elaborated
network of associations among the variables
deemed relevant to the problem situation and
identified through such processes as interviews,
observations and literature survey.
• Experience and intuition also guide in developing
the theoretical framework.
 Cont.
• Identify the problem first.
• Identify the variables that contribute to it.
• The purpose of interviews and literature
review now becomes clear.
• Elaborate the network of associations
among the variables.
• So that the hypotheses can be developed
and subsequently tested.
 The Components of the
Theoretical Framework
1. The variables considered relevant to the study should be
clearly identified and labeled in the discussion.
2. The discussions should state how two or more variables
are related to one another. This should be done for the
important relationships that are theorized to exist among
the variables.
3. If the nature and direction of the relationships can be
theorized on the basis of the findings of previous
research, then there should be an indication in the
discussions as to whether the relationships would be
positive or negative.
4. There should be a clear explanation of why we would
expect these relationships to exist. The arguments could be
drawn from the previous research findings.
5. A schematic diagram of the theoretical framework should
be given so that the reader can see and easily comprehend
the theorized relationships.
• Example 5.13
Now do Exercises Page 102

5.10

&

5.11
 HYPOTHESES DEVELOPMENT

• A Hypotheses can be defined as a logically

conjectured relationship between two or
more variables expressed in the form of a
testable statement.
• Example: 5.14
 Statement of Hypotheses: Formats

• If—Then Statements

• Directional and Non-Directional

Hypotheses

• Null and Alternate Hypotheses