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Research Methods in MIS. Dr. Deepak Khazanchi. Steps in The Research Process . Review Research Ethics. Theory Formulation Concepts, Constructs, Variables, and Relationships. The Building Blocks of Theory. Concepts Constructs Definitions Variables Propositions and Hypotheses Theories
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Research Methods in MIS Dr. Deepak Khazanchi
Steps in The Research Process Review Research Ethics • Theory Formulation • Concepts, Constructs, Variables, and Relationships
The Building Blocks of Theory • Concepts • Constructs • Definitions • Variables • Propositions and Hypotheses • Theories • Models
Understanding Concepts • A concept is a bundle of meanings or characteristics associated with certain events, objects, conditions, situations, and behaviors • Concepts have been developed over time through shared usage
Understanding Concepts • The success of research hinges on: • how clearly we conceptualize • how well others understand the concepts we use
What is a Construct? • An image or idea specifically invented for a given research and/or theory-building purpose
What is a Variable? • A factor, phenomenon or characteristic that has more than one value or category, either quantitative or qualitative. • If a characteristic has only one value, it is a constant, not a variable. • Identifying Variables • User Information Satisfaction, Color of Monitor, Number of Units Sold, Decision Quality, Computer Abuse, Ease of Use, Attitude towards Usage, Decision Making Satisfaction, End User Computing Satisfaction, Task-Technology Fit
Types of Variables • Dependent • The outcome, effect, consequence or output of some input variable. • The research problem often comes about by considering the dependent variable.
Types of Variables (cont’d) • Independent • The input or antecedent variable • Presumed cause of the dependent variable • Manipulated, measured or selected prior to measuring the outcome or dependent variable • Independent/Dependent categorization is most useful in experimental research; however, even if one is looking for correlations, it is always useful to think in terms of independent and dependent variables
Types of Variables (cont’d) • Moderating • Another independent variable which is hypothesized to modify the relationship between the dependent and independent variable • E.g., Demographic variables such as age, experience • Extraneous/Control • Infinite number of such variables that might conceivably affect a given relationship • These variables are generally Controlled (“effects cancelled out”) by eliminating the variable, holding the variable constant or using statistical methods.
Types of Variables (cont’d • Intervening • A variable which is hypothesized to exist but cannot be observed, measured or manipulated; • It is presumed to occur to explain the relationship between the independent and dependent variable
A statement which defines a variable by specifying the operations used to measure and manipulate it. Vs. Conceptual definitions (more dictionary like) Variable in research Problem: Computer usage Labeling the variable: Attitudes towards computer usage Operational Definition: An individual’s score on the attitudes towards computer usage instrument Variables: Operational Definitions
Describing the Theoretical Framework for your Research • Important foundation for a research project and requires: • identifying and operationally defining all variables • Establishing logical relationships among variables • Explaining the basis and potential direction of the relationships • Must be solidly grounded in literature survey (a priori research) • A diagrammatic model of the variables of interest and their relationship
The Value of a Theory • Narrows the range of facts we need to study • Suggests which research approaches will yield the greatest meaning • Summarizes what is known about an object of study • Predicts further facts that should be found