'SSS's Experiment: Choosing an Appropriate Research Desien ‘When few others were sceptical about conducting an experiment as there will be disadvantages — like budget constraints or it cannot be generalised — from it, Jaideep explained that certain factors ean only be known through experiments and not by just observation. He insisted that it will be the most flexible method and will have a greater amount of contol onthe groups which can be replicated under different conditions Shivaji enquired about the process and the prerequisites of conducting an experiment. Jaideep explained the need to identify the variables (performance and atrtion) that need tobe observed and the factors (benefits oF treatments) that can influence these variables. The subjects or units or people are then subjected to treatments for a specific period of time and then the changes are ‘measured for the effectiveness of the treatment on the variables. ‘When the HR head asked for further explanation, Jaideep explained the experiment in detail. He explained that all the employees are from various backgrounds ~ B.tech, M.tech, MBA, MCA, M.Sc, etc. — would be placed in five groups and all the groups except one would be subjected to a benefit keeping all the other external and internal factors constant and tested for | month. All the ‘groups would contain equal number of employees and each group will have a combination of people from all backgrounds. While the number of employees from each background would be the same across the groups, itis not essential that equal number of employees from each background to be present in each group. The productivity would then be measured and compared across groups after | month, The acquired results will help the company to know which benefit offered was highly effective in retaining employees and increasing the productivity. iving further clarity to the process of the experiment, Jaideep explained that Group I would ‘remain normal and uninfluenced. However, each of the other four groups will be subjected to one ‘treatment keeping all other conditions normal. Group II will be subjected to an increase in their pay scale and observed for their performance and attrition rate in the team. Group III will be subjected to an incentive scheme, Group IV will be given greater responsibilities whereas Group V will be informed that they are under serutiny because of theit low productivity (a condition of coercion), Then it can be observed as to which among the five groups had lower atrtion and higher productivity He also explained that there are three experimental designs ~ Pre-experimental design, True «experimental design and Field experimental design — which further are sub-divided into many more designs. Depending on the situation, number of variables and treatments and pre- and post-test requirements one of the designs can be chosen. By using one of the experimental research designs and analysis, the results ean be used to develop a company wide strategy which can solve the current company’s problem. The HR head was impressed by Jaideep’s explanation and asked him to design the research experiment.