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Chapter 2
Chapter 2
Chapter 2
Scientific Investigation
CHAPTER OUTLINE:
1. Definition and importance of scientific investigation
2. The hallmarks of scientific research
3. Some obstacles to conducting scientific research in the management and
behavioural areas
4. Types of Research: Basic and Applied
5. Reasoning: Deduction and Induction
6. Research Approach: Quantitative, Qualitative, Mixed Methods
7. Research Paradigm: Positivism, Constructivism, Pragmatism
8. Research Process: Hypothetico-Deductive
Scientific Research
• Focuses on solving problems and pursues a step-by-step logical, organized, and rigorous
method to identify the problems, gather data, analyze them, and draw valid conclusions
from them.
• Not based on hunches, experience, and intuition (though these may play a part in final
decision making), but is purposive and rigorous.
• Tends to be more objective than subjective and helps managers and business people
highlight the most critical factors at their organizations that need specific attention so as
to avoid, minimize or identify and solve problems.
Scientific Research
• The term scientific research applies to both basic and applied research.
• Has to be an organized and systematic process where problems and opportunities are
carefully identified, data, scientifically gathered and analyzed, and conclusions are drawn
in an objective manner for effective decision-making.
• Rigor
• Based on a solid theoretical base and sound methodological design using appropriate instruments to meet the
stated objectives
• Testability
• The ability to subject the data collected to appropriate statistical tests, in order to substantiate or reject the
hypotheses developed for the research study.
• Replicability
• Results can be supported again and again when the same type of research is repeated.
Hallmarks of scientific research
• Accuracy - Precision and Confidence
• The degree of closeness of the estimated sample characteristics to the population parameters, determined by the extent of the
variability of the sampling distribution of the sample mean.
• The probability estimate of how much reliance can be placed on the findings; the usual accepted level of confidence in social
science research is 95%.
• Objectivity
• Conclusions drawn based on the interpretation of results and facts based on findings derived from the results of analyzing
actual data.
• Generalizability
• The applicability of research findings in one setting to others.
• Parsimony
• Efficient explanation of the variance in the dependent variable of interest through the use of a smaller, rather than a larger
number of independent variables.
Some obstacles to conducting Scientific Research
in the Management and Behavioral areas
9
Type of Research: Basic vs Applied
BASIC RESEARCH APPLIED RESEARCH
To find solutions or understand problems
Main purpose To discover or expand knowledge
faced by the organization
Chapter 2
Continue:
Reasoning: Deduction and Induction
Research Approach: Quantitative, Qualitative, Mixed Methods
Research Paradigm: Positivism, Constructivism, Pragmatism
Research Process: Hypothetico-Deductive
Reasoning
• A thought process that takes place which allows us to reach a
conclusion.
• Two types:
i. Deductive Approach - take universal arguments and arrive at a more micro
conclusion.
ii. Inductive Approach - build a conclusion based on smaller truths or a set of
beliefs and formulate a universal conclusion.
Deductive Approach
• Application of a general theory to a specific case.
• Hypothesis testing
Theory
Develop Hypothesis
Observe Phenomena
Formulate Relationships
Develop Theory
The Mixed Approach (Deductive and
Inductive) Process
Develop/ Use
Existing Theory
Formulate Develop
Relationships Hypothesis
Observe
Reject/Not Reject
Phenomena Hypothesis and
based on Make Conclusions
Conclusions
Research Approach
• Qualitative Research – exploring and understanding the meaning
individuals or groups ascribe to be social or human problem.