Chapter 2

Scientific Investigation

Slide 2-2
 Hallmarks of Scientific Research:

 Hallmarks or main distinguishing

characteristics of scientific research:
 Purposiveness
 Rigor
 Testability
 Replicability
 Precision and Confidence
 Objectivity
 Generalizability
 Parsimony
Slide 2-3
Example: A manager is interested in investigating
how employees’ commitment to the company can be
increased…

1) Purposive
• Definite aim; focus on the increasing the commitment of
employees to the company:
• Lower turnover
• Less absenteeism, increased performance levels
2) Rigour
• Based on a good theoretical base and sound
methodological design
• To decide what critical factors need to be measured as
determinants
• Interview 5 to 10 employees??

3) Testability (using appropriate statistical tools)

• Develop a set of research questions or hypothesis to be
tested
• Hypothesis are derived from theory, based on logical beliefs
and previous scientific research..
• How employee commitment can be enhanced? And can be
tested… (employees who perceived greater opportunities
for participation in decision making will have a higher level
of commitment)
4) Replicability
• The results of the test of research objectives should be
supported again and again when same type of R is being
repeated in other, similar circumstances (others compnies
with similar approach)
• Provide confidence in claiming the findings - reflective of
true state of affairs in population (not by chance)

5) Accuracy
• Ensure findings very close to reality
• Sampling errors: Sample vs population
• Measurement errors: scale (may affect quality of data)
6) Objectivity
• Conclusion should based on results of data analysis, NOT
from own subjective or emotional values
• Make no sense to argue based on preconception

7) Generalizability
• Refers to the applicability of R in one organizational setting
to other settings
• Eg. find “participation in decision making ” is critical
factor – is found true for a variety of other service sectors,
manufacturing, industrial…. enhance the G.
8) Parsimony
• A simple approach in explaining the current problem and
finding solution is preferred to complex research
framework
• Restrict to few factors vs 15 factors
• Lesser number of variables that explain the variance more
efficiently that a complex set of variables that would only
marginally add to the variance explained.
 Hypothetico-Deductive Research
 The Seven-Step Process in the
Hypothetico-Deductive Method
 Identify a broad problem area
 Define the problem statement
 Develop hypotheses
 Determine measures
 Data collection
 Data analysis
 Interpretation of data
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LGuNn9Q0bI
Slide 2-9
 Deduction and Induction

 Deductive reasoning: application of a

general theory to a specific case.
 Hypothesis testing

 Inductive reasoning: a process where we

observe specific phenomena and on this
basis arrive at general conclusions.
 Counting white swans

 Both inductive and deductive processes

are often used in research.
Slide 2-10
Approaches to business research

Deductive reasoning
 testing or confirming hypotheses
 cycle from theories down to
observations

Inductive reasoning:
 Specific observations to generalizations
and theories
 “Bottom up" approach