...Variables in Research In research, variables are any factors in the experiment at hand, whether they are the factors being measured, the factors being changed by the researcher, or the factors which are kept constant in order to ensure consistency in at least one area of the study, which leads to increased reliability of the study (Shermerhorn 2014). These variables which are kept constant throughout the experiment are arguably the most important, but how can something which is never changed make such an impact to the results of any research. The importance of these unchanged factors, or constant variables, stems from their ability to isolate the independent variable, or the variable which is intentionally changed by the researcher. An example of this would be in the very simple experiment of measuring the bounce of a ball when dropped from different heights. The measured variable in this experiment is the height of the bounce of the ball, the experimenter is interested to see the effect on the rebound height, due to changing the drop height. In this example, the must obvious factor in the experiment which needs to be maintained is the type of ball, if this variable were to be changed, all previous data gathered will become irrelevant, as the results would all be in reference to a different ball, whose rebound heights have no connection to that of the new ball. Therefore, it is plain to see how useful control variables can be when used properly to isolate the variable which...
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...Intervening variable used in the book are classified into independent and dependent variables. Independent variables are those manipulated by the experimenter. For ex- ample, not allowing rats to have any water for several hours would create an independent variable called hours of deprivation. Dependent variables are those observed by the ex- perimenter. For example, one could observe how much water a rat drinks. Science tries to explain the world by relating independent and dependent vari- ables. Intervening variables are abstract concepts that link independent variables to dependent variables. The principle of parsimony, maintains that researchers should apply the simplest explanation possible to any set of observations. For instance, psychologists try to explain results by using well-accepted theories instead of elaborate new hypotheses. Parsimony prevents psychologists from inventing and pursuing outlandish theories. In the book on page 15 figure 1.3 it shows a direct and an indirect way to relate an independent variable, hours of deprivation, to a dependent variable, rate of bar pressing. The dependent variable is obtained by placing a rat into a small chamber where it can press a bar to obtain drinking water. The experimenter observes the rate (how many presses per minute) at which the rat presses the bar to get water. The direct relationship uses only one arrow to link hours of deprivation to rate of bar pressing. After doing the experiment...
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...correlation• Correlational research determines to what degree a relationship exists between 2 variables (or more variables). * 3. The nature of correlational research • Associational research: When the relationships among two or more variables are studied without any attempt to influence them. (The same as correlation and causal comparative research). • Experimental research: Differs from correlational research in that there’s manipulation of variables. * 4. The nature of correlational research • Correlational research is also sometimes referred to as a form of descriptive research because it describes an existing relationship between variables. * 5. The nature of correlational research • Positive correlation means that high scores on one variable (X) tend to be associated with high scores on the other variable (Y). • Negative Correlation means that high scores on one variable (X) are associated with low scores on the other variable (Y). * 6. Three Sets of Data ShowingDifferent Directions and Degrees of Correlation (A) (B) (C) r = +1.00 r = -1.00 r=0 X Y X Y X Y 5 5 5 1 2 1 4 4 4 2 5 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 4 1 5 1 1 1 5 4 2 * 7. A positive correlation y x * 8. A negative correlation y x * 9. No correlationy x * 10. No correlationy x * 11. Purposes of Correlational Research• Correlational studies are carried out to explain important human behavior or to predict likely outcomes. (identify relationships among variables).1. Explanatory studies2. Prediction...
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...Wage and Wage Earnings Research Process Introduction The general problem is that wage earnings and wages are categorized differently. In order to understand the specific problem one has to research various industries as well as look into what positions are being held, they have investigate the number of years experience, and kook at the current ages is of individuals who are working. With that said in order to provide research one has to understand what is meant by the research process. Today’s society understands the process of researching is asking question and searching for answers. This paper will provide research pertaining to wage earners and wages. First, define the purpose of the research and explain why researching wage earnings and wages are important. The next step is research hypothesis, meaning give three examples of possible outcomes. Knowing the purpose, understanding the question, and reviling the hypothesis will lead to defining the operational variables tested. Next is to establish the level of measurement and scale for each variable. The final objective is briefly discussing the remaining steps in the research process. Describe Purpose of the research and explain why the research problem is important Research is an organized, systematic, database, critical, objective, scientific inquiry, or investigation into a specific problem. In addition, in doing this, the business main purpose is to find answers or solutions. The research that is being preformed is...
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...Tell when to use a Pearson’s correlation, the possible research hypotheses for this statistical model, and when correlation can be used to test each type of Research Hypothesis (attributive, associative and causal). 1. A Pearson's correlation is used when you want to find a linear relationship between two variables. It can be used in a causal as well as a associativeresearch hypothesis but it can't be used with a attributive RH because it is univariate. 2. Pearson's correlation should be used only when there is a linear relationship between variables. It can be a positive or negative relationship, as long as it is significant. Correlation is used for testing in Within Groups studies. A possible research hypothesis for this statistical model would be that there is a positive linear relationship between variables. Another possible research hypothesis would be that there is a negative linear relationship. If there is no linear relationship between the variables, then we would retain the null hypothesis. 3. Pearson's correlation should be used when there is a significant effect. (p > .05) When there is a relationship between two variables. There can be a positive or negative correlation. It cannot be used when we retain the null hypothesis because then there is no relationship. It can be used if the null is rejected. 4. A Pearson's correlation is used when two quantitative variables are being tested in the RH. This cannot test attributive RH, but can associative and causal. The...
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...Research is an investigation where you do not know the solution before it starts but it is much more than performing experiments and reporting the results. This reflection report is about the lecture of scientific approaches to Transportation Research. In this reflection report you will know about, what can be considered to constitute good research practice and how to improve the quality of transportation research. Before discussing the scientific approach let me tell you something about this word RESEARCH that what is meant by research? From the dictionary, Research is careful study and investigation, especially in order to discover new facts or information. As we can say that research is an investigation so it means that it has some ethics and rules. Like the research one should not have stolen something from somewhere and should be done truthfully because Scientists, engineers and other professional researchers trust that the results reported by others are valid and without bias....
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...Research Process Team C chose the Century National Bank data set for this research project. After reviewing the data for the bank, it seems some improvements are essential to its growth and viability. The research will begin by defining the purpose of the research and the problem that will be addressed. The team will review the research hypothesis, developed by the definition. These processes will start to develop the type of research and determine what is needed to retrieve useful information. Three principle types of questions to address in a research project are, relational, casual, or descriptive, depending on the reason for the research. Team C will use the descriptive type of study designed mainly to describe what is going on or what already exists. Questions to answer for researching the problems with Century National Bank should first identify the problem. The research could show how to determine the accessibility and availability of ATM’s to meet the customer needs. Researching the use of the banks services in contrast to other banks in the area could be helpful for the bank to determine the best value of its services to offer its customers. The research should show how many people are using the ATM with this bank’s ATM card versus other banks cards. In researching this statement spreadsheet for Century National Bank it shows many possible errors. The banks issue is not clear, concise or detailed. Three possible outcomes that can result in research for...
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...AND SELECTION OF VARIABLES - The research variables are the important aspect which is considered for a research proposal. With the help of the research variables, the hypothesis is been prepared effectively from the variables. For preparing a good research variables there are different variables which match the research to make it effective in the process. There are attributes and values of the variables which can be changed accordingly. The flexibility is one of the qualities which a variable research consists and that is the most important consent while setting the research hypothesis. Two or more variables are needed to complete the research proposal. The variables have mutually exclusive attributes which occur at different time and are not selective for instance a person can select one alternative from the given options according to the study (Denise & Beck, 2004). This is helpful to prepare a research proposal as it may not take long time to conclude the research proposal. The variables are the factors which can be measured and they vary as per the name suggests. The variables improve the research proposal because they are the main base for the research which has to be taken for a particular business or a company. Without the help of variables, the research cannot be possible as the hypothesis and the methods are base upon the variables (Burns & Susan, 2007). There are different kinds of variables which are to be selected according to the research proposal. The selection...
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...Chapter 5 RESEARCH DESIGN GENERAL CONCEPT MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS 1. General Mills conducted research on a "new, improved" version of their cereal, TRIX. Consumer taste tests showed the new version was preferred over the old TRIX, but the new version was a failure when it was introduced. It was noted that the research was flawed in that the new version of TRIX was compared with the old TRIX, a choice that consumers in the marketplace would not have. The correct research should have compared the new TRIX with competitor brands. This example was presented in your text to illustrate: a. poor budgeting for research b. how researchers in large firms are in "silos" and are not open to outside suggestions c. how former research studies often determine the design of present studies d. improper research design e. a case where exploratory research should have been undertaken after the causal research Answer: (d) Difficulty: (Moderate) Page: 114 2. Which of the following is true about research design? a. Research design should be the first consideration in a research project. b. Research design decisions should be made after data analysis. c. Research design should be selected during the initial meeting with a client. d. Research design should be selected after thoroughly considering the problem and research objectives. e. Research designs should be made after data collection. Answer: (d) Difficulty:...
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...correlation• Correlational research determines to what degree a relationship exists between 2 variables (or more variables). * 3. The nature of correlational research • Associational research: When the relationships among two or more variables are studied without any attempt to influence them. (The same as correlation and causal comparative research). • Experimental research: Differs from correlational research in that there’s manipulation of variables. * 4. The nature of correlational research • Correlational research is also sometimes referred to as a form of descriptive research because it describes an existing relationship between variables. * 5. The nature of correlational research • Positive correlation means that high scores on one variable (X) tend to be associated with high scores on the other variable (Y). • Negative Correlation means that high scores on one variable (X) are associated with low scores on the other variable (Y). * 6. Three Sets of Data ShowingDifferent Directions and Degrees of Correlation (A) (B) (C) r = +1.00 r = -1.00 r=0 X Y X Y X Y 5 5 5 1 2 1 4 4 4 2 5 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 4 1 5 1 1 1 5 4 2 * 7. A positive correlation y x * 8. A negative correlation y x * 9. No correlationy x * 10. No correlationy x * 11. Purposes of Correlational Research• Correlational studies are carried out to explain important human behavior or to predict likely outcomes. (identify relationships among variables).1. Explanatory studies2. Prediction...
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...of reviewing the literature is to determine what theories might be used to explore the questions in a scholarly study. In quantitative research, researchers often test theories as an explanation for answers to their questions. In a quantitative dissertation, an entire section of a research proposal might be devoted to presenting the theory for the study. In qualitative research, the use of theory is much more varied. The inquirer may generate a theory as the final outcome of a study and place it at the end of a project, such as in grounded theory. In other qualitative studies, it comes at the beginning and provides a lens that shapes what is looked at and the questions asked, such as in ethnographies or in advocacy research. In mixed methods research, researchers may both test theories and generate them. Moreover, mixed methods research may contain a theoretical lens, such as a focus on feminist, racial, or class issues, that guides the entire study. I begin this chapter by focusing on theory use in a quantitative study. It reviews a definition of a theory, the use of variables in a quantitative study, the placement of theory in a quantitative study, and the alternative forms it might assume in a written plan. Procedures in identifying a theory are next presented, followed by a script of a theoretical perspective section of a quantitative research proposal. Then the discussion moves to the use of theory in a qualitative study. Qualitative inquirers use different terms for theories...
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...to help manage their research. Psychologists make use of the scientific method because they need to be able to describe, explain, and predict mental processes or behaviors. Within the scientific method are hypotheses, variables, results, and conclusions. A hypothesis is a prediction that will be tested in an experiment; researchers and psychologists always start off with this. An example of a hypothesis is if a student skips class on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, their grades will drop down. This example can be falsifiable because the student’s skipping...
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...How To Write a Thesis Statement What is a Thesis Statement? Almost all of us—even if we don’t do it consciously—look early in an essay for a one- or two-sentence condensation of the argument or analysis that is to follow. We refer to that condensation as a thesis statement. Why Should Your Essay Contain a Thesis Statement? to test your ideas by distilling them into a sentence or two to better organize and develop your argument to provide your reader with a “guide” to your argument In general, your thesis statement will accomplish these goals if you think of the thesis as the answer to the question your paper explores. How Can You Write a Good Thesis Statement? Here are some helpful hints to get you started. You can either scroll down or select a link to a specific topic. How to Generate a Thesis Statement if the Topic is Assigned How to Generate a Thesis Statement if the Topic is not Assigned How to Tell a Strong Thesis Statement from a Weak One How to Generate a Thesis Statement if the Topic is Assigned Almost all assignments, no matter how complicated, can be reduced to a single question. Your first step, then, is to distill the assignment into a specific question. For example, if your assignment is, “Write a report to the local school board explaining the potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class,” turn the request into a question like, “What are the potential benefits of using computers in a fourth-grade class?” After you’ve chosen the...
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...situation where quantitative research will fail is when the problem needs to be analysed in depth. Quantitative research is good at providing information in breadth from a large number of units. But when it comes to exploration of a problem or concept in depth, quantitative methods are too shallow. To get really under the skin of a phenomenon, the best suited methods are, ethnographic methods, interviews, in-depth case studies and other qualitative techniques. 2. As stated earlier, quantitative research is well-suited for the testing of theories and hypotheses. What quantitative methods cannot do very well is to develop hypotheses and theories. The hypotheses to be tested may come from a review of the literature or theory, but can also be developed using exploratory qualitative research. 3. If issues to be studied are particularly complex, an in-depth qualitative study, like a case studyis more likely to pick up on this than a quantitative study. This is partly...
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...Research Process Paper Some individuals believe that education and earnings go hand in hand. The lesser the education, the smaller the wages, and thus with a greater education may lead to an increase in wages. The focus of this discussion will involve what the research process entails for the subject of wages and the relationship between education, and wage earnings. This research project will discuss the purpose of the research, define the problem, propose three possible hypothesizes, identify the variables, and define the problem in quantifiable measurements. According to some research studies the level of education that an individual obtains directly correlates to the wages that he or she will earn over his or her lifetime. The higher the degree of education that a person attains can affect the amount of wages that he or she will earn. Research shows that there is also a difference in wage earnings by males and females who have earned the same degrees. “The highest paid 10% of male workers with advanced degrees earned $3,260 or more weekly, compared to $2,252 or more for women of the same education level” (Wall Street Journal, 2009). The research suggests that there is an advantage of an increase in earning power by an individual who continues his or her education, and advances the degrees that he or she holds. This research may be important for anyone who is considering whether or not he or she should continue to further his or her education. The time, effort, and...
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