Research Methods for Business Chapter 4&6 (Seventh Edition) Exam Questions and Answers

Why is measurements of the variables in the theoretical framework an integral part of research and an important aspect of research design? - ANSWER-Unless the variables are measured in some way, we will not be able to test our hypotheses and find answers to our research questions Measurement - ANSWER-The assignment of numbers or other symbols to characteristics (or attributes) of objects according to a prespecified sets of rules. Examples of objects (CANNOT BE MEASURED) - ANSWER-Persons, strategic business units, companies, countries, bicycles, elephants, kitchen appliances, restaurants, yoghurt, and so on. Examples of characteristics of objects (CAN BE MEASURED) - ANSWER-arousal-seeking tendency, achievement motivation, organizational effectiveness, shopping enjoyment, length, weight, ethnic diversity, service quality, taste, and so on. When measuring there are at least two types of variables; - ANSWER-1. One lends itself to objective and precise measurement 2. The other is more nebulous and does not lend itself to accurate measurement because of its abstract and subjective nature Solutions to nebulous variables (variables that are difficult to measure) - ANSWER-1. Operationalizing (reduce abstract notions or concepts to observable behavior or/and characteristics) Steps when operationalizing a concept; - ANSWER-1. Come up with a definition of the construct that you want to measure 2. Think about the content of the measure(that is an instrument that actually measures the concept that one wants to measure has to be developed); the development of an adequate and representative set of items or questions 3. A response format is needed 4. the validity and reliability of the measurement scale has to be assessed advantages of using existing measurement scales; - ANSWER-1. it saves you a lot of time and energy