Chapter 6 - Theoretical Framework and Hypotheses

Question 1

Identify the IV, DV, Moderator, and Mediator

A store manager observes that the loyalty of employees in her company is low. She thinks that if their working conditions are improved, pay scales raised, and the vacation benefits made attractive, employee loyalty will be boosted. She doubts, however, if an increase in pay scales would increase the loyalty of all employees. Her conjecture is that those who have supplemental incomes will just not be “turned on” by higher pay. Finally, providing employees with more attractive vacation benefits will make them happy, with a resultant boost in loyalty.

Answer 1

IV: Working ConditionsIV1, Pay ScalesIV2, Vacation BenefitsIV3
DV: LoyaltyDV1
MED: HappinessMED1
MOD: Supplemental IncomeMOD1

Question 2

A theoretical framework is the foundation of

Answer 2

hypotheticodeductive method

Question 3

Theoretical framework

Answer 3

A logically developed, described, and explained network of
associations among variables of interest to the research study.

Question 4

In the hypothetico-deductive method, _____________
need to be falsifiable

Answer 4

hypotheses

Question 5

Hypotheses cannot be confirmed, only ____________

Answer 5

rejected

Question 6

H0=

Answer 6

Null hypotheses

Question 7

HA=

Answer 7

alternate hypotheses

Question 8

Characteristics of a good theory

Answer 8

– Contributes to the objectives of science
– Logically consistent within itself
– Consistent with known facts
– Leads to testable propositions (i.e., hypotheses)
– Is simple and elegant

Question 9

objectives of science

Answer 9

Description
prediction
explanation
management/control

Question 10

Variables

Answer 10

• Observable/measurable characteristics
• Anything that can take on differing or varying
  values

Question 11

concepts, constructs, and variables are

Answer 11

used interchangeably by researchers

Question 12

DV=

Answer 12

Dependent variable

Question 13

IV=

Answer 13

Independent variable

Question 14

Other types of variables

Answer 14

– Mediator variable
– Moderator variable

Question 15

Dependent variable

Answer 15

Variable you are trying to understand, explain, or predict

Question 16

Independent variable

Answer 16

Influences or explains the dependent variable

Question 17

Mediator variable

Answer 17

explanatory/intervening variable

Question 18

Moderator variable

Answer 18

contingencies, conditions

Question 19

Hypothesis

Answer 19

a tentative, yet testable, statement

Question 20

Hypothesis format

Answer 20

Propositions vs. if-then statements

Question 21

A hypothesis is ____________ proved!

Answer 21

never

Instead, a researcher is able to either support or reject a
hypothesis

Question 22

If we fail to reject the H0 and do not find
support for the HA then…

Answer 22

If the HA is continually supported, it may evolve into a
new theory or contribute to the development of an existing
theory

Question 23

Hallmarks of a Good Hypothesis

Answer 23

– Logical consistency
– Testability
– Stated in clear and simple terms
– Directionality
– Focused

Question 24

Logical consistency

Answer 24

Based on the current research literature, knowledge
base, and logic, does this hypothesis make sense?

Question 25

Testability

Answer 25

If one cannot design the means to conduct the
research, the hypothesis is meaningless

Question 26

Directionality

Answer 26

we know that X leads to Y, and we know
whether the prediction is negative or positive

Question 27

Focused

Answer 27

Avoid double-barreled propositions

Question 28

What is wrong with these hypotheses?

Employee engagement is important for work
motivation.

Answer 28

Better:

Employee engagement is positively related to
work motivation.

Question 29

What is wrong with these hypotheses?

Perceived over-qualification (POQ) is related to job
crafting.

Answer 29

Better:

POQ is positively related to job crafting.

Question 30

What is wrong with these hypotheses?

POQ is positively related to job satisfaction.

Answer 30

Corrected:

POQ is negatively related to job satisfaction.

Question 31

What is wrong with these hypotheses?

POQ is negatively related to work
engagement and citizenship behaviours.

Answer 31

Better:

POQ is negatively related to (a) work engagement and (b) citizenship behaviours. (OR write these as separate sentences.)

Question 32

What is wrong with these hypotheses?

Answer 32

Okay but consider a simpler option:

POQ is negatively related to job satisfaction.

Question 33

Establishing a Causal Relation

Answer 33

Association
Temporal precedence
Isolation

Question 34

Association

Answer 34

Independent and dependent variables covary

Question 35

Temporal precedence

Answer 35

Presumed cause (IV) precedes presumed effect (DV)

Question 36

Isolation

Answer 36

– Presumed cause (IV) must be able to affect the
presumed effect (DV) all by itself (not due to another
factor)
– Does NOT mean that there is only one cause for any
given effect (DV) – think “a” cause, not “the” cause

Question 37

A variable

Answer 37

Anything that can take on differing or varying values.

Question 38

Independent variable

Answer 38

A variable that influences the dependent or criterion variable and accounts for (or explains) its variance.

Question 39

Moderating variable

Answer 39

A variable on which the relationship between two other variables is contingent. That is, if the moderating variable is present, the theorized relationship between the two variables will hold good, but not otherwise.

Question 40

Directional hypothesis

Answer 40

An educated conjecture as to the direction of the relationship, or differences among variables, which could be positive or negative, or more or less, respectively.

Question 41

Nondirectional hypothesis

Answer 41

An educated conjecture of a relationship between two variables, the directionality of which cannot be guessed.