Scientific Investigation and the Research Process

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Chapter 2 Scientific Investigation and the
Research Process
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Chapter Objectives

• Explain what is meant by scientific investigation
  
• Explain the eight hallmarks of science
• Briefly explain why research in the
  organisational behaviour and management areas
  cannot be completely scientific
• Compare and contrast quantitative and qualitative
  research.
• Discuss the eleven steps of the research process

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Scientific Investigation

• The need for an honest, truthful, accurate and
  complete investigation
• Focused on the goals of problem-solving
• Pursues a step-by-step, logical, organised and
  rigorous method

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The Hallmarks of Scientific Research

• Purposiveness
• Rigour
• Testability
• Replicability

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The Hallmarks of Scientific Research (cont.)

• Accuracy
• Objectivity
• Generalisability
• Parsimony

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Limitations to Scientific Research in Management

• Difficulties in measurement and collection of
  data
• Obtaining a representative sample

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Some Basic Definitions

• Observations perceptions of reality and can be
  expressed in the form of facts or opinions
• Concepts an idea expressed as a symbol or in
  words
• Constructs abstract representation of a
  phenomenon

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Approaches to Research

• Quantitative research
• Qualitative research
• Deduction
• Induction

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Deductive and Inductive Reasoning in Business
Research
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The Business Research Process
Insert figure 2.2
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The Research Process

• Catalyst for research
• Preliminary information gathering and literature
  search
• Problem definition
• Framework development

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The Research Process (cont.)

• Research objectives
• Research design
• Data collection
• Data analysis
• Interpretation of findings
• Report
• Management action

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