Chapter 3: (SUMMARY OF REPORT Group E)

Behavioral Research

TYPES OF VARIABLES IN BEHAVIORAL RESEARCH

Predictions – to foretell; the making of statement or forming of an opinion about what will happen in                                                                    the future.

2 types of Variables

·         Criterion (Dependent or measured Variable)

-          It can be predicted (such as job performance, job satisfaction, absenteeism, or heart rate).

-          Control predictor

·         Predictor (independent or controlled variable)

-          Predicting the criterion (such as test scores, measures of physical characteristics, or measures of other personal characteristics)

-          Effects

TYPES OF MEASUREMENT OF VARIABLES

Measurement- is basic to any statistical treatment or research data

4 basic types of measurements

·         Nominal Scale- general type of variable in question (as places of residence and job satisfaction) or        maybe in by level.

·         Ordinal Scale- used to characterize the rank order on some variable of individual cases (how much difference there is between adjacent ranks).

·         Interval Scale- individual cases have number associated with them, and these number are significant in the any given numerical difference, in any there as a long the scale theoretically.

          - represents an equal difference in the underlying variables.

·         Ratio Scale- cases have numerical value that as at with the interval scales in the variable being (ex. Height and weight).

BASIC RESEARCH STRATEGIES

·         Most important fact to member:

-          Research is conducted in order to answer some question

-          Research is that no matter what method is used there is always some possible alternative explanation for the results contain

·         Research strategy selected can be developed on the basis of the answers to three basic questions:

1.       What variables need to be studied?

2.       Wow should these variables be treated?

3.       In what setting should the research be under taken?

SELECTION VARIABLES

-          The choice of the variable would be affected by practical as well as by theoretical concerns.

TREATMENT OF VARIABLES IN RESEARCH

        I.            Do not measure

a)      Ignore (treatment 1)

b)      Randomization (treatment 2)

      II.            Measure under the following conditions

a)      With no manipulation (treatment 3)

b)      Manipulated by:

1.       Holding constant (treatment 4)

2.       Matching (treatment 5)

3.       Creating specific level of categories (treatment 6)

RESEARCH SETTINGS

·         Laboratory studies- very contrived and artificial settings created by the researcher.

·         Field studies- done in natural settings

EXPERIMENTAL AND CORRELATIONAL STRATEGIES

·         Experimental- involves in some form of manipulation of the predictor.

        - used commonly in laboratory strategies

·         Correlation- data are obtained on the predictor and criterion variables for each case on the sample (each case usually being individual) with out any experimental manipulation or control.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS STRATEGIES

-          The reader should have at least passing acquaintance with certain basic concepts and methods.

CORRELATION

-          Is a statistical index of the degree of linear relationships between two variables.