2. 2
Key understanding
A good theoretical framework is
central to examining the problem
under investigation.
Learning outcome
Identify the network of relationships
among the variables considered
important to study of given problem.
3. 3
Theoretical framework
• It works as a map for the research.
• Theoretical framework is identi-
fying the network of relationships
among the variables.
• Conceptual model of all the factors
contributing to the problem
• It helps to generate hypotheses.
8. 8
Components of theoretical framework
• Clearly defined relevant variables
• State how two or more variables are
related (relationship)
• Indication of nature of relationship
+/- ive
• Clear explanation to expect
relationships to exist
• Diagram of theoretical framework
Discussion/Delivery Points:
We understand that in eight-steps research process model (observation, preliminary data gathering, problem definition, theoretical framework, generation of hypothesis, scientific research design, data collection analysis & interpretation, deduction); the entire research rests on the basis of the theoretical framework.
In the straight three steps; after conducting interviews, completing a literature survey and defining a problem; now there is need understand the logical sense among the relationships of several factors as important to the problem
Discussion/Delivery Points:
It further narrows the research question.
Social scientist use the theoretical framework to craft a logical argument.
The theoretical framework formulated is often guided by experience and intuition.
In this step the critical variables are examined as to their contribution or influence in explaining why the problem occurs and how it can be solved.
The network of associations identified among the variables would then be theoretically woven together with justification as to why they might influence the problem.
The theoretical framework offers the conceptual foundation to proceed with the research.
Discussion/Delivery Points:
A variable is anything that can take on differing or varying values. The values can differ at various times for the same object or person, or at the same time for different objects or persons. Examples of variables are production units, absenteeism, participation, motivation
For example, one KPO type 4 policy documents and other KPO produce 3 policy documents in an hour (differ values at the same time for different objects). Or it may be the same first KPO produce 4 policy documents in first hour and 6 policy documents in second hour (different values at various times for the same person).
For example, in this presentation, level of participation may range on “very low” to “very high”; and even vary from presentation to presentation.
Dependent variable: primary interest to the researcher; the main variable lends itself for investigation as a viable factor;
For example: An applied researcher want to increase the performance of organizational members in a particular bank. (here dependent variable is: employees performance)
For example: A marketing manager wonders why the recent advertisement strategy does not work. (Dependent variable: advertisement strategy)
Independent variable: the variable that influence dependent variable in either +/-ive way. When independent variable is present; then dependent variable is also present
For example: A manager believes that good supervision and training would increase the production level of the workers. (two independent variable: good supervision; training and dependent variable: production). There is +ive relationship between independent variables (good supervision; and training) and dependent variable: production. The level of production will be increased with application of good supervision and training of employees.
For example: A trader is of the opinion that much benefit would accrue by buying and selling at the appropriate times in a financial environment where the stocks are volatile. (here we take the terms buying and selling converted into one word “trading at appropriate time” is independent variable as it exercises influence to the much profit termed as “profitability” is the dependent variable. There is +ive relationship between “trading at appropriate time” and “profitability”.
Moderating variable: has strong contingent (provisional/conditional) effect on independent – dependent relationship(s); this third variable modifies the original relationship; works as a catalyst
A variable that influences, or moderates, the relation between two other variables and thus produces an interaction effect.
For example: Explore Ex-01 & 02 as stated through above link
Mediator (intervening) variable: Intervening variables, also known as mediating variables, explain the relationship between two other variables, usually and the dependent variable.
Mediator explains how external physical events take on internal psychological significance. Whereas moderator variables specify when certain effects will hold.
Mediator speaks to how or why such effects occur
Discussion/Delivery Points:
Example (Moderating variable)
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List and label the variables and explain and diagram the relationships among the variables.
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A manager finds that off-the-job classroom training has a great impact on the productivity of the employees in her department. However, she also observes that employees over 60 years of age do not seem to derive much benefit and do not improve with such training.
Explanation:
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Here class-room training exercises influence on employees’ productivity. Therefore, classroom training is labeled as independent variable and employees’ productivity is termed as dependent variable. Here, comes the positive relationship b/w independent variable and dependent variable But this relationship remains +ive to the extent the employees with age less than 60 years of age received training. Hence the moderating variable (employees with age < 60 years) comes into act to remain the relationship +ive b/w independent – dependent variable but also strengthen the relationship towards enhancement of employees’ productivity.
Discussion/Delivery Points:
List and label the variables and explain and diagram the relationships among the variables.
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A visitor to a factory observes that the workers in the packing department have to interact with one another to get their jobs done. The more they interact, the more they seem to tend to stay after hours and go to the local inn together for refreshment. However, the women packers, even though they interact with the others as much as the men, do not stay late, nor do they visit the inn after work hours.
Explanation:
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Here the statement explains that employees’ interaction (independent variable) leads to get employees job done (dependent variable). But the more the male employees interact; not only they get their job done but also get enough time to go and spend for refreshment after work done. Hence the male employee interaction (moderating variable) works as catalyst to get the job done as well as sparing time as well. Moderating variable has +ive relationship as for as male are concerned to get their job done and refreshment time. Whereas mere the employee interaction for female workers lead to only get the job done.
Discussion/Delivery Points:
Mediator variable
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Explains the relationship between IV and DV
Explains why have relationship exists between IV and DV
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A variable can be said mediator when four conditions are met:-
IV variations account for variations in DV
Means there is relationship between IV and DV
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IV variations account for variations in mediator
The presumed mediator you are testing for it. This is an important point, IV variations, IV accounts for variations in mediator; therefore there is a relationship between IV and mediator
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Mediator variations account for variations in DV
Presumed mediator variations account of variations in DV. So there is a relationship between presumed mediator and the DV
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When mediator is added to the model, the relationship between IV and DV decreases; and in some cases eliminated
Explanation:
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Between “creativity” and “organizational innovation” there are so many things before we achieve organizational innovation. Creativity alone is not enough. Creativity must give better what “innovative behaviour”. This “innovative behaviour” gives better what “organizational innovation”. Without this “innovative behaviour”; organizational innovation can’t be achieved. “Creativity” most leads to “innovative behaviour”. In between “innovative behaviour”; there may be a moderator say “organizational supportive environment”. However, “innovative behaviour” leads to achieve “organizational innovation”.
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Discussion/Delivery Points:
There are following five basic features that should be incorporated in a theoretical framework
The variables considered relevant to the study should be clearly identified and labeled in the discussions.
The discussions should state how two or more variables are related to one another. This should be done for the important relationships that are theorized to exist among the variables.
If the nature and direction of the relationships can be theorized on the basis of the findings of previous research, then there should be an indication in the discussions as to whether the relationships would be positive or negative.
There should be a clear explanation of why we would expect these relationships to exist. The arguments could be drawn from the previous research findings.
A schematic diagram of the theoretical framework should be given so that the reader can see and easily comprehend the theorized relationships.