2. Natural Science Research Model
Quantitative Approach/Strategy/ Paradigm
Goal: Verify the predictions of a theory
Quantification of concepts into variables
Quantification of association
Formal structured instruments in data
collection
Application of Statistical Theory &
Techniques
4. Theory Hypotheses
◦ A set of organically
connected propositions
◦ That are located at a higher
level of abstraction and
generalization than
empirical reality,
◦ And which are derived from
empirical patterns,
◦ And from which empirical
forecasts can be derived.
◦ A proposition that implies a
relationship between two or
more concepts,
◦ Which is located on a lower
scale of abstraction and
generality than the theory,
◦ Which enables the theory to
be transformed into terms
that can be tested
empirically.
5. Semantic content(meaning) of linguistic
signs and mental images(Corbetta 2003)
" a mental image we use as summary
device for bringing together observations
and experiences that seem to have
nothing in common [...] they do not exist
in the real world, so they can't be
measured directly" (Babbie, 1989)
6. "Conceptualization : Process of specifying the
vague mental imagery of our concepts [by] sorting
out the kinds of observations and measurements
that will be appropriate for our research" (Babbie,
1989).
Operationalisation: development of specific
research procedures (operations) that will result in
empirical observations representing those
concepts in the real world" Babbie (1989)
7. Translation of theoretical abstract concepts to concrete,
observable variables
Steps in empirical transformation of concepts
Applying the concepts to concrete objects
Making the concepts into attributes or property of the units of
analysis.
Make concept-property operational
Giving operational definition
Establishing rules for transforming into empirical operations:
theoretical
Application of rules on concrete cases: practical action
Measuring, Ordering, Counting, Classifying
Passage from properties to variables
8. Dimension I Indicator 1 Variable 1
Indicator 2 Variable 2
Concept Dimension II Indicator 3 Variable 3
Indicator 4 Variable 4 Index
Indicator 5 Variable 5
Dimension III Indicator 6 Variable 6
Indicator 7 Variable 7
9. Involves a set of Choices or Decision Making
Units of Analysis
Individual, the aggregate of individuals
Points of Focus :
Characteristics, Behaviour, Cognition, relations
Treatment of the Dimension of Time
Cross Sectional or Time Series
Nature of Measurement
Nominal, Ordinal, Interval , or Ratio
10. Complex Concepts
Concept is broken into dimensions
Indicators are chosen
Indicators are operationalised
Indexes or scales or formed
11. Consistency of a measure of a concept
◦ Stability over time
◦ Internal reliability or consistency
◦ Inter-observed consistency
Validity: Whether an indicator or set of indicators
that is devised to gauge a concept really
measures the concept. – Truthfulness
Face Validity
Concurrent Validity: Criterion
Convergent: Other Measures of the same concept
13. World of Nature vs Social World
Phenomenological
Self Reflection
Consciousness
Meaning
Measurement Process Artificial
Connection Concepts and Measures not real
Measurement by fiat
Differences in respondents interpretation
No Connection between Research and Every Day
Life: Instruments
Static view of Life: Analysis of Relationship
between variables