Masters in Information Management
(MIM)
LIBS893- Research Principles & Analysis
Module 2
Session 3: Research Variable; Measurement
scales and Constructing hypothesis
Session 4: Research Design
TOPICAL ISSUES FOR THE SESSION
Research Variable and Measurement;
◦ What is a Research Variable?
◦ Importance of Research Variable
Measurement Scale
◦ What is a Measurement Scale?
◦ Importance of Measurement Scales in Research
◦ Types of Measurement Scales in Research
Research Design
◦ Formulating Research Design
◦ Methods of Primary Data Collection
Constructing Research Hypothesis
◦ What is a Hypothesis?
◦ Functions of a Hypothesis
◦ Types of Hypothesis
Research Variable and Measurement
What is a Research Variable?
In simpler term, a variable is anything that
can change or vary.
It is an image, perception or concept that
can be measured – hence capable of
taking on different values.
Importance of Research Variable
Hypothesis Testing: Researchers formulate hypotheses that
predict how changes in the independent variable will affect the
dependent variable, allowing for empirical testing of theories.
Data Analysis: Different statistical methods are employed based
on the types of variables involved. For example, regression analysis
is commonly used with continuous variables, while chi-square tests
are used for categorical variables.
Generalization: Understanding variables helps researchers apply
their findings to different contexts, populations, or settings by
recognizing how variables interact.
Framework for Comparison
Variables provide a framework for comparing different groups or
conditions within a study, allowing researchers to draw meaningful
conclusions about differences or similarities.
Measurement Scales
in Research
Also called levels of measurement, scales of
measurement, tell you how
precisely variables are recorded.
The level at which you measure a variable
determines how you can analyze your data.
Types of Measurement Scales
There are four main types of measurement scales,
each with distinct characteristics and applications:
1. Nominal: The data can only be categorized
2. Ordinal: The data can be categorized and ranked
3. Interval: The data can be categorized, ranked, and
evenly spaced
4. Ratio: The data can be categorized, ranked, evenly
spaced, and has a natural zero.
Constructing Research Hypothesis
What is a Hypothesis?
This is an assumption, suspicion, assertion or an
idea about a phenomenon, relationship or situation,
the reality or truth of which you do not know.
A hypothesis is a testable statement or prediction
about the relationship between two or more
variables.
A probable statement — essentially a well-informed
prediction
Features of Hypothesis
Key Features of a Hypothesis are:
Testable: A hypothesis can be supported or
refuted based on empirical evidence.
Falsifiable: If it cannot be disproven, it may not
be scientifically valid.
Specific: It should be clear and specific.
Based on Existing Knowledge: A hypothesis
often arises from prior research.
Functions of Hypothesis
Identifying and Defining Variables
Provides a study with focus
Determines the type of data to collect
Facilitating Data Collection
Types of Hypothesis
Based on the number of variables:
Simple Hypothesis: This type proposes
a relationship between one independent
variable and one dependent variable.
Complex Hypothesis: This type
proposes a relationship between two or
more independent variables and two or
more dependent variables.
Types of Hypothesis
Based on the direction of the
relationship:
Directional Hypothesis: This type
specifies the direction of the relationship
between variables.
Non-directional Hypothesis: This type
simply states that there is a relationship
between variables, without specifying the
direction.
Types of Hypothesis
Based on the nature of the
relationship:
Associative Hypothesis: This type
suggests a correlation or association
between variables.
Causal Hypothesis: This type suggests a
cause-and-effect relationship between
variables.
Types of Hypothesis
Based on statistical testing:
Null Hypothesis (H₀): This hypothesis states
that there is no significant relationship
between the variables being studied.
Alternative Hypothesis (H₁): This hypothesis
states that there is a significant relationship
between the variables being studied.
Hypothetically
It's important to note that these categories
are not mutually exclusive, and a hypothesis
can belong to multiple categories.
For example, a hypothesis can be both
simple and directional.
The choice of hypothesis type depends on
the specific research question and the nature
of the variables being studied.
Research Design
What is Research Design?
A research design is a strategy for
answering your research question using
empirical data.
It creates the foundation of the entire
research work
Components/Factors to consider when adopting a
Research Design
A well-thought-out research design helps in securing the reliability and validity of the findings.
Research Objectives: The goals or questions the study aims to address.
Type of Research: This could be exploratory, descriptive, explanatory, or correlational,
depending on what the researcher seeks to understand.
Sampling: Determining the population to study and how participants will be selected
(e.g., random sampling, stratified sampling). (Topic to be discussed in detail in our next
class)
Data Collection Methods: The techniques used to gather data, such as surveys,
interviews, observations, or experiments.
◦ Primary Data
◦ Secondary Data
Data Analysis: The strategies for analyzing the collected data, which might include
statistical tests or qualitative analysis methods.
Ethical Considerations: Ensuring that the research is conducted ethically, such as
obtaining informed consent and ensuring confidentiality
Primary Methods of Data Collection
Primary methods of data collection involve the direct gathering of new data specifically for
a research purpose. This type of data collection is tailored to the particular needs of the
study and allows researchers to obtain first-hand information. Some of the primary
methods include the following:
Observation method
Survey method
Contact methods
Experimental method
Etc.
Observation method
Observation is a research method that involves watching and
recording behaviors, events, physical characteristics or
interactions in a natural setting
Types of observation Method:
1. Structured
2. Unstructured
3. Participant Observation
4. Non- participant observation
5. Disguised observation
Survey method
This is a method for primary data
collection technique used to gather
information from a group of respondents,
typically referred to as a sample
The data gathered could be about their
attitudes, beliefs, preferences, or behaviors
etc.
Types and Forms of Survey
Types of survey
◦ Cross-Sectional Surveys: Analyzes data of variables collected at one
given point of time across a sample population
◦ Longitudinal Surveys: collect data over an extended period of time
Forms of Survey
◦ Structured Surveys
◦ Unstructured Surveys:
◦ Direct Approach:
◦ Indirect Approach
Additional Details about survey research:
https://www.questionpro.com/blog/survey-data-collection/?hl=en-US
Contact Methods
This method takes any of the following
forms:
◦ Mail Questionnaires
◦ Telephone interviewing
◦ Personal interviewing
Intercept interview
Focus group interview
◦ Experimental method
End of Module 2
