differentiate between conceptual and operational definitions; (CSLO 3, 5)
describe types of variables in quantitative research; (CSLO 5)
create research and null hypotheses; (CSLO 1)
validate the purpose of a literature review; (CSLO 4)
justify need for theoretical and empirical literature in research; (CSLO 4) and
explain the purpose of a research framework. (CSLO 5)
Conceptual definitions explain the meaning and theoretical concepts behind a particular construct or idea. They provide a broad understanding and are subjective in nature. Operational definitions, on the other hand, specify how a concept or variable will be measured or observed in a study. They are concrete and objective, providing clear guidelines for data collection.
In quantitative research, variables can be categorized as independent variables, dependent variables, and control variables. Independent variables are manipulated or controlled by the researcher and are hypothesized to have an effect on the dependent variable. Dependent variables are the outcomes or variables of interest that are measured or observed in the study. Control variables are variables that are held constant or controlled to minimize their influence on the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
A research hypothesis is a statement that predicts the expected relationship or difference between variables in a study. It states the expected outcome or effect. A null hypothesis, on the other hand, is a statement that assumes no relationship or difference between variables. It is used for statistical testing and is often the opposite of the research hypothesis.
The purpose of a literature review is to provide a comprehensive overview of existing research and scholarly writings on a specific topic. It helps researchers identify gaps in the existing knowledge, understand the current state of research, and develop a theoretical foundation for their own study. It also allows researchers to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of previous studies, which can inform their own research design and methodology.
Theoretical literature refers to scholarly works that present theories, models, frameworks, or conceptual ideas related to a research topic. It provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the phenomena under investigation and helps researchers develop their research questions and hypotheses. Empirical literature, on the other hand, consists of studies and research findings that have been conducted and published. It provides evidence and data to support or refute theoretical propositions, and it helps researchers contextualize their own study within the existing empirical knowledge.
A research framework, also known as a theoretical framework or conceptual framework, is a structure that outlines the key concepts, variables, and relationships that will guide a research study. It provides a theoretical or conceptual lens through which the research questions and hypotheses are developed. The framework helps researchers organize their thoughts, clarify the theoretical basis of their study, and guide the selection of appropriate research methods and data analysis techniques. It also serves as a roadmap for interpreting and discussing the study’s findings in relation to existing theory and literature.
