Business Statistics
The Superior Group
Theory
Hypotheses
Variables
Research Design
Goals
Critique theories/conceptual
frameworks in research studies
Differentiate between research
problem statement, purpose,
question, hypothesis
Formulate testable hypotheses
Identify independent/dependent
variables
Understand appropriate uses of
various quantitative research
designs
Hypotheses
What is a Variable?
A variable is a variation within a
class of objects (i.e., eye color).
A constant is a characteristic with no
variations within a class of objects
(i.e., grade level of ninth graders).
Researchers choose certain variables
to study since they are suspected to
be related to a possible relationship
to be discovered.
Quantitative vs. Categorical
Variables
Variables are classified as either
quantitative or categorical
A quantitative variable is conceptualized
and analyzed in distinct categories, with
no continuum implied (i.e., height).
◦ Can be subdivided into smaller units
A categorical variable does not vary in
degree, amount, or quantity, but are
qualitatively different (i.e., political party).
◦ There is no middle ground or in-between
measurement
Quantitative vs. Categorical Variables (Figure 3.1)
Independent vs. Dependent
Variables
The independent variable is what the
researcher studies to see its relationship
or effects.
◦ Presumed or possible cause
The dependent variable is what is being
influenced or affected by the independent
variable
◦ Presumed results
Independent variables may be either
manipulated or selected
◦ A manipulated variable is a changed condition the researcher
creates during a study, also known as an experimental or
treatment variable
◦ A selected variable is an independent variable that already exists
The Relationship between
Independent and Dependent
Variables
Other Types of Variables
Outcome Variable
A dependent variable that is quantitative
Most studies demonstrating this would have a
categorical independent variable
The investigator is interested in the effects
that might lead to differences in methods =
outcomes
Other Types of Variables
(cont.)
Extraneous Variable
◦ Independent variables that have not been
controlled
◦ Considered a basic problem in research
◦ The task is to control these variables by
reducing or eliminating their effects
◦ A method to control extraneous variables is to
hold them constant
◦ Figure 3.3 illustrates the importance of
identifying extraneous variables
Examples of Extraneous Variables (Figure
3.3)
What is a Hypothesis?
A hypothesis is a prediction regarding
the possible outcome of a study
Advantages of stating hypotheses
include:
Forces us to think more deeply and specifically
about the possible outcomes of the study
Enables us to make specific predictions based
on prior evidence or theoretical argument
Helps to clarify whether we are or aren’t
investigating a relationship
Hypotheses from a Single
Research Question (Figure 3.4)
Directional vs. Non-directional
Hypotheses
A directional hypothesis is one in which the researcher
indicates the specific direction that he or she expects will
emerge in a relationship in the study.
◦ The direction is based on what the researcher has found from:
Literature
Personal experiences
Experience from others
A non-directional hypothesis is when there is no specific
prediction about what direction the outcome of a study will
take.
◦ Sometimes it is difficult to make specific predictions upon a study
A study may state that it would point to non-specific directions vs. distinct
possibilities
Directional vs. Non-Directional
Hypotheses (Figure 3.5)
The Theory of Theories
Meta-Theory Level
Clarifies Informs
Grand Theory Level
Guides Refines
Middle-Range Theory Level
Tests
Directs
Practice Theory Level
Conceptual or Theoretical
Framework
A brief explanation of a theory or those
portions of a theory to be tested in a study
A conceptual framework is an analytical
tool with several variations and contexts. It
can be applied in different categories of
work where an overall picture is needed. It
is used to make conceptual distinctions
and organize ideas.
Conceptual
Models/Frameworks
Figure 1. Conceptual Framework of Outcomes of ICU Working Conditions
Xj Xi Patient Safety
Working Conditions
Staffing Ratios
Organizational
Turnover
Climate Costs
Wages
LB
HCW Safety
Xi =Patient Characteristics, Xj =Setting Characteristics, L=Nurse Labor Market
Hypotheses and Variables
Each Step Narrows The Focus:
Problem
Purpose
Hypothesis
Research Problem
What Is An Hypothesis?
A formal statement of the expected
relationships among variables
Hypothesis
There is no difference in patency of
heparin locks flushed with normal
saline or with normal saline containing
heparin.
(Null)
Hypothesis
Heparin locks flushed with normal
saline will maintain their patency
longer than heparin locks flushed
with normal saline and heparin.
(Directional)
An Hypothesis Must
Predict a relationship between
two or more variables
Be testable
Be justifiable (based on
rationale/theory)
Types of Hypotheses
Nondirectional vs Directional
Incidence of decubitus ulcers is
related to the frequency of
turning patients.
Patients turned at least every
two hours have a lower incidence
of decubitus ulcers than patients
turned less frequently.
Types of Hypotheses
Null vs. Research
There is no relationship between
gender and knowledge of
sexually transmitted diseases
among teenagers
Teenage boys are better
informed about STDs than
teenage girls
A Research Hypothesis
Should
Be written in the present tense
Not include statistical jargon (e.g.,
“statistically significant”, “controls”)
Be simple and concise
What Are Variables?
Qualities or
characteristics
that vary
between
individuals,
things, or
situations
Variables
Independent Dependent
◦ Cause ◦ Effect,
◦ Action outcome
◦ Intervention ◦ Reaction
◦ Response
Thank You…
