Theoretical Framework and Hypothesis Formulation Madhav Raj Koirala, PhD Professor Tribhuvan University

Theoretical Framework A collection of interrelated concepts, like a theory but not necessarily so well worked-out. It guides research, determining what things to be measured, and what statistical relationships the researcher will look 

Significance of the Theoretical Framework Evaluating the research critically Connecting the researcher to existing knowledge Providing basis for hypotheses and choice of research methods Specify which key variables influence a research issue of interest Helping to generalize various aspects of research issue

Research Questions (Example) Does TQM a positive or native impact on job satisfaction? Does the way that TQM is introduced have an influence on the nature of its impact on job satisfaction? Does the effect of TQM on Job satisfaction vary by level in the org?

Theoretical Framework TQM (Concept) Job Satisfaction (Concept)

Theoretical Framework Independent Variables Dependent Variables TQM Training Teamwork Commitment Recognition Job Satisfaction Pay Job (challenging) Autonomy Supervision Level of Employees Moderating Variables

Variables Variable is anything that takes values, which may change over time A variable is a logical set of attributes Age is an attribute that can be operationalized in many ways It can be dichotomized so that only two values - "old" and "young" - are allowed for further data processing. In this case the attribute "age" is operationalized as a binary variable. If more than two values are possible and they can be ordered, the attribute is represented by ordinal variable, such as "young", "middle age", and "old". Next it can be made of rational values, such as 1, 2, 3.... 99

Types of Research Variables Dependent Variables Independent variables Moderating Variables Mediating/Intervening Variables

Formulating Hypotheses A hypothesis is a conjectured guess about the solution to the research problem It is a declarative sentence. It states the relationship between variables in a manner to test it. “A hypothesis is a conjectural statement of the relation between two or more variables”. (Kerlinger, 1956) “Hypothesis is a formal statement that presents the expected relationship between an independent and dependent variable.”(Creswell, 1994)

Qualities of a Good Hypothesis A good hypothesis should always: Explain what you expect to happen Be clear and understandable Be testable Be measurable And contain an independent and a dependent variable

How to Formulate a Hypothesis Research question Theoretical Framework