The research process : theoretical framework and hypothesis

development
CHAPTER 4

Angga Arifiawan S

041211332113

Accounting Department
Faculty of Economic and Business
Airlangga University
Surabaya
2014
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Chapter 4
The research process : theoretical framework and hypothesis development
The need for a theoretical framework
A theoretical framework represents your beliefs on how certain phenomena are related
to each other and why you believe that these variables are associated with each other.
It is essential to understand what a variable means and what the different types of
variables are.
Types of variables
A variable is anything that can take on differing or varying values, this values can
differ at various times for same object or at the same time for various objects.(i.e :
units, absenteeism,etc)
1. Dependent/criterion variable
Primary interest to the researcher
Main variable for investigating a viable factor
Through analysis of this variable, researcher is possible to find
answers, solutions to the problem
Its ok to have more than one dependent variable (multivariate
statistical analysis)
2. Independent/predictor
One that influences the dependent, can be positively or negatively
related
If the units of independent variable increases, there is an
increase/decrease in the dependent
Four conditions that makes a change in the dependent variable caused
by independents variable are : variable should be associated each other;
cause must occurs before the effect; no other factors involved; theory
is needed about why the effect occurs.
3. Moderating
Third variable that has a strong effect on the independent-dependent
variable relationship
Variables that moderates the relationship (independent-dependent)
4. Mediating
Surfaces as a function of the independent variables
Helps to conceptualize and explain the influence of the independent on
dependent variables
Theoretical Framework
The theoretical framework is the foundation on which the entire research project is
based. To arrive at good solutions to the problem, firstly the problem have to be
correctly identified, than analyses variables that contribute to it, then elaborate the
network of associations among the variables so that relevant hypothesis can be
developed
The components of the theoretical framework
1. Variables considered relevant should be clearly defined

2. A conceptual model that describes the reliationships between the variables

should be given
3. There should be a clear explanation of why we expect these relationship to
exist
Theoretical framework for the example of air safety violations
Hypothesis development : Formulating such testable statements

Identify
important
variables

Establishe
d
relationshi
ps among
them

Test the
relationshi
p (true or
not)

obtain
reliable
informatio
n what
relationshi
p exist

Results :
clues of
what could
be
changed
to solve
the
problem

Definition
A testable statement which predicts what you expect to find in your empirical data,
hypotheses are derived from the theory which the conceptual model is based.
Statement of hypothesis : formats
If-then statements : used to express whether or not the conjectured relationships or
differences exist.
Directional and nondirectional
Directional : the direction of the relationship between the variables is indicated
i.e : the greater the stress experienced in the job, the lower the job satisfaction of
employees
Nondirectional : no indication of direction of the relationships or differences. We still
can define which group is more/less on that variable.There is no basis for indicating
the direction.
i.e : there is a relationship between age and job satisfaction
Null and alternate
Must be written in such way so other researchers can show them to be false
(Ho) Set up to be rejected in order to support an alternate hypothesis (Ha)
null statement is expressed in terms there is no significant relationship
between two variables, the opposite, alternate hypothesis is a statement
expressing a relationship between two groups

If we reject the null, means all permisable alternate hypothesis relating to them
could be supported.

Summary of the journal THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN

PARTICIPATION AND SYTEM INFORMATION USER
SATISFACTION: A STUDY OF THE FOUR CONTINGENCY
FACTORS by Dadang Kurniawan

In the journal, writers begin with explaining about the background why he did the
research. His focus is on how a good information system can derives qualified and
relevant information and factors that influenced the relationship between user
participation and user satisfaction. According to previous research done by McKeen,
which has result four key factors related to the user satisfaction, writer is motivated to
investigate those factors that have contradictions of the result of prior researches.
Several similar researches that was also conducted in Indonesia has various results as
well.
The objective of the research is to provide the better explanation about the effects of
the four contingency factors consist of task complexity, system complexity, user
influence and user-developer communication on the relationship between user
participation and user satisfaction to the readers.
Several hypothesis of the research conducted by Kurniawan is as follows : A positive
relationship exists between user participation and user satisfaction; The greater the
task complexity, the greater the relationship between user participation and user
satisfaction; The greater the system complexity, the greater the relationship between
user participation and user satisfaction,

The type of research used in this research is hypothesis testing. This research is going
to test the five hypothesis related to the user participation as the independent variable,
the effects of contingency factors consist of task complexity, system complexity,
users influence and user-developer communication as the moderating variables and
user satisfaction as the dependent variable. This research uses user participation as

independent variable; system complexity, task complexity, user-developer

communications and user influence as moderating variable; and user satisfaction as
dependent variable.
Samples that used in this research were taken from the population of profit oriented
companies in Indonesia from various business sectors. While, writers used Linear
regression to test the relationship between user participation and user satisfaction,
while MRA is used to test the effect of contingency factors

Overall, the results of this research are user participation is affecting user satisfaction
in positive and significant way. While user influence as a pure moderator affect the
relationship between user participation and user satisfaction. System complexity also
act as moderator but it has no influence to the independent-dependent variable due to
in this research objects which were investigated are information system users, not
information system developer

What we can found on this research by Kurniawan is the results is similar with almost
all previous researchers, they all conclude that There is a positive and significant
relationship between user participation and user satisfaction. Writer also faced some
limitation on his research that obstructed him to achieve better result, such as the low
respond rate, and the residual value. Kurniawan as the writer hope his research will be
able to explain to the companies and system developer about certain factors that
should be considered during the information system development process.