MIS 650: Research Frameworks 1
Role of Frameworks, Role of Models, Types of Model, Research Criteria
MIS 650Research Frameworks and Models
MIS 650: Research Frameworks 2
Basic Definitions
Framework Model Variable/Surrogate/Proxy Concept/Construct
MIS 650: Research Frameworks 3
Framework
• A FRAMEWORK is a matrix within which research efforts can be classified
• The dimensions of the framework are limitless, but often include roles, effects, technology, users, etc.
• Frameworks are informal, cannot be “proven” and are used to compare or situate papers and ideas
MIS 650: Research Frameworks 4
A Framework is a pair of intellectual spectacles to see with and a set of cubbyholes to display what you want to see.
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MIS 650: Research Frameworks 5
Uses of Research Frameworks
Classification of phenomena Comparison of phenomena Generation of research questions Creation of research models Evaluation of field efforts
MIS 650: Research Frameworks 6
Model
• A simplification of some aspect of reality
• Simplification occurs through– Lumping (Categorization)– Elimination
• Models contain elements with relations among those elements. These reflect relationships among elements of the base reality
MIS 650: Research Frameworks 7
Hierarchy of Theoretical Entities and Relationships
Theory
Concept
Con-struct
Proxy/Surrogate
Variable
Data
A b
s t
r a
c t
i o
n
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Concept
• Conceive [ME conceiven < OFr conceveir < L concipere to take in, receive < com together + capere to take]
• An idea or thought, esp. a generalized idea of a thing or class of things; abstract notion.
• Concepts serve both to sum up (generalize) thoughts as well as organize and relate them. Concepts are “sophisticated” forms of experience.
MIS 650: Research Frameworks 9
Construct
• Construct [<L constructus < com together + struere to pile up, build rel. to “strew”]
• Something put together systematically
• An idea or perception resulting from a synthesis of sense impressions, etc.
• A concept or theory devised to integrate in an orderly way the diverse data on a phenomenon.
MIS 650: Research Frameworks 10
Variable/Surrogate/Proxy
• A variable is a theoretical concept (actually construct) that varies in value; part of a theory.
• A surrogate or proxy for that variable is a measurement taken in the real world of that variable; part of testing or using a theory.
• All proxies present problems of validity, reliability and pragmatic measurement difficulties
MIS 650: Research Frameworks 11
Models: Level of Explanation
Depictional: depicts or reproduces aspects of the modeled system
Descriptive: describes in translated termsthe modeled system
Classificational: groups phenomena withinthe modeled system together
Logical: Asserts logical dependencies amongelements of the modeled system
Causal: asserts that some phenomena in themodeled system cause other phenomena
Physical: makes things happen in themodeled system
Atheoretical
MIS 650: Research Frameworks 12
Types of Models: Causal / Associational
IV DV
EV
a
b
EV1CV
Direct Cause: IV-DVIndirect Cause: IV-EV-DVCommon Cause: EV-(IV,DV)Effectiveness: a/(a+b)Loss: cEfficiency: CV-IV-DV
c
IV is sufficient to cause change to DV of strength a
d
EV is sufficient to cause change to both IV and DV of strengths r(d,b)
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Types of Models: Process
DV
IV2 IV4 IV6
IV1 IV3 IV5 Each IV is necessary at a certain level of strength b to allow change to DV of strength a
ab1
b2
b3
b4
b5
b6
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Types of Models: Multidomain Modeling
DOMAIN 1Sources - Industry characteristics-
DOMAIN 2Industry Experience/Action -
Outcomes for Industry
DOMAIN 3Statements / Interpretations
MIS 650: Research Frameworks 15
Types of Models: Rationalising
Description of the use of a model: Description of a phenomenon: for whom Prediction of a phenomenon: for when Control of a phenomenon: why, how much Operation of a phenomenon: ?
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Types of Models: Contingency
X Y
X Y
a
b
XY
X
In different regions, X and Y have different relationships at different strengths. A region may or may not be describable in terms of a set of variables itself
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Types of Models: Classificational
The phenomena within a region or system are “arbitrarily” classified as being similar and dissimilar based on a scheme of controlling variables (A, B) which are in turn justified theoretically (in terms of another theory)
A
B
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Types of Models: Time Series
Baseline
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Cri
teri
on V
alue
(s)
Important times (in series)
Treatments across time allow changes in (a) criterion value(s). There is no control group; the treatment effectiveness is compared to non-treatment effectiveness.
MIS 650: Research Frameworks 19
Types of Models:Evaluation
Evaluative Environment
Action Domain
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MIS 650: Research Frameworks 20
Types of Models: Layered
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
MIS 650: Research Frameworks 21
Research Criteria
• Are the results meaningful?*– Validity
• Are the results trustworthy?– Reliability– Significance
MIS 650: Research Frameworks 22
Validity
• Stuff
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These elements have no counterpart in reality
These elements have no counterpart in the model
This relationship is not mirrored in the model
This relationship has no correspondence in reality
MIS 650: Research Frameworks 23
Threats to Validity
• History• Testing• Instrumentation• Mortality• Maturation• Ambiguity about causal direction• Generalisability• “Measuring the wrong thing”
MIS 650: Research Frameworks 24
Types of Research Errors
Type I:
Type II:
Type III:
“Seeing something that isn’t there”; in general, someone else will disprove you
“Not seeing something that is there”; waste of time and effort; puts a chill on creativity
“Not looking in the right place”; severe methodological problems or sampling or theoretical problems