Chapter 2 – Scientific Investigation

1. Confidence as a characteristic of scientific investigation refers to:

a. The probability that our estimations are correct.

b. The idea that a simple model that explains a certain phenomenon has preference over a complex model.

c. The fact that findings are generalizable.

d. The fact that an investigation has a clear theoretical foundation.

2. Logically speaking inductive research comes before deductive research.

a. T

b. F

3. Scientific investigation is characterized by a good theoretical base and a sound methodological design. These characteristics are both related to the of the investigation.

What must be filled on the line?

a. Rigor.

b. Precision and confidence.

c. Objectivity.

d. Parsimony.

4. A deductive investigation is aimed at testing hypothesis.

a. T

b. F

5. If a manager simply wants to know how satisfied employees are with their jobs, and thus simply wants to describe a phenomenon (job satisfaction), hypothesis testing is irrelevant.

a. T

b. F

6. In the hypothetico-deductive research method, hypotheses play an important role.

a. T

b. F

7. Epistemology is concerned with the nature of knowledge or how we come to know.

a. T

b. F

8. Positivists believe that the world (as we know it!) is mentally constructed.

a. T

b. F

9. Constructionists are often more concerned with understanding a specific case than with the generalization of their findings.

a. T

b. F

10.Critical realistm does not take on a particular position on what makes good research.

a. T

b. F

11. The focus of pragmatism is on basic, fundamental research

a. T

b. F

12. Pragmatism is a combination of the belief in an external reality with the rejection of the claim that this external reality can be objectively measured.

a. T

b. F

13. Knowledge of epistemology may help you to relate to and understand the research of others and the choices that were made in this research.

a. T

b. F

14. Different researchers have different ideas about the nature of knowledge or on how we come to know.

a. T

b. F

15. Although the scientific method has laid the foundation for many great discoveries in the past and the present it is not necessarily the most suitable method in an applied research context.

a. T

b. F

16. ________________ does not necessarily apply when research is aimed at solving a specific problem in a work setting.

a. Rigor.

b. Generalizability.

c. Objectivity.

d. Purposivness.

17. ‘Precision’ related to scientific investigation refers amongst others to:

a. The probability that our estimations are correct.

b. The idea that a simple model that explains a certain phenomenon has preference over a complex model.

c. The closeness of the findings to “reality” based on a sample.

d. The fact that a study has a good theoretical base.

18. ‘Parsimony’ as a characteristic of scientific investigation refers to:

a. The probability that our estimations are correct.

b. The idea that a simple model that explains a certain phenomenon has preference over a complex model.

c. The fact that findings are generalizable.

d. The fact that an investigation has a clear theoretical foundation.

19. Which of the following characteristics are both related to the rigor of an investigation?

a. A good theoretical base and a sound methodological design.

b. Precision and confidence.

c. Objectivity and parsimony.

d. Induction and deduction.

20. A deductive investigation starts with an observation of empirical data.

a. T

b. F

21. Case studies involve in-depth, contextual analyses of similar situations in other organizations, where the nature and definition of the problem happen to be the same as experienced in the current situation.

a. T

b. F

22. Case studies play an important role in the hypothetico-deductive method.

a. T

b. F

23. Objectivity refers to the closeness of the findings to “reality” based on a sample.

a. T

b. F

24. It is imperative to meet all the hallmarks of science in full even though comparability, consistency, and wide generalizability are often difficult to obtain in research.

a. T

b. F

25. Theory testing (deduction) is an essential part of the research process whereas theory generation (induction) is not.

a. T

b. F

26. The action research methodology is most appropriate while effecting planned changes.

a. T

b. F

27. Action research is a constantly evolving project with interplay among problem, solution, effects or consequences, and new solution.

a. T

b. F

28. Hypothesis testing is deductive in nature because we test if a general theory is capable of explaining a particular problem.

a. T

b. F

29. Ontology is concerned with the nature of knowledge or how we come to know.

a. T

b. F

30. For a positivist, the world operates by laws of cause and effect that we can discern if we use a scientific approach to research.

a. T

b. F

31. The key approach of positivist researchers is observation.

a. T

b. F

32. Constructionism criticizes the positivist belief that the truth is subjective.

a. T

b. F

33. Constructionism studies the accounts people give of issues and topics and how people get to these accounts.

a. T

b. F

34. The critical realist believes that researchers are inherently biased.

a. T

b. F

35. Pragmatists see theories and concepts as important tools for finding our way in the world that surrounds us.

a. T

b. F

36. Your viewpoint on the nature of knowledge and on how we come to know will have a strong influence on the research questions you ask, your research design, and the research methods you will use.

a. T

b. F