Abstract
This paper covers a number of modern research methodologies. In the first part a research matrix is used to highlight the key characteristics, terminologies, specific examples as well as strength and weakness of selected qualitative and quantitative research methods. This reveals the uniqueness of each method and thence their suitability for a research study. Also, the matrix clearly illustrates that the choice of a particular methodology is shaped by the type of the research to be undertaken. The second section discusses how industrial /organizations psychology is applied in solving workplaces problems with specific reference to experimental and survey research method. It is argued that as the dynamics of workplace get more sophisticated such methods will be crucial in promoting improvement and general wellness at workplace.
Research Matrix: Qualitative Methods.
Quantitative Methods.
How experimental research and survey research are used for solving basic and applied problems in industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology
Industrial/organization (I/O) psychology is an important scientific discipline, with applications useful in enhancing organizational performance. Industrial/Organizational psychology has been defined as “a behavioral science that focuses on behavior related to the work environment” (Mullins, 1998, n.p). Mullins (1998) states that I/O psychology is closely related empirical psychology and its postulates are central in predicting how modifications of work conditions affect workers performance (Mullins, 1998). The two main types of problems in industrial/organization psychology are: basic and applied (Mullins,1998). According to the American Society for Industrial and Organization Psychology (SIOP), basic problems have high variability and may be shaped by the investigator’s interest. Examples include research on methods of behavioral assessment, communication, incentive, social interaction and management (SIOP). On the other hand, applied problems and activities are centred around scientific approaches to workplace problems. They include recruitment, selection and placement, training, performance measurement, motivation, quality of work life, consumer behavior and the structure of work and human factors (SIOP).
I/O psychologists use a variety of techniques in their research on human behavior thought and emotions in the workplace (Arnold, Cooper, & Robertson, 2004).One of these techniques, surveys, are designed to gather quantitative information about a certain aspect from a large number of people. The data collected is later analyzed using statistical techniques. Gable (1994) states that by studying a representative sample, the surveys are important in discovering relationships that are common across the organizations and provide generalizable statements about the object of the study. A key feature of surveys is that it does not manipulate a natural event. Instead, surveys seek to gather data on workers behavior, thoughts and/or emotions (Arnold et al., 2004).
A survey may ask employees about their attitudes towards the organization or their opinion regarding a newly introduced recruitment method. Surveys may be aimed at ascertaining the frequency of occurrence of a certain event or to study the relationships, if any, of various variables. I/O principles can be applied in today organization to solve a number of worker-related problems. Mullins (1998) conducted a morale survey for a company that was experiencing a high turnover rate. The company wanted to root out the high cost of production and training cost the exits were causing. The survey results brought to the fore the underlying problem leading the management to undertake corrective measure. The turnover rate was reduced by 65% in the first year and workers morale recorded a 72% increase.
Surveys may be conducted by mail, personal interviews, phone, fax, email, internet, or magazines (Aamodt, 2010). The method chosen may depend on factors such as sample size, need for representative sample, available time for the study, and budget (Aamodt, 2010). The questionnaire may be used to collect information such as sex, education level, job status, supervision, experience, wage levels as well as working conditions. Apart from questionnaires surveys may entails collection of archival data on the subjects or by interview. Interviews are common in market research. A good survey should meet validity and randomness for credibility. The upside of surveys is that it can be used directly with the target respondents and is easy to conduct. However, due to its total lack of variables manipulation it is unable to establish cause and effect relationship of the subject of study. In addition, some variables may not be measureable through survey.
In an I/O setting it is common for researcher to employ a mix of survey and experimental design approach. Experimental methods are used to augment survey methods which are traditionally regarded as descriptive in nature. Experimental surveys are very useful in applied research. An example may be a re-make of a production line machinery e. g a conveyor belt in the laboratory to assess human monitoring on it. The participant may be asked about the task satisfaction or gauged by his performance. Other physiological measures such as heart rate may also be taken during the study. Experimental research approaches can generate reliable outcomes because, unlike surveys, they can be used to infer cause-and-effect relationships. Basically, experimental research involves the manipulation of one or more variables coupled with the measurement of the other. A simple systematic approach for this methodology may involve measuring the object of interest, introduction of a variable of interest and finally measuring the object of interest.
However, a real-life procedure may involve additional experimental design techniques such as the introduction of control groups, matched samples and randomization. Experimental approaches can be cost effective because the researcher can utilize already existing data. Experimental derivations such as conjoint measurement used in market analysis and choice experiments for valuation of non-market products are some of the important approaches used in this field. The factorial survey method of social sciences is especially useful for studying beliefs and normative judgment. This has been applied by marketers to study consumer behavior. Experimental research is less common in marketing organization although there is some use of control groups in direct marketing advertising research. Market researchers tend to favor surveys in studying the market to make forecasts and in consumer behavior. Some experiments fall short meeting the key requirements of a true experiment. These experiments are termed quasi-experiment. They are applicable when some variable cannot be manipulated. Quasi experiments can be used to evaluate the results of a new program implemented by an organization (Aamodt, 2010).
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