A Gem of Study

Discussion Board Response #1

Richard

Oct 3, 2021

1.What are the independent and dependent variables in this study?

In just about any research study there are going to be independent and dependent variables. According to Schindler the definition of a dependent variable is as stated, “the variable measured, predicted, or otherwise monitored by the researcher; expected to be affected by a manipulation of the independent variable” (Schindler, 2019). And an Independent variable as, “the variable manipulated by the researcher, thereby causing an effect or change on the dependent variable” (Schindler, 2019). Based upon the facts presented in this scenario the dependent variables are made up of both the economic standing jobs and also the gross domestic product. In addition, this study contains many different independent variables and can be found in the exhibit C-GEM 1-1 display. The independent variables in this study consist of general national framework conditions, entrepreneurial framework conditions, entrepreneurial opportunities, entrepreneurial capacity, and lastly business dynamics.

 

2. What are some of the intervening, extraneous, and moderating variables that the study attempted to control with its 10-nation design?

            In addition to dependent and independent variables are intervening, extraneous, and moderating variables that are also very important to discuss of which are found in this study. The intervening variable can be defined as, “a factor that affects the observed phenomenon but cannot be seen, measured, or manipulated; thus, its effect must be inferred from the effects of the independent and moderating variables on the dependent variable” (Schindler, 2019). In this study the intervening variables would consist of the relationships between the different frameworks. For example, in the general national framework conditions “Government” is one of the conditions which would relate to “Government programs & policy’s” listed as some of the entrepreneurial framework conditions. The extraneous variable can be defined as, “any variable other than the independent variable that could cause a change in the dependent variable” (All Psychology, 20). This type of variable does not have a very dramatic effect on the results of the research but still should be included due to the minor effects. The interviews and questionaries could be examples of extraneous variables. And the moderating variable can be defined as “a second independent variable, believed to have a significant contributory or contingent effect on the originally stated IV—DV relationship” (Schindler, 2019). In this study there are multiple different moderating variables present which are promoting of entrepreneurship, making resources more readily available to women, developing individual capacity, and committing to long-term post-secondary education.

 

3. Can you do a causal study without controlling intervening, extraneous, and moderating variables?

The short answer is yes, it is possible to do a case study without having controlling, intervening, extraneous, and moderate variables. In the event that these variables are not being utilized most likely the results will not be as accurate as it would be if the variables were included in the study. When having a study utilizing controlling variables this gives the researcher the ability to visualize the effect that these variables are having on the dependent variable within the study. When the researcher has a hypothesis to evaluate for a relationship between two variables the researcher can make changes to the independent variables to see their adjusted outcomes. “Experiments must be carefully planned and designed, so the experiment on completion fulfills the objectives of the researcher. Although experiments are more difficult to conduct in the educational environment than in a scientist's laboratory, many procedures are available to assist accounting education researchers in designing tightly controlled experiments” (Street, 1993). Overall, you can conduct research without specific variables but risk the possibility of diminished accuracy amongst results.

 

4. What is the impact on study results of using national experts (key informants) to identify and weigh entrepreneurial framework conditions?

According to the book Key Concepts in social research, “Key informants are those whose social positions in a research setting give them specialist knowledge about other people, processes or happenings that is more extensive, detailed or privileged than ordinary people, and who are therefore particularly valuable sources of information to a researcher, not least in the early stages of a project” (Payne, 2004). The best way to gain the proper results in a specific field that you are conducting a study in and don’t necessarily have the proper experience is to refer to a expert like a key informant. Having access to someone who is a key informant gives the researcher a huge advantage in being able to find a more accurate outcome within their research. In studying entrepreneurial framework conditions, when using key informants the results of the study would be more credible

5. Can you do a causal study when much of the primary data collected is descriptive opinion and ordinal or interval data?

            Again, the short answer to this question is yes you can do a casual study in this specified way. The information that the researchers get from descriptive statistics help the researchers gain more information about the study sample and how they can properly draw conclusions about the data based upon the outcomes. “Despite the desirability of interval scales, many dependent variables possess an ordinal scale of measurement in which the differences among values composing the scale are unequal in terms of what is being measured, permitting only a rank ordering of scores” (Harwell & Gatti, 2001). Whether the data is interval, ordinal or descriptive the researcher should still be able to get through the study and determine the variables that have the biggest impact on the study.

 

References:

Schindler, P.S. (2019). Business Research Methods (Thirteen ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin

Chapter 1.3 defining variables. AllPsych. (2020, April 24). Retrieved October 3, 2021, from https://allpsych.com/research-methods/introduction/definingvariables/.

Controlling extraneous variables in experimental research: A research note. Taylor & Francis. (n.d.). Retrieved October 4, 2021, from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09639289500000020.

Key informants. Sage Research Methods. (n.d.). Retrieved October 4, 2021, from https://methods.sagepub.com/book/key-concepts-in-social-research/n28.xml.

Michael R. Harwell,. Rescaling ordinal data to interval data in educational research - Michael R. Harwell, guido G. Gatti, 2001. SAGE Journals. Retrieved October 4, 2021, from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3102/00346543071001105?casa_token=lYWCxGTdNwgAAAAA%3AvkMzJVlg4sSz7BVAA4SCFa-9p06pbVl9SnV5a2euxiid-RxVGGEgj8RT5H9zDSZ5bBM6b1K-jqZBkQ.

Discussion Board Response #2

Matthew

Abstract

The following is an analysis of the research conducted by Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) attempting to further dissect and understand the methods, metrics, and associated data in an effort to further glean actionable intelligence. Five questions were posed to uncover direction, interconnection, and potential root causes for the findings detailed in the case study. These questions concern variables; specifically dependent and independent. The questions also concern intervening, extraneous, and moderating variables and how these specific types’ variables can impact casual studies. Additionally, the impact on study results of using national experts (key informants) to identify and weigh entrepreneurial framework conditions will be considered. Finally, this paper will address if can you do a causal study when much of the primary data collected is descriptive opinion and ordinal or interval data.

GEM Case Study

Question 1

What are the independent and dependent variables in this study?

            The text (Schindler, 2021) defines a dependent variable as one that is expected to be affected by the manipulation of an independent variable. In the GEM study, the dependent variable is economic well-being as defined by GDP and job formation. The text (Schindler, 2021) defines an independent variable as a variable that is expected to have an effect on the dependent variable(s). The independent variables for this study were: entrepreneurial framework conditions, entrepreneurial capacity, entrepreneurial opportunities, and general national framework conditions. These variables can be identified by reviewing the conceptual framework outlined in EXHIBIT C-GEM 1–1. (Davidsson & Wiklund, 2007) argue in order to qualify as good entrepreneurship research, a study would have to deal explicitly and properly with new enterprise. It is evident that studies on the characteristics of established small businesses and their owner-managers as related to relative business performance, valuable as they may be, do not consider new enterprise and thus do not qualify as entrepreneurship research. This sentiment is valuable in the sense that it postulates the research methodology of the GEM study was too large to effectively gauge entrepreneurship. Further supporting this narrative, is the admission that model is encouraging, but far from conclusive.

 

Question 2

What are some of the intervening, extraneous, and moderating variables that the study attempted to control with its 10-nation design?

            There were a number of extraneous variables associated with the study. As an example cultural, economic, physical, and political factors were considered. However, assessing tangible data associated with these factors is incredibly difficult. Moderating variables are second independent variables believed to have a significant impact on the original independent and dependent variable relationship (Schindler, 2021).  In terms of gender based research (Shapiro et al., 2021) argue against controlling for sex or gender, they urge re-searchers to consider sex and gender as variables of importance that can explain, rather than confound, their research. Although controlling for intervening, extraneous, and moderating variables can be extremely difficult having a fundamental understanding of their impact lessens the overall impact on research efforts.

Question 3

Can you do a causal study without controlling intervening, extraneous, and moderating variables?

            While the opportunity exists to conduct a casual study without controlling intervening, moderating, and extraneous variables, not properly controlling these items can have significant impacts on the results of your research. According to (Ross, 1988) the schema for controlling variables is of greatest significance when designing experiments, its importance extends to other domains involving problems of multiple causality such as correlational relationships, historical causality, and decision making in issues of public and private policy. This statement argues if you fail to recognize the interconnectedness of relationships during research your risk for incorrect assumptions and findings increases. Implementing protocols which limit impact of intervening, moderating, and extraneous variables raise the confidence and reliability of the research being conducted.

 

Question 4

What is the impact on study results of using national experts (key informants) to identify and weigh entrepreneurial framework conditions?

            Key informants are better positioned to collect, analyze, and report data from their respective areas of responsibility. Using national experts improves data reliability and ensures the specific trans-regional differences are accounted for. However, due to the difference in numbers of key informants, ranging from four to thirty-nine the results could be skewed based on collection methods. Additionally, the skillset, background, and historical makeup of the national experts could generate a bias unknown to the lead research teams. According to (McKenna & Main, 2013) key informants are unquestionably important in community-based research, providing information about the community and helping the researcher make additional contacts, playing an integral role in the understanding and application of information.  

 

Question 5

Can you do a causal study when much of the primary data collected is descriptive opinion and ordinal or interval data?

The evidence does show a casual study can be conducted when much of the primary data collected is descriptive opinion and ordinal or interval data. However, as with any study of this magnitude particular attention must be paid to the amount of variables involved and how they have the potential to shift over time. What was potentially true in the beginning of the research may change due to social, political, or economic impacts of the affected region. While certain conclusions may be drawn from the data collected, further analysis and examination of the information is required to substantiate claims. As Timothy 2:15 states “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” This scripture speaks to the researcher as one who no matter what they are faced with follows the truth.    

 

 

References

 Davidsson, P., & Wiklund, J. (2007). Levels of analysis in entrepreneurship research: Current research practice and suggestions for the future. Entrepreneurship, 245-265.

Schindler, P. S. (2021). Business research methods (14th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education

Shapiro, J. R., Klein, S. L., & Morgan, R. (2021). Stop ‘controlling’for sex and gender in global health research. BMJ Global Health, 6(4), e005714.

Ross, J. A. (1988). Controlling variables: A meta-analysis of training studies. Review of Educational Research, 58(4), 405-437.

McKenna, S. A., & Main, D. S. (2013). The role and influence of key informants in community-engaged research: A critical perspective. Action Research, 11(2), 113-124.