1. What are the independent and dependent variables in this study?
One of the first steps in conducting research is to determine what one is trying to find. In
answering this question, we must first define what the independent variable (IV) and the dependent
variable (DV) are. The dependent variables are of primary interest to the researcher and can be
measured, predicted, and monitored. The independent variables are those variables that can be
manipulated to measure a response (Schindler, 2022). In the GEM of a study case, the research
conducted reviewed entrepreneurship, the effect of programs that may increase entrepreneurship,
and the impacts that entrepreneurship has had on economic growth in ten different countries.
In the GEM study the independent variables are culture, economics, and physical factors. These are
the predictors that can be manipulated to measure a response. The dependent variables is the
predicted economic growth. This variable finding will change based on the independent variables.
Research shows, “Positive correlation between entrepreneurship and economic growth primarily
stems from specific entrepreneurship segments. We propose that focusing on various measures, not
just Total Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA), yields a more refined understanding of national
entrepreneurship phenomena” (Ordenana et al., 2023).
2. What are some of the intervening, extraneous, and moderating variables that the
study attempted to control with its 10-nation design?
International research in a difficult type of research to conduct as there are many variables
that can impact the study. However, internation research has increased in volume and importance
due to rising investments, easier to access resources, mutual intellect and social influences, easier
and less expensive communication, and exchange programs (Powell & Dusdal, 2021).
International collaborative research (IRC) is incredibly important to the continued development
of scientific discovery. Though there are many challenges in the IRC like time zone differences,
cultural biases and expectations, lack of agreement on goals, and language barriers, the benefits
outweigh the challenges (Powell & Dusdal, 2021).
In the GEM of a study case, the researchers went to great lengths to neutralize extraneous
variables such as tradition, attitudes and cultural customs. According to the study, “The research
design compensated for lack of control of extraneous variables
by using data from 10 nations” (GEM, 2022).
The intervening variable (IVV) is a factor that theoretically might affect the DV, but the
effect cannot be observed or measured (Schindler, 2022). According to exhibit C-GEM 1-1 in the
GEM study, the IVV’s would be existence and perception listed under the Entrepreneurial
Opportunities tile. We can see this by their presumed affect on the DV of economic growth
although they have not been observed or measured.
3. Can you do a causal study without controlling intervening, extraneous, and
moderating variables?
A causal study is a study in which “we estimate the probability that A produces B based on
what we observe and measure” (Schindler, 2022). The requirements for a causal study
would be a casual hypothesis with at least one independent variable and one dependent
variable in a causal relationship (Schindler, 2022). In addition a causal study must also have
both a control and a random assignment of cases or participants. One cannot conduct a
causal study without the control. “Researchers currently conducting research by using
moderating and intervening variables in their conceptual framework followed by the
corresponding model equations are requested to use the concepts properly, so that basic
mathematical discrepancies are avoided” (Pokhariyal, 2019). As we see when the
intervening, extraneous, and moderating variables are controlled, we will have a more
complete and definitive finding.
4. What is the impact on study results of using national experts (key informants) to
identify and weigh entrepreneurial framework conditions?
The responses from the key informants made the study findings more reliable. The
experts have a unique understanding of their nation which aides them in designing the
Exhibit C-GEM 1-1 Entrepreneurial Framework Conditions. The key informants understood
their nations financial, government policies, government programs, education and training,
research and development, commercial and legal infrastructure, internal market openness,
access to physical infrastructure, and the cultural and social norms. This helped design the
surveys to be focused, specific, and thorough to collect data that was more reliable. These
key informants are in line with Proverbs 24:6 where God provides wise counselors to help
people (MSG, 2018). These informants are wise counselors how God has placed to shape and
guide the research. The informants are not infallible, but their wisdom guides them to learn
and gain wisdom from the information gleaned from the survey responses.
5. Can you do a causal study when much of the primary data collected is descriptive
opinion and ordinal or interval data?
Yes, one can conduct causal research when much of the primary data is descriptive
opinion and measured on ordinal or interval data. “The ordinal data provides a
classification and order of the groups over a specified period of time. And although much
of the primary data collected is descriptive opinion; there is still a need to address the
reliability and validity of that data” (Unknown, 2019). In the GEM of a study case we see
a large volume of data collected across several different countries. This diversity of data
and large sample reduces the bias, assumptions, and manipulation and increases the
quality of the overall findings.
References:
Bible gateway passage: Proverbs 24:6 - the message. Bible Gateway. (2018).
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+24%3A6&version=MSG
Ordenana, X., Vera-Gilces, P., Zambrano-Vera, J., & Jimenez, A. (2023, November 3). The
effect of high-growth and innovative entrepreneurship on Economic Growth. Journal of
Business Research. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0148296323006021
Pokhariyal, G. (2019, March 8). Importance of moderating and intervening variables on the ...
International Journal of Statistics and Applied Mathematics.
https://www.mathsjournal.com/pdf/2019/vol4issue5/PartA/4-4-11-253.pdf
Powell, J., & Dusdal, J. (2021, February 15). Benefits, motivations, and challenges of
international ... Science and Public Policy.
https://academic.oup.com/spp/article/48/2/235/6135106
Schindler, P. S. (2022). Business research methods. McGraw-Hill.
Unknown. (2019). Gem Harvard Case Solution & Analysis. TheCaseSolutions.com.
https://www.thecasesolutions.com/gem-177480
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