1. What are the independent and dependent variables in this study?
The dependent variable in a research study is the primary subject of interest to the researcher,
and it is measured, predicted, or impacted by the independent variable in some way (Schindler,
2022). The independent variable is the primary variable studied regarding effect upon the
dependent variable (Schindler, 2022). Assessing cause-effect in business research is a primary
purpose of business research, and studies allow researchers to evaluate the effect the
independent variable has on a dependent variable (Viglia, Zaefarian, & Ulginaku, 2021).
2. What are some of the intervening, extraneous, and moderating variables that the study
attempted to control with its 10-nation design?
By implementing a 10-nation research design A Gem study attempted to mitigate and control
intervening, extraneous, and moderating variables. The variables can affect the relationship
between independent and dependent variables (Schindler, 2022). Extraneous variables in this
study are cultural, economic, physical, and political factors. Researchers attempted to mitigate
the impact of these variables by conducting a 10 nation study. Furthermore, researchers
randomly recruited 1,000 adults per nation. Random assignment can serve to help control
extraneous variable impact (Flannelly, Flannelly, & Jankowski, 2020).
Moderating variables are alternative, independent variables, and may have a significant effect
on the independent and dependent variables (Schindler, 2022). Possible moderating variables
researchers noted include: promoting programs for entrepreneurial activity, facilitating
availability of resources to women to participate, committing to long-term training programs on
business start-ups, developing individual capacities to recognize and pursue new opportunities,
and creating a culture of validation and promotion of entrepreneurship in the society (GEM of a
study).
Researchers observed a positive relationship between businesses starting up with perceived
opportunity (0.79), a population's entrepreneurial capacity (0.64%), and a population's
motivation for entrepreneurial activity (0.93). Furthermore, business start-ups have a positively
correlation with growth of GDP (0.60) and employment (0.47).
The intervening variable refers to external factors presumed to affect dependent and
independent variables (Schindler, 2022). The business start-up rates and the government could
be intervening variables. GEM researchers sought to control intervening variables through the
general national framework conditions.
3. Can you do a causal study without controlling intervening, extraneous, and moderating
variables?
A researcher may conduct a casual study without controlling intervening, extraneous, and
moderating variables, although it is not advisable. If left uncontrolled, the accuracy of the study
will be in question. For example, some extraneous variables may have little effect on the results,
however, others may (Schindler, 2022). Without an awareness of the impact of intervening,
extraneous, and moderating variables, research of a business model is in complete and may
lead to faulty conclusions (Namazi & Namazi, 2016). For more accurate causal research studies,
intervening, extraneous, and moderating variables need to be controlled variables in the study,
by utilizing statistical methods or maintaining constant values for the data they generate
(Hunter, Jensen, & Rodgers, 2014).
4. What is the impact on study results of using national experts (key informants) to identify
and weigh entrepreneurial framework conditions?
The researchers in the GEM study surveyed 1,000 adults per nation and did personal
interviewed with national experts or key informants in each of the 10 nations in the study. The
utilization of national experts (key informants) buy the GEM study researches increases the
validity and credibility of the results and conclusions. Hour long, personal interviews were
conducted with each national expert, and each completed a detailed twelve page questionnaire
(GEM study).
5. Can you do a causal study when much of the primary data collected is descriptive opinion
and ordinal or interval data?
In offering a conclusion, researchers should seek to be wise and prudent as they process and
form conclusions. Proverbs 3:13–14, Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who
gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better
than gold.” The Bible extols the value of wisdom in various places. Solomon desired wisdom
rather than riches (1 Kings 3:1-15). Research methods can serve to enrich business and
organizational leaders seeking to make wise decisions.
References
Agarwal, R., & Tanniru, M. R. (1990). Knowledge acquisition using structured interviewing: an
empirical investigation. Journal of Management Information Systems, 7(1), 123-140.
Case Study, A GEM of a study
Flannelly, L. T., Flannelly, K. J., & Jankowski, K. R. (2020). Independent, dependent, and other
variables in healthcare and chaplaincy research. In Quantitative Research for Chaplains and
Health Care Professionals (pp. 34-43). Routledge.
Hunter, J. E., Jensen, J. L., & Rodgers, R. (2014). The control group and meta-analysis. Journal of
Methods and Measurement in the Social Sciences, 5(1), 3-21.
Namazi, M., & Namazi, N. R. (2016). Conceptual analysis of moderator and mediator variables in
business research. Procedia Economics and Finance, 36, 540-554.
Parra, C. O., Bertizzolo, L., Schroter, S., Dechartres, A., & Goetghebeur, E. (2021). Consistency of
causal claims in observational studies: a review of papers published in a general medical journal.
BMJ open, 11(5), e043339.
Schindler, P. S. (2022). Business research methods (14th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
Trinczek, R. (2009). How to interview managers? Methodical and methodological aspects of
expert interviews as a qualitative method in empirical social research. In Interviewing experts
(pp. 203-216). London: Palgrave Macmillan UK.
Viglia, G., Zaefarian, G., & Ulqinaku, A. (2021). How to design good experiments in marketing:
Types, examples, and methods. Industrial marketing management, 98, 193-206.
