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Exploratory Studies and Causal Studies The thread has 16 unread messages.
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· Comment on Feb 09, 2015, 10:17 PM
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posted by LOUIS DAILY at Feb 09, 2015, 10:17 PM
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What is the difference between an Exploratory Study and a Causal Study? Can you give an example or two?
· Comment on Feb 12, 2015, 2:49 PM
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posted by ARACHEAL VENTRESS at Feb 12, 2015, 2:49 PM
Last updated Feb 12, 2015, 2:49 PM
Professor:
According to our text, the immediate purpose of exploration is usually to develop hypotheses or questions for further research. Essentially, you have no starting theory or hypothesis about a problem. In fact, you don't even know if there is a problem to begin with. In exploratory research, you simply start collecting information about something. It is similar to data mining. I can see a company utilizing this approach when trying to develop a new product or design.
Causal studies- are studies that collect data or supporting information that will try to explain relationships among variables. For example, our HR department did a study to see the correlation between a higher absenteeism rate amongst employees and the first quarter of the year. It was determined that our employees were missing more work during the first quarter of the year due to a income tax returns supplementing their income.
Reference
Business Research Methods, 11th edition
· Comment on Feb 13, 2015, 12:19 AM
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posted by Jynx Gresser at Feb 13, 2015, 12:19 AM
Last updated Feb 13, 2015, 12:19 AM
An exploratory study or research design helps to assist researchers when they lack a clear idea of the problems for the study (Cooper & Schindler, 2011). Often when research is new to a company, exploration can provide a way to understand the area of concern which will then provide a more successful research study and final result. When exploration is utilized, researchers can develop "concepts more clearly, establish priorities, develop operational definitions, and improve the final research design" (Cooper & Schindler, 2011, p. 143). A focus group would be one example of a way to investigate a research problem that isn't clearly grasped because it allows ideas on a specific topic to be bounced around among a variety of people. On the other hand, causal studies are mainly focused on the concept of causation, for example, A produces B (Cooper & Schindler, 2011). The ideal standard for these types of studies require that A must always produce B (Cooper & Schindler, 2011). Based on this definition, I can assume that there must be a 100% certainty of the relationship between the two variables. Furthermore, there are three different types of causal relationships and these include symmetrical, reciprocal, and asymmetrical. Reciprocal is one relationship that I found extremely interesting because one variable reinforces the other (Cooper & Schindler, 2011). This can be seen specifically within Marketing because an image of, color, or phrase linked to a product can produce a sale from a customer. A good example of a causal study would be the relationship between GPA and going to class. For example, statistical evidence shows that college students who attend class on a regular basis will be higher GPA than those who don't. Another example can be found within the research of psychology and determining the effectiveness of drug treatment groups.
Reference
Cooper, D. R., & Schindler, P. S. (2011). Business Research Methods (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Retrieved from the University of Phoenix eBook Collection database.
Jynx Gresser
· Comment on Feb 13, 2015, 6:19 AM
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posted by ERIK SEIDEL at Feb 13, 2015, 6:19 AM
Last updated Feb 13, 2015, 6:19 AM
Aracheal and Jynx, I think you've both done a great job at explaining the difference between an exploratory study and a casual study. An exploratory study means going into unknown territory. A casual study means determining if there are any types of relationships between statistics. Our health insurance company conducts both of these types of studies when the conditions are appropriate. An example of a situation where our company would conduct an exploratory study is when we are entering a new market. We know very little about the market and need to conduct studies to determine what types of products may be enticing to potential customers. At that point, we're not even sure if there is a market for our company in this region. A casual study may look at the number of member terminations in previous years and determine if there were any events that may have caused the terminations. These events may have been an increase in member premiums, a change in benefit structure of products, or a new competitor entering the market.
· Comment on Feb 13, 2015, 8:29 AM
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posted by LOUIS DAILY at Feb 13, 2015, 8:29 AM
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Erik,
Good, but use "causal", not "casual".
thanks
Lou
· Comment on Feb 13, 2015, 12:55 PM
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posted by ARIEL SMITH at Feb 13, 2015, 12:55 PM
Last updated Feb 13, 2015, 12:55 PM
According to the text, exploratory studies are done when researchers lack a clear idea of the problems they will meet during the study. Through exploration researchers develop concepts more clearly, establish priorities, develop operational definitions, and improve the final research design. Casual studies also known as experimental studies, are designed to determine whether one or more variables causes or affects the value of other variables. A causal study's hypothesis is directional, for example a directional hypothesis would be, "I predict that increased levels of exercise will lead to weight loss." A nondirectional hypothesis would simply predict that there exists some relationship between the variables amount of exercise and weight loss.
Russell, M., & Airasian, P. Classroom Assessment: Concepts and Applications, 7th Edition. [VitalSource Bookshelf version]. Retrieved from http://online.vitalsource.com/books/9781308263021/page/157
· Comment on Feb 13, 2015, 1:09 PM
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posted by ARIEL SMITH at Feb 13, 2015, 1:09 PM
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Two examples of causal studies is randomized causal experiments and prospective causal experiments.The subjects used in the experiment are selected and randomly divided into two groups prior to administering the suspected causal variable. Randomized experiments are capable of providing strong evidence because they enable us to control other possible causal factors. That subjects are selected prior to being exposed to the suspected cause, coupled with being randomly divided into experimental and control groups, goes a long way toward controlling for extraneous causal factors.
Types of Causal Experiments. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.indiana.edu/~koertge/X200Carey.html
· Comment on Feb 13, 2015, 1:19 PM
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posted by ARIEL SMITH at Feb 13, 2015, 1:19 PM
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The intent of exploratory studies is to find out and explore unknown phenomena, it is considered Level 1 research. Level 1 research is designed to elicit descriptions of a single topic or population. One exploratory studies was done in the 1960's and involves studies in nursing. exploratory studies was used to examine the early research designs used in nursing studies includes the following: (a) staff nurse behaviors and patient care improvement (Gorham, 1962), (b) the self-concept of children with hemophilia and family stress (Garlinghouse & Sharp, 1968), and (c) women's beliefs about breast cancer and breast self-examination (Stillman, 1977).
Huttlinger, K. (2011). Exploratory studies. In Encyclopedia of nursing research. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company. Retrieved from http://search.credoreference.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/content/entry/spennurres/exploratory_studies/0
· Comment on Feb 14, 2015, 6:47 PM
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posted by LOUIS DAILY at Feb 14, 2015, 6:47 PM
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Ariel,
Good.
Just to be clear: "causal", not "casual".
thanks
Lou
· Comment on Feb 14, 2015, 4:43 PM
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posted by JUDEENE WALKER at Feb 14, 2015, 4:43 PM
Last updated Feb 14, 2015, 4:43 PM
Exploratory research is research conducted for a problem that has been clearly defined; usually it occurs before one knows enough to make conceptual distinctions. This form of research helps determine the best research design and data collection, it often relies on secondary research such as available literature and qualitative approaches such as case studies and focus group. Interviews, random sampling and questionnaires are examples of explanatory research. Questionnaires are one of the most common forms of explanatory research used as they can decipher information that is required by a company.
On the other hand the objective of casual research is to test hypothesis about cause and effect relationships. Whether there is a cause and effect relationship between variables, causal research must be undertaken. This type of research is very complex as compared to the exploratory research. Two examples are prospective causal experiments and prospective experiments.
· Comment on Feb 14, 2015, 6:49 PM
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posted by LOUIS DAILY at Feb 14, 2015, 6:49 PM
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Judeene,
Good. "Causal", not "casual".
thanks
Lou
· Comment on Feb 14, 2015, 5:14 PM
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posted by STEPHANIE RECTOR at Feb 14, 2015, 5:14 PM
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What is the difference between an Exploratory Study and a Causal Study? Can you give an example or two?
There are many methods and procedures to research design. Exploratory studies and casual studies are tools used to develop a research design. An exploratory study is the problem finding phase. It is important to anticipate problems and variables that can occur in a project. There are three distinct methods with exploratory and they are literature search, expert interviews, and case studies between specific cause and a specific effect. An example of this would be a market driven app. Establishing casual relationships require three types of evidence, associative variation, sequence of events, and absence of other possible casual factors. According to Smith, "You must also demonstrate that other factors did not cause the effect. Once you have proved this, you can logically conclude that the remaining factor is the cause. For example, if we can control all other factors affecting the sales item, then we have to conclude that the increase in sales comes from training" (Smith, 2012).
http://www.qualtrics.com/blog/focusing-your-research-design/
· Comment on Feb 14, 2015, 8:50 PM
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posted by KIM DUNLAP at Feb 14, 2015, 8:50 PM
Last updated Feb 14, 2015, 8:50 PM
Exploratory Study is a very easy concept to understand if you think of it in terms of explorers. We use it to investigate something new, perhaps explore further a potential area of study, and even explore an issue to see if it is something we want to invest further time and money on.
Causal research is something a bit different. We think that a change in X will cause a change in Y and we want to study the effects of X on Y. A further comparison would be the control of the study. If we are simply exploring something - we are viewing the situation as it is. Causal research demands controls so that the same situation can be studied time after time.
An example of exploratory study is a nurse who thinks she notices a trend of increased incidence of aneurysm rupture during storms. She could perform an exploratory study to see if there is data that supports what she thinks she has noticed.
A causal study would be studying the effect of a new pharmaceutical treatment on humans before it is FDA approved and released for use in patients.
· Comment on Feb 15, 2015, 9:26 AM
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posted by ANDRAE RILEY at Feb 15, 2015, 9:26 AM
Last updated Feb 15, 2015, 9:26 AM
Professor and class,
According to the definition on BusinessDictionary.com, an exploratory study is an investigation into a problem or situation which provides insights to the researcher. The research is meant to provide details where a small amount of information exists. It may use a variety of methods such as trial studies, interviews, group discussions, experiments, or other tactics for the purpose of gaining information. A causal study examines a cause and effect between variables. It shows a directional relationship between an independent variable, or interaction between independent variables, and a dependent variable. Researchers often employ observational or experimental methods to derive causality.
Kim's examples are perfect!
Reference
Exploratory Research. Retrieved from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/exploratory-research.html#ixzz3RqKw3g1V
· Comment on Feb 15, 2015, 6:00 PM
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posted by TAMARQUES PORTER at Feb 15, 2015, 6:00 PM
Last updated Feb 15, 2015, 6:00 PM
Primary data is that which is collected by the researcher to address the current research question. Types of primary data include subject demographics, lifestyle characteristics, attitudes, knowledge, intentions, motivations, and behavior. Demographic data includes statistics regarding populations, such as age, sex, income, level of education, and so forth. Lifestyle characteristics describe a respondent's activities, interests, and opinions. Attitudes refer to views and opinions about things, events, or ideas. Knowledge is the degree to which respondents are aware of these things, events, or ideas. Intentions generally refer to a respondent's planned future behavior. Motivations describe the reasons behind a respondent's behavior. Behavior is related to what respondents do. Knowledge is something that is passed done and learned over time. In order to the knowledge one must first have some information. Exploratory and Causal studies can really assist a person with heir quest for contiuning learning.
· Comment on Feb 15, 2015, 7:38 PM
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posted by PATRICIA MARCUS at Feb 15, 2015, 7:38 PM
Last updated Feb 15, 2015, 7:38 PM
Exploratory research - Where the researcher does not know the actual problem and the ways and means of searching the solution for the problem encountered. You have no secondary data or literature review or guidance for this research design. Exploratory research is the broadest and least theoretically. You have no starting theory or hypothesis about a problem. In fact, you don't even know if there is a problem to begin with. In exploratory research, you simply start collecting information about something. It is similar to data mining, and it does not always produce results that can be useful. However, it generally gives you a better idea about something
Causal research - This is undertaken to find out whether any relationship exists between two variables - one being the cause and the other being the result. . Almost all experimental research involves an experimental group and a control group. Experiments may have many control and experimental groups.
· Comment on Feb 15, 2015, 8:06 PM
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posted by CRYSTAL RAMOS at Feb 15, 2015, 8:06 PM
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Exploratory research is challenging in the sense that it tackles vaguely defined hypothesis and tries to find answers to questions. Usual techniques include observation, literature review, pulling secondary data, and, at times, focus groups and in-depth executive interviews. Exploratory research is usually descriptive in nature, providing a picture of the market. At times, quantitive issues my be included such as the potential market size or pruchase frequency. Causal research seeks to uncover cause and effect relationships. For instance, does an increase in advertising truly drive purchases? And, if so, by how much. Causal research almost always requires hypothesis creation, tests of the hypothesis, and regression analysis to quantify the relationship.
Methods of data collection The thread has 4 unread messages.
created by ARACHEAL VENTRESS
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· Comment on Feb 14, 2015, 11:44 AM
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posted by ARACHEAL VENTRESS at Feb 14, 2015, 11:44 AM
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Our textbook tells us that the term communication contrasts with monitoring because collecting data by questioning encompasses more than the survey method.
Monitoring includes studies in which the researcher inspects the activities of a subject or the nature of some material without attempting to elicit responses from anyone. Traffic counts at an intersection, license plates recorded in a restaurant parking lot, a search of the library col- lection, an observation of the actions of a group of decision makers, the State Farm Dangerous Intersection Study--all are examples of monitoring. In each case the researcher notes and records the information available from observations.
In the communication study, the researcher questions the subjects and collects their responses by personal or impersonal means. The collected data may result from (1) interview or telephone conversa- tions, (2) self-administered or self-reported instruments sent through the mail, left in convenient loca- tions, or transmitted electronically or by other means, or (3) instruments presented before and/or after a treatment or stimulus condition in an experiment.
Reference
Cooper, D. R., & Schindler, P. S. (2011). Business Research Methods (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Retrieved from the University of Phoenix eBook Collection database.
· Comment on Feb 14, 2015, 11:59 PM
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posted by MaDonna Keys at Feb 14, 2015, 11:59 PM
Last updated Feb 14, 2015, 11:59 PM
Hi I really enjoyed your post. Monitoring I do believe is a method that is used by most insurance companies. Like there is one company i believe that its progressive that has a monitor that keeps data of non accidents or if you have been in any accidents. The more time that you stay accident free you are rewarded the information is collected by device that is placedon the automobile.
Data can be collected through alot of ways and methods. Collecting data is an important step when it comes to quality assurance. Data is can be collected through surveys by phone or questionaires, through action going out and getting the specifics needed to collect information needed and means of facts.
· Comment on Feb 15, 2015, 7:42 PM
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posted by STEPHANIE RECTOR at Feb 15, 2015, 7:42 PM
Last updated Feb 15, 2015, 7:42 PM
Hi MaDonna, reading your post reminded me of when I used Progressive as my car insurance carrier. They marketed their Snap Shot product to existing and new customers and offered a discount if you agreed to install this device into your car for a period of time. It was very small and easy to install and it basically recorded information pertaining to your driving habits. Daily speed averages and your stop and accelerate habits were also recorded. After a period of time, about 6 months you send this device back to the company. They take this data collection and I believe use this to rate you as a driver. The data determined what type of premium you were assigned based statistically on the likeliness of you being a liability. I think this tool was an innovative approach to obtaining accurate information on each driver, but I am curious as to how well accepted the device was to their customers. You still had the option to decide against the Snap Shot, and I can understand why many people would be opposed to having such a monitor device for a small monthly discount.
· Comment on Feb 15, 2015, 4:11 PM
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posted by PATRICIA MARCUS at Feb 15, 2015, 4:11 PM
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Great post Aracheal. I looked a little further into data collection and found that Observational study is a method of data collection that involves a process of watching any given type of situation and recording the data that is observed. Depending on how and what data is being observed depends on the type of tool the researcher will want to use in order to collect their information. When recording observation data, you have to remember that all answers are from your own perception and there is no right or wrong answer. A few advantages of the observational data method are that the researcher will experience their study firsthand and is very easy to do. There is no calculation needed in order to see an outcome of what the researcher may be trying to achieve. It also allows the researcher to learn how to better document their work. Observational data may also eliminates or reduce any type of bias the researcher may have and also the data collected by the observer are generally more accurate.
Method of Data Collection The thread has 2 unread messages.
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· Comment on Feb 15, 2015, 7:10 PM
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posted by BEAU KUSH at Feb 15, 2015, 7:10 PM
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According to Cooper and Schindler (2011), classifying the method of data collection is a classification distinguishes between monitoring and communication processes. Moreover, terms such as communication are used to contrast with monitoring because collecting data by questioning encompasses more than the survey method (Cooper and Schindler, 2011). Additionally, monitoring is a study in which the researcher inspects the activities of a subject or the nature of some material without attempting to elicit responses from anyone, while the researcher questions the subjects and collects their responses by personal or impersonal means (Cooper and Schindler, 2011).
Essentially, the method of data collection is typically based on the strategy and the accuracy that is required. Both of these methods can be used to collect data and complement each other as their contrasts can determine errors. Moreover, these methods can be used to collect numerous types of data from a single source of information.
Reference:
Cooper, D. R., & Schindler, P.S. (2011). Business Research Methods (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
· Comment on Feb 15, 2015, 7:26 PM
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posted by CRYSTAL RAMOS at Feb 15, 2015, 7:26 PM
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There are four main methods of data collection.
Census. A census is a study that obtains data from every member of a population. In most studies, a census is not practical, because of the cost and/or time required.
Sample survey. A sample survey is a study that obtains data from a subset of a population, in order to estimate population attributes.
Experiment. An experiment is a controlled study in which the researcher attempts to understand cause-and-effect relationships. The study is "controlled" in the sense that the researcher controls (1) how subjects are assigned to groups and (2) which treatments each group receives.
In the analysis phase, the researcher compares group scores on some dependent variable. Based on the analysis, the researcher draws a conclusion about whether the treatment (independent variable) had a causal effect on the dependent variable.
Observational study. Like experiments, observational studies attempt to understand cause-and-effect relationships. However, unlike experiments, the researcher is not able to control (1) how subjects are assigned to groups and/or (2) which treatments each group receives.
Exploratory Techniques The thread has 1 unread message.
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· Comment on Feb 15, 2015, 11:52 AM
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posted by KIM DUNLAP at Feb 15, 2015, 11:52 AM
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Cooper and Schindler describe exploratory techniques that can be used by the researcher. Some used are
· Secondary Data Analysis - a review of the literature that has previously been written on the subject of interest
· Experience Survey - An exploration - a survey of people familiar with the subject of interest. We should ask them questions about what they may know in regards to the subject matter - what they think may improve the situation. A further gathering of general information.
· Focus Groups - used for gathering additional qualitative data regarding the subject of interest. Usually led by a trained moderator - they guide the group to discussions that may aid the researcher in formulating hypothesis.
Using these techniques can help the researcher formulate valid hypothesis, narrow down the research topic - or even decide that it really is not a good idea to invest further time and money on the particular subject of interest.
Cooper, D.R., Schindler, P.S. (2009). Business Research Methods, 11th Ed. Boston MA: McGraw-Hill
