Theoretical Framework &

Hypothesis Development
INSTRUCTOR: PROF. DR. AHMET ERKUŞ
PRESENTER: M YİĞİT ÖZTÜRKÇÜ
Agenda

u Theoretical Framework

u Variables
u Dependent Variable
u Independent Variable
u Moderating Variable
u Mediating Variable

u Hypothesis Development
Theoretical Framework

u A theoretical framework represents researcher’s beliefs on how certain

phenomena (or variables or concepts) are related to each other (a
model) and an explanation of why you believe that these variables are
associated with each other (a theory). From a theoretical framework,
testable hypotheses can be developed to examine whether a theory is
valid or not. The entire deductive research project rests on the basis of
the theoretical framework.

u Steps of building a theoretical framework:

1. Introducing definitions of the concepts or variables in the model,
2. Developing a conceptual model that provides a descriptive representation
of the theory,
3. Coming up with a theory that provides an explanation for relationships
between the variables in the model
Dependent Variable
(aka. Criterion Variable)

u The variable of primary interest to the researcher, who tries to

understand and describe it or explain its variability, or predict it

u There may be more than 1 dependent variable. These kind of

investigations are called multivariate statistical analysis.

u These variables record changes according to other variables in the

study that causes the change
Independent Variable
(aka. Predictor Variable)

u The variables that influences the dependent variable in a positive or

negative way.

u To establish a cause and effect relationship, 4 conditions to meet:

u The independent and the dependent variable should covary.
u The independent variable should precede the dependent variable. In other words,
there must be a time sequence in which the two occur: the cause must occur before
the effect.
u No other factor should be a possible cause of the change in the dependent variable.
Hence, the researcher should control for the effects of other variables.
u A logical explanation (a theory) is needed and it must explain why the independent
variable affects the dependent variable.
Moderating Variable

u Having a strong contingent effect on the independent variable -

dependent variable relationship; modifying the original relationship
between the independent and the dependent variables.
Mediating Variable
(aka. Intervening Variable)

u Surfacing between the time the independent variables start

operating to influence the dependent variable and the time their
impact is felt on it; helping to model a process.
Variables Example
Discussion Point

“Higher number on-site meetings leads to higher level of work

commitment by increasing the motivation and the perceived
organizational support. For those, who are male will show even higher
work commitment.”

Dependent variable: Work commitment

Independent Variable: Number of on-site meetings
Mediating Variables: Motivation & Perceived organization support
Moderating Variable: Gender (male vs. female)
Hypothesis Development

u Hypothesis can be defined as a tentative, yet testable, statement,

which predicts what is expected to be found in the empirical data.

u Formats:
u If-then statements
u Directional vs. non-directional hypothesis
u Null vs. alternate hypothesis
Thank You for Listening