As we have discussed in earlier chapter, there are a variety of multivariate techniques available to the researcher or analyst. Also, there are multitude of issues involved in each of their application. Therefore, it becomes evident that successful completion of a multivariate analysis involves not only the selection of correct method but also several other issues. There are other issues to be addressed such as problem definition, empirical issues and critical diagnosis of results.
A six-step approach to multivariate analysis is presented in subsequent paragraphs. This process helps the researcher, analyst or user in applying the appropriate multivariate method or technique to analyse the data. The different stages in the structured approach
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The researcher or analyst needs to define the research problem and analyse the objectives in conceptual terms, before specifying the variables or measures. The role of conceptual model development or theory cannot be overstated. Whether in academic or applied research, the researcher must view the problem in conceptual terms by defining the concepts. Then he has to identify the essential relationships that are to be investigated.
A conceptual model need not be detailed and complex. It can be just a simple representation of relationships to be studied. For example, if a dependence relationship is proposed as research objective, then the researcher has to specify the dependent and independent concepts. For an application of an interdependence technique, the dimensions of structure or similarity should be specified. Sometimes a concept or an idea, rather than specific variables, is defined in both dependence and interdependence situations.
Once the objective and conceptual model are specified, then the researcher has to select the suitable multivariate technique based on the measurement characteristics of dependent and independent variables. Variables for each concept are generally specified prior to the study. But, it may be necessary to respecify or even state in a different form, for example, transformations or creating dummy variables, after the data has been collected.
Stage 2: Develop the analysis
Theories are the organized concepts that help to define or understand behaviors, relationships or a phenomenon (Green, 2014). Thus, theories are the foundation of scholarly research and act as an outline to carry out a study. They are used to process and analyzing data and contribute to knowledge in literature and practice (Green, 2014; Udo-Akang, 2012). Theories are used to guide research but are also utilized in a parallel process with research to explain and to predict, explain problems, events, systems, and experiences (Udo-Akang, 2012). In a wraparound effect, studies help to advancement theories through the application of the framework to the research methodology (Green, 2014; Udo-Akang, 2012). The theory and its constructs guide the research design (Green, 2014; Udo-Akang, 2012). Existing theories are said to most likely
Research questions are formulated in a study to inquire about variables, both independent and dependent variables, and the relationship between them. Research questions are categorized into two, that is, qualitative and quantitative research questions. Qualitative questions are used in qualitative research like case studies, surveys and action research where the approach is non-numerical and analyses special phenomena that occur in nature. Quantitative research on the other hand is more of a systematic approach with measurable numerical quantities that go through analysis to prove a hypothesis. Finally, the research hypothesis is either approved or disapproved with regards to the results of the analysis (Laureate Online Education B.V.
This paper is a Conceptual-Theoretical Structure (CTE) Evaluation. This paper will focus on the evaluation of the conceptual-theoretical-empirical linkages, evaluation of the selected theory, evaluation of the empirical indicators, evaluation of research findings, evaluation of the utility and soundness of the practice theory.
I will be using a mixed methods approach to answer my research question. Both bivariate and multivariate statistical methods will be used to analyze my data. Bivariate measures that will be employed are Pearson’s R and Pearson’s R Square. Meanwhile, a multiple regression analysis will be utilize as my multivariate statistical method to analyze data.
o Conceptual model or theoretical framework: In what way was a conceptual model or theoretical framework used to guide this study?
1. Introduction (brief discussion about your research question and how your dependent variable has been used in the past).
The units used for quantifying variable data should be consistent throughout the study. Data collected through survey instruments should be treated in a manner that accurately reflects the intended goals of the study. For example, answers to survey questions, such as ethnic identity, may retrieve more than one answer. How the researchers handle this situation may have an impact on the relevance of the findings.
Correlational analysis were used to explore the relationships between the studies key variables, the results are indicated below (Table 2).
The quantitative research design was used for this research. According to Vogt, W. P. (2005), quantitative research emphasizes the measurement and analysis of causal relationships between variables, not processes. Aliaga and Gunderson (2005) defines quantitative research as ‘Explaining a phenomena by collecting numerical data that are analyzed using mathematics based methods’ this approach
My proposed method of analysis is to first research my research question and hypothesis thoroughly. The literature review will definitely point me in the right direction to getting all the material I need for that part. Next, I need to analyze the variable
1.The techniques used for rigorous methods that are used for the collection of data.The analysis and the attention to the various issues like validity, reliability and triangulation
A research is valid to the world when a number of key concepts are used in the research design. The document must be organized and planned according to the criteria used in the field. Some important concepts to know include: validity, variable, operationalization, sample, measurement, measurement error, causation, plausible rival explanations, hypothesis, reliability, and unit of analysis. The researcher must learn how to apply each key concept in an effort to make the research study valuable. These concepts will be reviewed individually to be able to understand how to apply them when writing a research paper.
Concept has been defined as “symbolic statement describing a phenomena or class of phenomena (Kim, 2000,p.15). It can be theoretical or non theoretical like hope, love and desire or body temperature, pain (McEwen& Willis, 2011) the words like grief, empathy, power, job satisfaction or a phrase like health promoting behaviors or maternal attachment. Concept analysis refers to the rigorous process of bringing clarity to the definition of the concept used in science (McEwen & Willis, p, 51). According to McEwen (2011), the purpose of concept analysis is to clarify, recognize, and define concepts that describe phenomena.
Undoubtedly, there is an unswerving relationship between the theory and its application. Theory offers direction in research, and its application affords a baseline for research. In the following text, the relationship between theory and application and the manner in which a theory guides practices is espoused upon. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to show how research and theory are connected and how both serve as models for good practice in finding the appropriate information that allows investigators to resolve issues and to solve research problems, while also adding to the world’s body of knowledge (Akang, 2012).
The analysis strategy should be used in order to answer the research question(s) being asked. The questions are different according to the research design as discussed earlier in this paper. 2. Data analysis approach will relate to either concurrent data analysis (Triangulation and embedded designs) or sequential data analysis (Explanatory, exploratory, and embedded designs). As discussed before, data may be merged or embedded in concurrent approach and connected or embedded in sequential approach. 3. In the concurrent approach, the analyses of quantitative and qualitative date are done separately, while in sequential approach the analysis of the first step of the study is used to inform the second step. For example, in sequential approach, if the first phase is qualitative design, then data analysis and the findings will guide data collection in the second phase (e.g., quantitative phase). 4. Due to lack of available software for concurrent or sequential approaches, matrix or discussion can be useful for comparing the results from qualitative and quantitative data in concurrent approach. 5. There is some software available to export qualitative data into