CHAPTER 1 — BUSINESS RESEARCH

Business Research

A systematic and organized process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information to help solve business problems and support decision-making.

Scientific Method

A structured process used to generate reliable knowledge relying on observation, logical reasoning, and evidence-based conclusions.

Induction

A reasoning approach that moves from specific observations to general conclusions.

Deduction

A reasoning approach that moves from general theory to specific predictions.

Concept

A general idea representing something real or abstract that we want to study.

Construct

A definition specifically invented to represent an abstract phenomenon for a given research project, measured using indicators.

Conceptual Scheme

A framework that shows how multiple concepts relate to each other.

Operational Definition

Specifies exactly how a concept will be measured in a study for clarity and consistency.

Variable

Any characteristic that can take on different values.

Independent Variable (IV)

The variable that is manipulated or believed to influence another variable.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The variable that is measured and affected by the independent variable.

Extraneous Variable (EV)

A variable not intentionally studied, but which may influence the dependent variable.

Control Variable (CV)

A variable that is held constant to prevent it from affecting results.

Confounding Variable (CFV)

An uncontrolled factor that impacts the dependent variable and complicates causal relationships.

Moderating Variable (MV)

A variable that changes the strength or direction of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

Intervening Variable (IVV)

A variable that explains how or why the independent variable affects the dependent variable.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction about the relationship between variables.

Theory

A well-supported set of ideas explaining how phenomena work, based on repeated research findings.

Model

A simplified visual or mathematical representation of a theory.

Data Blending

Combining data from multiple sources to increase insight.