Research Methods in Industrial and Organizational Psychology (Video notes)

Research Questions in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Research starts with a clear problem or research question.
In industrial and organizational psychology, questions can arise from changes in the workplace, for example:
- "How can work be designed to motivate employees despite increased stress?"
- Practical issues example: "What skills do employees need for a job?"
Researchers rely on strong theories and data to understand workplace issues.
They use the scientific method to gather information, which includes: defining variables, analyzing data, testing ideas, and checking results.
The research method chosen depends on the problem.
Example of method choices:
- Lab studies: good for controlled conditions.
- Field studies: provide more practical insights.
- Surveys: used for reaching many people.
- Interviews: offer deeper understanding.
Ethics are very important in psychological research.

After formulating hypotheses, researchers identify variables to study.
Variables may come from previous research, e.g., questions about how compatible are two theories on the same topic.
The next step is to formulate hypotheses, which are predictions based on related theories and past research; this requires reviewing existing literature.
Example: If studying work design and stress, both work design and stress theories can guide the hypotheses.
Hypotheses should be clear and testable.
Variables:
- Independent variables (IV): variables that are controlled to see how they affect the dependent variables.
- Dependent variables (DV): outcomes that are measured; e.g., stress perception could be a DV.
- Control variables (CV): variables like gender that might influence the DV but are not the main focus; important in field studies.
In I/O psychology, control variables are especially important in field research.
There are different ways to investigate research questions and hypotheses, and the choice of method depends on various factors. Often, multiple methods are combined.

Common techniques and settings include laboratory experiments, field experiments, field studies, questionnaires, interviews, observations, analyzing documents, case studies, and action research.
Laboratory and field experiments are both used to test causal relationships under different conditions.
Field studies involve real-world contexts and multiple data collection methods.

Laboratory experiments are listed by Rothmann & Cooper (2022) as a standard research method in I/O psychology.
Laboratory experiments are done in a controlled setting where the researcher can fully control the independent variables to see their effect on the dependent variables.
Advantages: reduces outside influences, high internal control.
Disadvantages: setup can be too artificial and not reflect real-life situations.
ext{Independent Variable} = IV, ext{ Dependent Variable} = DV, ext{ Control Variable} = CV
Example relations: DV = f(IV, CV) + ext{error} where the effect of the IV on the DV is observed while controlling CVs.

Field experiments are like laboratory experiments but take place in a real-world setting.
They involve an experimental group (where conditions are changed) and a control group (where no changes are made).
By comparing the two groups, researchers can understand the effect of the conditions.
The Hawthorne studies are an example of field experiments, illustrating that real-world experiments involve numerous factors that researchers may not be able to control.

A field study is done in a real-world setting (e.g., a company) and uses different methods (e.g., surveys, interviews, observations) to gather information.
Two types of field studies:
- Descriptive: looks at general characteristics (e.g., age).
- Explanatory: looks at cause-and-effect relationships (e.g., how pay affects motivation).
These approaches can be combined.

Used to ask many people the same questions in a set order.
Often sent online for easy and quick data collection.
Challenges: response rates can be low, which may affect accuracy.
Solutions: incentives can encourage more people to reply.
Strengths: cost-effective and fast; should be well-designed for reliable results.

Another data collection method; can vary in structure:
- Structured interviews: same set of questions in a specific order (like a questionnaire).
- Semi-structured interviews: key questions with flexibility to explore deeper topics.
- Unstructured interviews: interviewee has freedom to discuss topics relevant to them.
Interviews yield detailed, qualitative data and are often used to explore or clarify findings from other methods.

Researchers study people’s behavior to understand thoughts and feelings; can confirm or support data from self-reports (questionnaires or interviews).
Observing behavior in natural settings often yields more accurate insights into real-life actions.
Observation types:
- Overt: participants know they are being observed.
- Covert: participants do not know they are being observed (e.g., cameras).
Covert observations raise ethical concerns about privacy and informing participants later on.

Document analysis involves studying documents like meeting minutes, reports, and organizational charts to gather data.
Documents can provide valuable context to other methods like interviews.
Researchers should be cautious when interpreting documents and try to combine this method with others to get a fuller picture.

Case studies focus on closely examining the actions or behavior of individuals or groups in an organization.
They help understand events or outcomes in detail and can lead to further research.

The concept of "action research" was first introduced by Kurt Lewin (1947a, 1948).
Lewin focused on solving everyday problems through a participatory approach, involving employees in the research process.
Lewin’s approach aimed to apply scientific methods to practical problems and refine solutions based on feedback.
Action research is about using the scientific method to solve real-world problems; employees work together as co-researchers to find practical solutions.
The process is flexible, allowing for changes based on feedback and new insights.

Across methods, ethics are central (e.g., privacy in covert observations).
Field settings emphasize external validity and real-world relevance; laboratory settings emphasize internal validity.
Often, researchers combine multiple methods to triangulate findings and build a fuller understanding.
Action research emphasizes collaboration with employees and iterative problem-solving to improve practice while advancing knowledge.
Foundational principles include applying scientific methods to solve practical workplace problems and refining solutions through feedback.

Rothmann & Cooper (2022): taxonomy of laboratory and field methods and related techniques.
Hawthorne studies: classic example illustrating uncontrollable real-world factors in field experiments.
Kurt Lewin (1947a, 1948): origin of action research and participatory problem-solving in organizational contexts.
Distinctions:
- Descriptive vs explanatory field studies.
- Laboratory vs field experiments.
- Quantitative (questionnaires) vs qualitative (interviews, observations) data.

Independent Variable: IV
Dependent Variable: DV
Control Variable: CV
Relationship sketch: DV = f(IV, CV) + \,\epsilon
Example mapping from transcript: stress perception as a DV; autonomy as an IV; gender as a CV