Variable Definition and Measurement - Coursework Example

Key variables in the Research Proposal the Impact of Group Support on Stress at the Workplace By Introduction In research reliability of data is important. The validity of the data is vital too. Usually, quantifiable measures and experimental techniques are used in research (Hoepfl, 1997). The different instruments used in the research have to be measurable. This helps create boundaries. These boundaries help in the establishment of the important and admissible data and information. In the proposed research on the impact of group support on stress at the work place, different variables can be used.

Variables as used in research are defined differently. In a layman’s language, they are ‘something that changes’ (Kaur, 2013). In the proposed research topic, there are different variables that can be used. In this proposal, the relational habits, individuals character and worker income status can be used as key variables. The relational habits of the worker can change and might affect the impact of the support group. A worker’s character can also have effect on the performance of the support group.

For example, it might be easier to deal with issues of the outgoing and confident persons than those of the quiet and reserved individuals. The income status of the worker has an indirect effect also on the performance of the group support. One example is that the more the worker earns the higher the chances of their shunning the support groups. These variables can be measured operationally.The relational habits can be defined operationally in terms of whether a person can relate well with other people.

To be specific, the question is whether people would give positive feedback if asked about a person’s relational habits. A worker will be considered as one who relates well with people if more than half of the staffs give a positive feedback. The individual’s character can be operationally defined in this case as either passive or aggressive. A person will be considered to be aggressive if they always are open about the issues in the office and passive if they always let things go. The income status of the worker will be operationally defined as middle, low or high income earner.

The measurement of the income will be in a scale. The scale will be of 1 to 10. The highest earning worker will be a 10 and the lowest a 1. Anyone earning between 1 and 4 can be considered as a low income earner, 5-7 a middle earner and 8-10 a high income earner. These measurements are justifiable.The measurements proposed above are appropriate enough to help in measuring the variables. There are aspects of measurements that are important measurement principles that have been applied in the above measurements.

These include validity, comparability and reliability (Samuel, 1995). These are also principles that have social value. The above measurements are comparable. According to the set scales of measure, these measurements are flexible enough to work for research in almost all work place environments. All work places have something to do with the different measurements suggested above. This makes them reliable as well as valid and comparable too. In the selection and measurement of variables a multivariate approach can be used.

This can be done through the multivariate analysis (MVA) (Lee, 2012).According to Lee (2012), the MVA helps determine the best variables to use. The analysis helps identify the effects that different factors have on certain variables. It also helps determine how different variables relate and affect each other. MVA can be used to clarify on the associations between the different variables. This information will help in the determination of the validity of the findings of the analysis. The information is also applicable in the operationalising stage (Lee, 2012).

MVA analysis being non-transcendent is the best shot at dealing with the theory based observation strategies. It helps in reconceptualising the empirical evidence. This can only be done by an alternative paradigm such as MVA.ReferencesHoepfl, M. C. (1997). Choosing qualitative research: A primer for technology education researchers. Journal of Technology Education, 9(1), 47-63. Retrieved February 25, 1998, from http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JTE/v9n1/pdf/hoepfl.pdfKaur, S. P. (2013). Variables in Research.

IJRRMS Vol 3, No. 4.Lee, H. (2012). Multivariate Analysis (MVA) Retrieved December 25, 2014, from http://www.qualityresearchinternational.com/socialresearch/multivariateanalysis.htmSamuel, M. (1995). Validity of Psychology Assessment. Validation of inferences from person’s responses and performances as scientific inquiry into score meaning. American psychological Association. Inc Vol. 50, No. 9, 741-749.