Business Research for Decision Making DB 4 Essay

Business Research for Decision Making DB 4 - Essay Example For example, it is easy to determine the variables if their differences are visible such as male and female variables but very hard to determine when the variables are not visible such as honesty. According to Golafshani (2003), the main reason why operational definition is an important aspect, in defining things, is because it helps avoid cases of conflicting definitions of variables, terms or objects. Additionally, it gives the researcher control over the variables being researched on. The validity and reliability of an instrument can be said to be the accuracy in determining the variable to measure and the accuracy in measuring them. A reliable instrument gives the accurate measurements while a valid instrument measures the right thing (Golafshani, 2003). For instance, a research that uses instrument that focuses on the right variables will give more effective results as compared to an accurate instrument that does not focus at the right variables. Internal validity exists when the change in dependent variable is only influence by the independent variable and not other superfluous variable. External validity involves the applicability of the results obtained from a small experimented group into the rest of the world (Golafshani, 2003). Internal validity focuses on factors that may affect participants such as maturation, regression, testing, experimental mortality, instrumentation, history, selection, and interaction of threats. On the other hand, external focus on location, interaction and pretesting. Therefore, in order to make a valid decision in business research, all the processes involved should be valid. Golafshani Nahid. (2003). Understanding Reliability and Validity in Qualitative Research. The Qualitative Report, Vol. 8. 597-607. Retrieved from {pdf} 21st April