Showing papers on "Empirical research published in 2007"
TL;DR: The research strategy of theory building from cases, particularly multiple cases, involves using one or more cases to create theoretical constructs, propositions, and/or midrange theory from case-based, empirical evidence.
Abstract: This article discusses the research strategy of theory building from cases, particularly multiple cases. Such a strategy involves using one or more cases to create theoretical constructs, propositions, and/or midrange theory from case-based, empirical evidence. Replication logic means that each case serves as a distinct experiment that stands on its own merits as an analytic unit. The frequent use of case studies as a research strategy has given rise to some challenges that can be mitigated by the use of very precise wording and thoughtful research design.
13,581 citations
Book•
21 Dec 2007
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a review of the literature and developing research questions sources of research ideas for educational research, as well as a discussion of the issues that can't be solved through empirical research.
Abstract: Preface PART I. INTRODUCTION 1. Introduction to Educational Research Why Study Educational Research? Areas of Educational Research Examples of Educational Research General Kinds of Research Sources of Knowledge The Scientific Approach to Knowledge Generation Objectives of Educational Research Overview of Book Summary Key Terms Discussion Questions Research Exercises Relevant Internet Sites Recommended Reading 2. Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Research Characteristics of the Three Research Paradigms Quantitative Research Methods. Experimental and Nonexperimental Research Qualitative Research Methods Mixed Research Methods Our Research Typology Summary Key Terms Discussion Questions Research Exercises Relevant Internet Sites Recommended Reading PART II. PLANNING THE RESEARCH STUDY 3. Reviewing the Literature and Developing Research Questions Sources of Research Ideas Ideas That Can't Be Resolved Through Empirical Research Review of the Literature Conducting the Literature Search Feasibility of the Study Statement of the Research Problem Statement of the Purpose of the Study Statement of Research Questions Formulating Hypotheses Consumer Use of the Literature Summary Key Terms Discussion Questions Research Exercises Relevant Internet Sites Recommended Reading 4. How to Write a Research Proposal Framework of the Research Proposal Strategies for Writing Each Section of the Research Proposal Summary Key Terms Discussion Questions Research Exercises Relevant Internet Sites Recommended Reading 5. Research Ethics What Are Research Ethics? Ethical Concerns Ethical Guidelines for Research with Humans Institutional Review Board Ethical Issues in Electronic Research Ethical Issues in Preparing the Research Report Summary Key Terms Discussion Questions Research Exercises Relevant Internet Sites Recommended Reading PART III. FOUNDATIONS OF RESEARCH 6. Standardized Measurement and Assessment Defining Measurement Scales of Measurement Assumptions Underlying Testing and Assessment Identifying a Good Test or Assessment Procedure Educational and Psychological Tests Sources of Information about Tests Summary Key Terms Discussion Questions Research Exercises Relevant Internet Sites Recommended Reading Endnotes 7. How to Construct a Questionnaire What is a Questionnaire? Principles of Questionnaire Construction Putting it All Together Summary Key Terms Discussion Questions Research Exercises Relevant Internet Sites Recommended Reading 8. Methods of Data Collection Tests Questionnaires Interviews Focus Groups Observation Secondary Data (Existing Data) Summary Key Terms Discussion Questions Research Exercises Relevant Internet Sites Recommended Reading 9. Sampling in Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Research Terminology Used in Sampling Random Sampling Techniques Nonrandom Sampling Techniques Random Selection and Random Assignment Determining the Sample Size When Random Sampling Is Used Sampling in Qualitative Research Sampling in Mixed Research Summary Key Terms Discussion Questions Research Exercises Relevant Internet Sites Recommended Reading Endnotes 10. Validity of Research Results in Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Research Validity Issues in the Design of Quantitative Research Statistical Conclusion Validity Internal Validity External Validity Construct Validity Research Validity (or "trustworthiness") in Qualitative Research Research Validity (or "Legitimation") in Mixed Research Summary Key Terms Discussion Questions Research Exercises Relevant Internet Sites Recommended Reading Endnotes PART IV. SELECTING A RESEARCH METHOD 11. Experimental Research The Experiment Experimental Research Settings Independent Variable Manipulation Control of Confounding Variables Experimental Research Designs Summary Key Terms Discussion Questions Research Exercises Relevant Internet Sites Recommended Reading Endnote 12. Quasi-Experimental and Single-Case Designs Quasi-Experimental Research Designs Single-Case Experimental Designs Methodological Considerations in Using Single-Case Designs Summary Key Terms Discussion Questions Research Exercises Relevant Internet Sites Recommended Reading 13. Nonexperimental Quantitative Research Steps in Nonexperimental Research Independent Variables in Nonexperimental Research Simple Cases of Causal-Comparative and Correlational Research Three Necessary Conditions for Cause-and-Effect Relationships Applying the Three Necessary Conditions for Causation in Nonexperimental Research Techniques of Control in Nonexperimental Research (i.e., How to Design Strong Nonexperimental Research) Interlude (The Study of Causal Relationships in Epidemiology) Time Dimension in Research Classifying Nonexperimental Research Methods by Research Objective Classifying Nonexperirnental Research by Time and Research Objective Summary Key Terms Discussion Questions Research Exercises Relevant Internet Sites Recommended Reading Endnotes 14. Qualitative Research Phenomenology Ethnography Case Study Research Grounded Theory Summary Key Terms Discussion Questions Research Exercises Relevant Internet Sites Recommended Reading Endnotes 15. Historical Research What Is Historical Research? Significance of Historical Research Historical Research Methodology Identification of the Research Topic and Formulation of the Research Problem or Question Data Collection or Literature Review How to Locate Historical Information Evaluation of Historical Sources Data Synthesis and Report Preparation Summary Key Terms Discussion Questions Research Exercises Relevant Internet Sites Recommended Reading 16. Mixed Research The Research Continuum Types of Mixed Research Designs Stages of the Mixed Research Process Limitations of Mixed Research Summary Key Terms Discussion Questions Research Exercises Relevant Internet Sites Recommended Reading PART V. ANALYZING THE DATA 17. Descriptive Statistics Descriptive Statistics Frequency Distributions Graphic Representations of Data Measures of Central Tendency Measures of Variability Measures of Relative Standing Examining Relationships among Variables Summary Key Terms Discussion Questions Research Exercises Relevant Internet Sites Recommended Reading Endnotes 18. Inferential Statistics Sampling Distributions Estimation Hypothesis Testing Hypothesis Testing in Practice Summary Key Terms Discussion Questions Research Exercises Relevant Internet Sites Recommended Reading Endnotes 19. Data Analysis in Qualitative and Mixed Research Interim Analysis Memoing Analysis of Visual Data Data Entry and Storage Segmenting, Coding, and Developing Category Systems Enumeration Creating Hierarchical Category Systems Identifying Relationships Among Categories Corroborating and Validating Results Computer Programs for Qualitative Data Analysis Data Analysis in Mixed Research Summary Key Terms Discussion Questions Research Exercises Relevant Internet Sites Recommended Reading Endnote PART V1. WRITING THE RESEARCH REPORT 20. Preparation of the Research Report General Principles Related to Writing the Research Report Writing Quantitative Research Reports Using the APA Style Writing Qualitative Research Reports Writing Mixed Research Reports Discussion Questions Research Exercises Relevant Internet Sites Recommended Reading Glossary References Index About the Authors
5,806 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a research model is developed encompassing antecedents and consequences of dynamic capabilities in an integrated framework, and several issues surrounding its conceptualization remain ambivalent, and the authors identify three component factors which reflect the common features of dynamic capability across firms and which may be adopted and further developed into a measurement construct in future research.
Abstract: The notion of dynamic capabilities complements the premise of the resource-based view of the firm, and has injected new vigour into empirical research in the last decade Nonetheless, several issues surrounding its conceptualization remain ambivalent In light of empirical advancement, this paper aims to clarify the concept of dynamic capabilities, and then identify three component factors which reflect the common features of dynamic capabilities across firms and which may be adopted and further developed into a measurement construct in future research Further, a research model is developed encompassing antecedents and consequences of dynamic capabilities in an integrated framework Suggestions for future research and managerial implications are also discussed
1,987 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that scholars avoid the tendency to test models reflecting early incarnations of the RBV and instead test those that incorporate its more contemporary theoretical extensions.
Abstract: The resource-based view (RBV) is one of the most widely accepted theories of strategic management. However, to date no systematic assessment of the RBV's level of empirical support has been conducted. In response, a sample of RBV-grounded empirical articles was analyzed from which it was found that the RBV has received only modest support overall and that this support varies considerably with the independent variable and theoretical approach employed. It is therefore suggested that scholars avoid the tendency to test models reflecting early incarnations of the RBV and instead test those that incorporate its more contemporary theoretical extensions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
1,870 citations
TL;DR: A critical review of existing conceptualisations of implementation fidelity and a new conceptual framework for understanding and measuring the process are developed, which requires testing by empirical research.
Abstract: Implementation fidelity refers to the degree to which an intervention or programme is delivered as intended. Only by understanding and measuring whether an intervention has been implemented with fidelity can researchers and practitioners gain a better understanding of how and why an intervention works, and the extent to which outcomes can be improved. The authors undertook a critical review of existing conceptualisations of implementation fidelity and developed a new conceptual framework for understanding and measuring the process. The resulting theoretical framework requires testing by empirical research. Implementation fidelity is an important source of variation affecting the credibility and utility of research. The conceptual framework presented here offers a means for measuring this variable and understanding its place in the process of intervention implementation.
1,471 citations
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper examined the influence of individual factors (enjoyment in helping others and knowledge self-efficacy), organizational factors (top management support and organizational rewards) and technology factors (information and communication technology use) on knowledge sharing processes and whether more leads to superior firm innovation capability.
Abstract: Purpose – The study sets out to examine the influence of individual factors (enjoyment in helping others and knowledge self‐efficacy), organizational factors (top management support and organizational rewards) and technology factors (information and communication technology use) on knowledge sharing processes and whether more leads to superior firm innovation capability. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a survey of 172 employees from 50 large organizations in Taiwan, this study applies the structural equation modeling (SEM) to investigate the research model. Findings – The results show that two individual factors (enjoyment in helping others and knowledge self‐efficacy) and one of the organizational factors (top management support) significantly influence knowledge‐sharing processes. The results also indicate that employee willingness to both donate and collect knowledge enable the firm to improve innovation capability. Research limitations/implications – Future research can examine how personal traits (such as age, level of education, and working experiences) and organizational characteristics (such as firm size and industry type) may moderate the relationships between knowledge enablers and processes. Practical implications – From a practical perspective, the relationships among knowledge‐sharing enablers, processes, and firm innovation capability may provide a clue regarding how firms can promote knowledge‐sharing culture to sustain their innovation performance. Originality/value – The findings of this study provide a theoretical basis, and simultaneously can be used to analyze relationships among knowledge‐sharing factors, including enablers, processes, and firm innovation capability. From a managerial perspective, this study identified several factors essential to successful knowledge sharing, and discussed the implications of these factors for developing organizational strategies that encourage and foster knowledge sharing.
1,407 citations
TL;DR: A review of recent research and theory identifies three general theoretical approaches that provide possible explanations for the association between SES and individual development: social causation, social selection, and interactionist perspectives as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: This article addresses the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES), family processes, and human development. The topic is framed as part of the general issue of health disparities, which involves the oft-observed positive relationship between SES and the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical well-being of adults and children. A review of recent research and theory identifies three general theoretical approaches that provide possible explanations for the association between SES and individual development: the social causation, social selection, and interactionist perspectives. Empirical evidence demonstrates support for the social causation view that SES affects families and the development of children in terms of both family stress processes (the family stress model) and family investments in children (the family investment model). However, there also is empirical support for the social selection argument that individual characteristics lead to differences in SES. Especially important, recent research is consistent with an interactionist approach, which proposes a dynamic relationship between SES and developmental change over time. Drawing on the combined set of research findings, the article concludes with the description of an interactionist model that serves as a heuristic for future studies of the links among SES, parenting behaviors, and child development.
1,371 citations
TL;DR: The results showed that motivational factors such as reciprocal benefits, knowledge self-efficacy, and enjoyment in helping others were significantly associated with employee knowledge sharing attitudes and intentions, but expected organizational rewards did not significantly influence employee attitudes and behavior intentions regarding knowledge sharing.
Abstract: Numerous scholars and practitioners claim that motivational factors can facilitate successful knowledge sharing. However, little empirical research has been conducted examining the different kinds of motivation (extrinsic and intrinsic) used to explain employee knowledge sharing behaviors. By integrating a motivational perspective into the theory of reasoned action (TRA), this study examines the role of both extrinsic (expected organizational rewards and reciprocal benefits) and intrinsic (knowledge self-efficacy and enjoyment in helping others) motivators in explaining employee knowledge sharing intentions. Based on a survey of 172 employees from 50 large organizations in Taiwan, this study applies the structural equation modeling approach to investigate the research model. The results showed that motivational factors such as reciprocal benefits, knowledge self-efficacy, and enjoyment in helping others were significantly associated with employee knowledge sharing attitudes and intentions. However, expected organizational rewards did not significantly influence employee attitudes and behavior intentions regarding knowledge sharing. Implications for organizations are discussed.
1,228 citations
Posted Content•
TL;DR: In this article, empirical evidence on the evolution of globalization and inequality in several developing countries during the 1980s and 1990s is presented. And the channels through which globalization may have affected inequality are examined.
Abstract: We discuss recent empirical research on how globalization has affected income inequality in developing countries. We begin with a discussion of conceptual issues regarding the measurement of globalization and inequality. Next, we present empirical evidence on the evolution of globalization and inequality in several developing countries during the 1980s and 1990s. We then examine the channels through which globalization may have affected inequality discussing theory and evidence in parellel. We conclude with directions for future research.
1,221 citations
TL;DR: It is argued that research in place and health should avoid the false dualism of context and composition by recognising that there is a mutually reinforcing and reciprocal relationship between people and place.
1,205 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide an integrative and analytical review of factors impacting transfer of training, and synthesize the developing knowledge regarding the primary factors influencing transfer to identify variables with substantive support and to discern the most pressing gaps.
Abstract: Given the proliferation of training transfer studies in various disciplines, we provide an integrative and analytical review of factors impacting transfer of training. Relevant empirical research for transfer across the management, human resource development (HRD), training, adult learning, performance improvement, and psychology literatures is integrated into the review. We synthesize the developing knowledge regarding the primary factors influencing transfer—learner characteristics, intervention design and delivery, and work environment influences—to identify variables with substantive support and to discern the most pressing gaps. Ultimately, a critique of the state of the transfer literature is provided and targeted suggestions are outlined to guide future empirical and theoretical work in a meaningful direction.
TL;DR: An identity-based view is described to understand how the use of IT-based features in online communities is associated with online knowledge contribution, and it yields important implications for the design of the supporting IT infrastructure.
Abstract: A variety of information technology (IT) artifacts, such as those supporting reputation management and digital archives of past interactions, are commonly deployed to support online communities. Despite their ubiquity, theoretical and empirical research investigating the impact of such IT-based features on online community communication and interaction is limited. Drawing on the social psychology literature, we describe an identity-based view to understand how the use of IT-based features in online communities is associated with online knowledge contribution. Specifically, the use of four categories of IT artifacts---those supporting virtual co-presence, persistent labeling, self-presentation, and deep profiling---is proposed to enhance perceived identity verification, which thereafter promotes satisfaction and knowledge contribution. To test the theoretical model, we surveyed more than 650 members of two online communities. In addition to the positive effects of community IT artifacts on perceived identity verification, we also find that perceived identity verification is strongly linked to member satisfaction and knowledge contribution. This paper offers a new perspective on the mechanisms through which IT features facilitate computer-mediated knowledge sharing, and it yields important implications for the design of the supporting IT infrastructure.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors define the study of strategy from a practice perspective and propose five main questions that the strategy-as-practice agenda seeks to address, and argue that a coherent approach to answering these questions may be facilitated using an overarching conceptual framework of praxis, practices and practitioners.
Abstract: While the strategy-as-practice research agenda has gained considerable momentum over the past five years, many challenges still remain in developing it into a robust field of research. In this editorial, we define the study of strategy from a practice perspective and propose five main questions that the strategy-as-practice agenda seeks to address. We argue that a coherent approach to answering these questions may be facilitated using an overarching conceptual framework of praxis, practices and practitioners. This framework is used to explain the key challenges underlying the strategy-as-practice agenda and how they may be examined empirically. In discussing these challenges, we refer to the contributions made by existing empirical research and highlight under-explored areas that will provide fruitful avenues for future research. The editorial concludes by introducing the articles in the special issue.
TL;DR: The empirical research examining the association between typical measures of corporate governance and various accounting and economic outcomes has not produced a consistent set of results as mentioned in this paper, which is not consistent in our experience.
Abstract: The empirical research examining the association between typical measures of corporate governance and various accounting and economic outcomes has not produced a consistent set of results. We belie...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors outline a research methodology developed around two basic elements: the active discovery and/or creation of mysteries and the subsequent solving of the mysteries, and a key element is the reflexive opening up of established theory and vocabulary through a systematic search for deviations from what would be expected, given established wisdom, in empirical contexts.
Abstract: We outline a research methodology developed around two basic elements: the active discovery and/or creation of mysteries and the subsequent solving of the mysteries. A key element is the reflexive opening up of established theory and vocabulary through a systematic search for deviations from what would be expected, given established wisdom, in empirical contexts. “Data” are seen as an inspiration for critical dialogues between theoretical frameworks and empirical work.
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of the e-government literature is presented, where the authors argue that eGovernment research suffers from definitional vagueness, oversimplification of eGovernment development processes within complex political and institutional environments.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss recent empirical research on how globalization has affected income inequality in developing countries and present empirical evidence on the evolution of globalization and inequality in several developing countries during the 1980s and 1990s.
Abstract: The authors discuss recent empirical research on how globalization has affected income inequality in developing countries. They begin with a discussion of conceptual issues regarding the measurement of globalization and inequality. Next, they present empirical evidence on the evolution of globalization and inequality in several developing countries during the 1980s and 1990s. The authors then examine the channels through which globalization may have affected inequality, discussing theory and evidence in parallel. They conclude with directions for future research.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a review of the last significant review of research about transformative learning, focusing mainly on unpublished dissertations and focusing on the complex nature of critical reflection, relationships, the nature of a perspective transformation and the role of context.
Abstract: The last significant review of research about transformative learning was in 1998 and was mostly focused on unpublished dissertations. In response, this paper reviews an exhaustive body of research conducted since that time, involving 40 studies, published in peer‐review journals with a lens of analysis of new findings and insights on transformative learning theory. The review finds less research less about identifying transformative experiences in different setting, and more about fostering transformative learning and the complex nature of critical reflection, relationships, the nature of a perspective transformation and the role of context. Furthermore, even though qualitative designs still dominate, they have become more sophisticated and creative, including longitudinal and mixed‐method designs and the use of video and photography.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyzed 93 empirical studies published in the 16 leading management journals from 1996 to 2005 and identified many gaps in both theory and methods, and proposed seven recommendations to address these gaps and advance future research.
TL;DR: It is concluded that in terms of decision support, agent-based land-use models are probably more useful as research tools to develop an underlying knowledge base which can then be developed together with end-users into simple rules-of-thumb, rather than as operational decision support tools.
Abstract: Agent-based modelling is an approach that has been receiving attention by the land use modelling community in recent years, mainly because it offers a way of incorporating the influence of human decision-making on land use in a mechanistic, formal, and spatially explicit way, taking into account social interaction, adaptation, and decision-making at different levels. Specific advantages of agent-based models include their ability to model individual decision-making entities and their interactions, to incorporate social processes and non-monetary influences on decision-making, and to dynamically link social and environmental processes. A number of such models are now beginning to appear-it is timely, therefore, to review the uses to which agent-based land use models have been put so far, and to discuss some of the relevant lessons learnt, also drawing on those from other areas of simulation modelling, in relation to future applications. In this paper, we review applications of agent-based land use models under the headings of (a) policy analysis and planning, (b) participatory modelling, (c) explaining spatial patterns of land use or settlement, (d) testing social science concepts and (e) explaining land use functions. The greatest use of such models so far has been by the research community as tools for organising knowledge from empirical studies, and for exploring theoretical aspects of particular systems. However, there is a need to demonstrate that such models are able to solve problems in the real world better than traditional modelling approaches. It is concluded that in terms of decision support, agent-based land-use models are probably more useful as research tools to develop an underlying knowledge base which can then be developed together with end-users into simple rules-of-thumb, rather than as operational decision support tools.
01 Oct 2007
TL;DR: This book gathers chapters from some of the top international empirical software engineering researchers focusing on the practical knowledge necessary for conducting, reporting and using empirical methods in software engineering.
Abstract: This book gathers chapters from some of the top international empirical software engineering researchers focusing on the practical knowledge necessary for conducting, reporting and using empirical methods in software engineering. Topics and features include guidance on how to design, conduct and report empirical studies. The volume also provides information across a range of techniques, methods and qualitative and quantitative issues to help build a toolkit applicable to the diverse software development contexts
TL;DR: This article summarizes much of what is known from the communication and information literacy fields about the skills that Internet users need to assess the credibility of online information to assist users in locating reliable information online.
Abstract: This article summarizes much of what is known from the communication and information literacy fields about the skills that Internet users need to assess the credibility of online information. The article reviews current recommendations for credibility assessment, empirical research on how users determine the credibility of Internet information, and describes several cognitive models of online information evaluation. Based on the literature review and critique of existing models of credibility assessment, recommendations for future online credibility education and practice are provided to assist users in locating reliable information online. The article concludes by offering ideas for research and theory development on this topic in an effort to advance knowledge in the area of credibility assessment of Internet-based information. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
TL;DR: It is concluded that self-views do matter and that it is worthwhile and important to develop and implement theoretically informed programs to improve them and to point to 3 strategies for attaining more optimistic assessments of the predictive validity of self- views.
Abstract: Recent scholars have dismissed the utility of self-esteem as well as programs designed to improve it. The authors challenge these contentions on conceptual, methodological, and empirical grounds. They begin by proposing that the scope of recent analyses has been overly narrow and should be broadened to include specific as well as global self-views. Using this conceptualization, the authors place recent critiques in historical context, recalling that similarly skeptical commentaries on global attitudes and traits inspired theorizing and empirical research that subsequently restored faith in the value of both constructs. Specifically, they point to 3 strategies for attaining more optimistic assessments of the predictive validity of self-views: recognizing the utility of incorporating additional variables in predictive schemes, matching the specificity of predictors and criteria, and using theoretically informed standards for evaluating predictor- criterion relationships. The authors conclude that self-views do matter and that it is worthwhile and important to develop and implement theoretically informed programs to improve them.
TL;DR: A refined concept of synergy as a neural organization that ensures a one-to-many mapping of variables providing for both stability of important performance variables and flexibility of motor patterns to deal with possible perturbations and/or secondary tasks is proposed.
Abstract: Driven by recent empirical studies, we offer a new understanding of the degrees of freedom problem, and propose a refined concept of synergy as a neural organization that ensures a one-to-many mapping of variables providing for both stability of important performance variables and flexibility of motor patterns to deal with possible perturbations and/or secondary tasks. Empirical evidence is reviewed, including a discussion of the operationalization of stability/flexibility through the method of the uncontrolled manifold. We show how this concept establishes links between the various accounts for how movement is organized in redundant effector systems.
TL;DR: This study finds that absorptive capacity is the intervening factor between knowledge sharing and innovation capability, and that a completely mediating model exhibits both model generalization and extension characteristics through multiple model comparison in different industry population samples.
Abstract: This research investigates the relationships between knowledge sharing, absorptive capacity, and innovation capability in Taiwan's knowledge-intensive industries. We propose statistical hypotheses and a LISREL model to study these based on the data sampled from 170 Taiwanese firms, including electronic, financial insurance and medical industries, yielding 355 valid returned research samples. By testing three hypotheses, this study finds that absorptive capacity is the intervening factor between knowledge sharing and innovation capability. It also shows that knowledge sharing has a positive effect on absorptive capacity, and that a completely mediating model exhibits both model generalization and extension characteristics through multiple model comparison in different industry population samples. Finally, managerial implications are discussed and a brief conclusion is presented.
01 May 2007
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the ways that quality and relevance judgements are made in the review process and their impact on epistemic and other domains of knowledge, which can illuminate the nature of such decisions.
Abstract: Knowledge use and production is complex and so also are attempts to judge its quality. Research synthesis is a set of formal processes to determine what is known from research in relation to different research questions and this process requires judgements of the quality and relevance of the research evidence considered. Such judgement can be according to generic standards or be specific to the review question. The judgements interact with other judgements in the review process such as inclusion criteria and search strategies and can be absolute or weighted judgements combined in a Weight of Evidence framework. Judgements also vary depending upon the type of review that can range from statistical meta analysis to meta ethnography. Empirical study of the ways that quality and relevance judgements are made can illuminate the nature of such decisions and their impact on epistemic and other domains of knowledge. Greater clarity about such ideological and theoretical differences can enable greater participativ...
TL;DR: In this article, the conceptual distinctions between different kinds of cognitive load are analyzed by considering the zone of proximal development (ZoP) concept in cognitive load theory and implicit learning.
Abstract: Cognitive load theory has been very influential in educational psychology during the last decade in providing guidelines for instructional design. Whereas numerous empirical studies have used it as a theoretical framework, a closer analysis reveals some fundamental conceptual problems within the theory. Various generalizations of empirical findings become questionable because the theory allows different and contradicting possibilities to explain some empirical results. The article investigates these theoretical problems by analyzing the conceptual distinctions between different kinds of cognitive load. It emphasizes that reduction of cognitive load can sometimes impair learning rather than enhancing it. Cognitive load theory is reconsidered both from the perspective of Vygotski’s concept of the zone of proximal development and from the perspective of research on implicit learning. Task performance and learning are considered as related, but nevertheless fundamentally different processes. Conclusions are drawn for the further development of the theory as well as for empirical research and instructional practice.
TL;DR: The authors developed a general theory of public service motivation (PSM) encompassing both causes and consequences of PSM, based on an interdisciplinary approach, elements of institutional theory and motivational psychology are fused together, blending into an operational theory.
Abstract: Public service motivation (PSM) is a prominent concept within current Public Administration, as it refers to the drive for public interested and altruistic behaviour. Although substantial empirical research on its nature and its impact is available, little is known on the origins of PSM. Led by cues provided by previous empirical research, this article seeks to develop a general theory of PSM, encompassing both causes and consequences of PSM. Based on an interdisciplinary approach, elements of institutional theory and motivational psychology are fused together, blending into an operational theory of PSM.
TL;DR: This paper reviewed the findings of empirical studies that have addressed two main interrelated questions: what types of transactions are best brought within the firm and, second, what are the consequences of vertical integration decisions for economic outcomes such as prices, quantities, investment, and profits.
Abstract: Since Ronald H. Coase's (1937) seminal paper, a rich set of theories has been developed that deal with firm boundaries in vertical or input–output structures. In the last twenty-five years, empirical evidence that can shed light on those theories also has been accumulating. We review the findings of empirical studies that have addressed two main interrelated questions: First, what types of transactions are best brought within the firm and, second, what are the consequences of vertical integration decisions for economic outcomes such as prices, quantities, investment, and profits. Throughout, we highlight areas of potential cross-fertilization and promising areas for future work.
TL;DR: In this article, a systematic review of empirical research on knowledge and growth in small firms is reported, highlighting the situated, complex and idiosyncratic nature of small firm growth and the tensions between this experience and a prevailing view of knowledge in the existing research as a codifiable and transferable asset.