Workplace Discrimination: Research Questions and Hypotheses

Research Questions and Hypotheses

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the researcher’s proposed research questions and/or hypotheses. Research questions help the researcher understand and examine the core concept of the problem statement (Creswell, 2009). Based on the selected research design, either research questions or hypotheses are created. Research questions are most normally found in the qualitative and mixed methods research design (Creswell, 2009). Hypotheses are most normally found in the quantitative research design (Creswell, 2009). A model for descriptive questions and hypothesis include describing questions followed by inferential questions that include both independent and dependent variables (Creswell, 2009).

Problem Statement

An online sample of 178 citizens of the United States in 2011 showed the results of an omnibus test shows with a 97% accuracy that people envision and preferred a white Caucasian worker over other ethnic group worker (Brown-Iannuzzi, Payne, & Trawalter, 2012). From many types of discrimination and considering only racial discrimination, a dichotomous study of 830 employees, 62 claimed discriminant experiences (Hirsh & Lyons, 2010). Although the count of people searching for lawsuits is few, the event represents ethical and practical considerations to organizations because test show a large number of counts claiming discrimination bias (Brown-Iannuzzi et al., 2012; Cooper, 2012; Dillon, McCaughtry, & Hummel, 2010; Hirsh & Lyons, 2010; Langford, 2011; Mong & Roscigno, 2010; Mujtaba & Sims, 2011; Puhl & Heuer, 2011; Roberts & Chitewere, 2011). The problem is in empowering citizens right to work strategies, determining how to overcome perceptions of inequality, and the empowerment of employees assists organizations in aligning organizational mission values with stakeholders needs (Senge, Smith, Kruschwitz, Laur, & Schley, 2010). Consequently, the author must encounter the challenges with discrimination and hiring practices by a mixture of ethnography and phenomenological research and cross-reference the research to surveys to develop a theory to assist organizations in positioning an organizational strategy to realize long-term sustainability (Creswell, 2009; Newman, Ridenour, Newman, & DeMarco, 2003).

Purpose Statement

The intent of the study to discrimination in organizations is to learn the relationship between stakeholders and organizations (Brown-Iannuzzi et al., 2012; Cooper, 2012; Creswell, 2009; Dillon et al., 2010; Hirsh & Lyons, 2010; Langford, 2011; Mong & Roscigno, 2010; Mujtaba & Sims, 2011; Newman et al., 2003; Puhl & Heuer, 2011; Roberts & Chitewere, 2011). The participants of the study include social groups within gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, demographics, marital status, and ethnicity (Berry & Bell, 2012; Brown-Iannuzzi et al., 2012; Cooper, 2012; Dillon et al., 2010; Gau & Gaines, 2012; Heller, Arnold, van Heumen, McBride, & Factor, 2012; Hirsh & Lyons, 2010; Langford, 2011; Levashina & Campion, 2009; Malos, 2012; Mong & Roscigno, 2010; Morgan Parmett, 2012; Mujtaba & Sims, 2011; Puhl & Heuer, 2011; Roberts & Chitewere, 2011; Ross, Rouse, & Bratton, 2010; Wright, Domagalski, & Collins, 2011). From the relationship, variables exist, and those variables require depth study to derive a theory to the causation of discrimination (Creswell, 2009). The relationship between variables will surface through ethnography and phenomenological research (Creswell, 2009). The independent variable is discrimination and dependent variables are gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, demographics, marital status, gross domestic product, unemployment, and ethnicity (Berry & Bell, 2012; Brown-Iannuzzi et al., 2012; Cooper, 2012; Creswell, 2009; Dillon et al., 2010; Gau & Gaines, 2012; Heller et al., 2012; Hirsh & Lyons, 2010; Langford, 2011; Levashina & Campion, 2009; Malos, 2012; Mong & Roscigno, 2010; Morgan Parmett, 2012; Mujtaba & Sims, 2011; Puhl & Heuer, 2011; Roberts & Chitewere, 2011; Ross et al., 2010; Wright et al., 2011). Utilizing Anova regression, identification of the moderating variables that have qualitative characteristics, psychological triggers are the mediating variables, and the control variable derives from the linear regression equation that creates through the model. The measurement of the variables is from the research, and the observation is an integral part on the correlation factors of authenticity. The design of the study is important in providing social change aligned to ethical values. Lastly, the theoretical perspective that bridge independent and dependent variable is essential to provide corrections to organizational strategy (Creswell, 2009).

Qualitative Research Design

When engaging with a qualitative study, researchers ask two questions including the central questions and associated sub questions (Creswell, 2009). The central questions expand the central phenomenon of the study (Creswell, 2009). Qualitative research questions are about asking one or two central questions followed by no more than five to seven sub questions (Creswell, 2009). Qualitative research questions relate the central question to the specific qualitative strategy of inquiry (Creswell, 2009). Qualitative research questions begin the research questions with the words what or how to convey an open and emerging design (Creswell, 2009). Moreover, Qualitative research questions focus on a single phenomenon or concept (Creswell, 2009). Qualitative research questions use exploratory verbs that convey the language of emerging design and are non-directional (Creswell, 2009). Often in qualitative studies, the research questions evolve and change during the study (Creswell, 2009). Qualitative research questions specify the participants, the research site for the study, and use open-ended questions (Creswell, 2009).

To examine the theory that discrimination leads by the perceptions of stakeholders to marginalized society groups, the qualitative research design calls for a central question and a related set of sub questions. The study’s central question is: What is the relationship between discrimination, unemployment, and a reduction in the gross domestic product? The related sub questions are

1. Describe the proper job fitness from a candidate to a company related to credit scores and home ownership? (Interview managers and business managers)

2. How can limitations be placed on bias questions from job interviews and job applications? (Interview labor law regulating agencies)

3. How can job fitness perceive ideas unrelated to value, education, and ability not an instrument of the job application and interview? (Interview labor law regulating agencies)

4. How can control be positioned on the hiring decision in alignment solely on ability, values, and education? (Interview labor law regulating agencies)

5. How can institutions be discouraged to practice subtle racism? (Interview labor law regulating agencies)

6. How can limitations be assigned on interpersonal skills, visions about ideal candidates, and perceived behavior, not a factor in job placements? (Interview labor law regulating agencies)

7. How can job performance and disability be separated from job performance reviews? (Interview labor law regulating agencies)

Understanding discrimination in how it affects the paradigm is essential. Discrimination should be viewed as a detrimental factor to social sustainability. Since discrimination proves active in the United States and a determinant factor, the study of discrimination and understanding its alienation is essential to assist communities’ recover from the tragedy.

Quantitative Research Design

If a researcher has a concern for the relationships among variables, than the study questions are in alignment with a quantitative research (Creswell, 2009). When the author makes predictions about the expected relationships among variables, the researcher can produce a quantitative hypothesis (Creswell, 2009). Moreover, hypothesis used in a dissertation or thesis stating the direction a study will take; whereas, objectives indicate the goals for a study (Creswell, 2009). Authors use variables in research questions or hypothesis to compare groups, variables, and the description of variables (Creswell, 2009). The test of a theory is common in a quantitative research (Creswell, 2009). The measurement of independent and dependent variables experience isolation through testing (Creswell, 2009). Authors should choose the form of questions or hypothesis from recommendations of advisors or faculty (Creswell, 2009). Two forms of hypothesis are available including null and alternative (Creswell, 2009). The null hypothesis rejects a variable stating no relationship exists between groups (Creswell, 2009). The alternative or directional hypothesis results in the prediction (Creswell, 2009). A non-directional hypothesis ascertains prediction without exact form (Creswell, 2009). In addition, demographic variables tend to show moderating results; as a result, it is best if not used (Creswell, 2009). The author should use standard language when introducing questions or hypothesis to assist in readability (Creswell, 2009).

To examine the theory that discrimination affects unemployment, and the gross domestic product, the quantitative research design calls for a central question and a related set of sub questions. The study’s central question is: What is the relationship between discrimination, unemployment, and a reduction in the gross domestic product? The related sub questions are

1. What is the connection between discrimination and the unemployment rates?

2. What is the correlation between ideal candidates and the unemployment rates?

3. What is the relationship between discrimination and home ownership?

4. What is the correlation between discrimination and credit scores?

5. How does discrimination impact the economy?

To examine the theory that discrimination affects unemployment, and the gross domestic product, hypotheses are below and include:

§ H₁: Reducing employment discrimination may decrease the unemployment rate in the United States.

§ H₂: Reducing employment discrimination may increase the gross domestic product in the United States.

§ H₃: There is no significant relationship between employment discrimination and the unemployment rate in the United States.

§ H₄: There is no significant relationship between employment discrimination and the gross domestic product in the United States.

Hypotheses are necessary to determine to what extent employment discrimination affects the economy and the unemployment rate.

Mixed Methods Research Design

A mixed method study should begin with a mixed method research question that has a combination of quantitative or qualitative research questions and hypothesis (Creswell, 2009). Narrowing the focus is essential in a mixed methods research by providing an advanced qualitative or quantitative research question (Creswell, 2009). Authors should pay attention to the order of the research questions (Creswell, 2009). In addition, mixed method research questions should be included to show the mixing of quantitative and qualitative segment of research (Creswell, 2009). The author should emphasize placement on separate quantitative and qualitative questions or hypothesis (Creswell, 2009). In addition, the author should highlight the importance of both qualitative and quantitative phases of the study by writing separate quantitative and qualitative questions or hypothesis (Creswell, 2009). Mixed methods research design provides a more holistic approach at arriving at an answer to the problem statement. Lastly, the author can write only mixed method questions that reflect the procedures or the contents (Creswell, 2009).

To examine the theory that discrimination affects unemployment, and the gross domestic product, the research question will serve to validate survey responses received. Trends and anomalies observed in the survey data validate through interviews with the accounting firm managers. Outliers in the data can be appropriately addressed by interviewing accounting firm personnel.

Conclusion

The business problem requires understanding through research questions and hypothesis. Discriminating events between organizations and stakeholders has a history to the early settlers and immigrants of the United States. Furthermore, discrimination does not have a place in the workplace since it tends to diminish returns from the stakeholder’s values and shareholder’s expectations. Understanding the relationship between workplace ethical practices and discrimination is essential to subdue discrimination. The ideal method to undermine discrimination includes research and the creation of theories to influence society. The proposed study involves mixed methods research strategy and questions are in alignment with the process.

References

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Brown-Iannuzzi, J. L., Payne, B. K., & Trawalter, S. (2012, December 4). Narrow imaginations: How imagining ideal employees can increase racial bias. Group Processes & Intergroup Relations, 1-10. doi: 10.1177/1368430212467477

Cooper, J. N. (2012, July). Personal troubles and public issues: A sociological imagination of black athletes' experiences at predominantly white institutions in the United States. Sociology Mind, 2(3), 261-271. doi: 10.4236/sm.2012.23035

Creswell, J. W. (2009). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (3rd ed.). Lincoln, NB: Sage Publications.

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