Research and Hypothesis Testing: Moving from Theory to Experiment

In this chapter, we discuss the theoretical foundation for research and why theory is important for conducting experiments. We begin with a brief discussion of theory and its role in research. Next, we address the relationship between theory and hypotheses and distinguish between research questions and hypotheses. We then discuss theoretical constructs and how operational definitions make the constructs measurable. Next, we address the experiment and its role in establishing a plan to test the hypothesis. Finally, we offer an example from the literature of an experiment grounded in theory, the hypothesis that was tested, and the conclusions the authors were able to draw based on the hypothesis. We conclude by emphasizing that theory development and refinement does not result from a single experiment, but instead requires a process of research that takes time and commitment.