organizational behavior

organizational behavior

As preparation for the final research paper, formulate a theory about the correlation between a measurable dependent variable (the effect) and measurable independent variables (the causes).

The topic area you need to consider is: "Independent variables pitches, home runs, and runs batted in (RBI) determine the dependent variable, batting average."

The topic proposal should include the following four items which serve as the foundation for the final research paper after instructor feedback is given.

1) Purpose Statement
In one paragraph, state the correlation and identify the primary independent variables.

State the correlation as in the following:

“The dependent variable _______ is determined by independent variables ________, _________, ________, and ________.”

Identify and defend the “primary” independent variable, or the variable believed to have the strongest impact on the dependent variable:

“The most important independent variable in this relationship is ________ because _________.”

2) Definition of Variables
For each variable, write a single definition paragraph talking about the variable. Paragraphs should be in this order: dependent variable, primary independent variable, and three independent variables.

In addition to defining the independent variables, defend why each determines the dependent variable.

For the primary independent variable, at least two research sources that discuss the variable also must be cited. These sources need not be technical documents but should contain evidence to justify the relationship between the primary independent variable and the dependent variable. List these sources in the Works Cited (reference) page.

**Note: Citations from encyclopedias, Wikipedia, blogs, abstracts, or non-governmental websites are not acceptable research sources.

3) Data Description
For each of the variables, at least 30 observations of cross-sectional or time-series data must be obtained. Thus for the final research paper, a data matrix that is at least 30 rows by numbers of variables must be presented.

In one paragraph, identify the data sources and describe the data (e.g., which government agencies supply the data, which methods are used to compile them, when they were collected, etc.).

4) Works Cited Page
The final page of the proposal should be a Works Cited page listing the two research sources for the primary independent variable and the data sources, with a separate citation for each table of data, including specific table numbers for each of the sources. 

The research project is separated into preliminary parts (topic statement; outline; bibliography; etc.). The paper is to be written in APA style. 
Please include the topic statement, outline, and bibliography as well.

Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Synthesis - Course Learning Objective 1: Evaluate a research topic via regression analysis using Excel. Write a paper explaining the resulting model and its outcome (results).
50.0 pts
Provides a comprehensive discussion, and covers all major variables related to a model’s outcomes.
44.5 pts
Provides a good discussion, and covers all major variables related to a model’s outcomes.
39.5 pts
Provides a reasonable discussion, and covers most major variables related to a model’s outcomes.
34.5 pts
Provides a limited discussion and omits 1 or 2 key points related to a model’s outcomes.
29.5 pts
Poor discussion, where less than 2 major variables are identified and discussed relative to an outcome.
50.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Evaluation - Course Learning Objective 2: Given an Excel regression output, [developed in the research project], correctly interpret the model statistics including the statistical significance of the independent variables and the R-square statistic of the model.
50.0 pts
Correctly interprets all of the model statistics generated in the research project. Has a sufficient, but not excessive, number of independent variables as discussed in literature review. (Model is parsimonious.) Correctly applies regression methodology.
44.5 pts
Correctly interprets all of the model statistics generated in the research project. Has a sufficient number of independent variables as discussed in literature review. Correctly applies regression methodology.
39.5 pts
Correctly interprets most of the model statistics generated in the research project. Has more than a minimal number of independent variables as discussed in literature review. Correctly applies regression methodology.
34.5 pts
Does not correctly interpret most of the model statistics generated in the research project. Only has a minimal number of independent variables. Incorrectly applies regression methodology.
29.5 pts
Does not correctly interpret any of the model statistics generated in the research project. Does not use regression analysis. Does not have sufficient number of independent variables. Incorrectly applies regression methodology.
50.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Analysis - Core Learning Objective 3: Find the predicted value of the dependent variable given a regression output with independent variable coefficients plus values for the independent variables.
50.0 pts
Report includes the derived regression equation, and calculation of a predicted value for the dependent variable using the sample means for the independent variables. Excellent discussion or interpretation of the meaning of the equation.
44.5 pts
Report includes the derived regression equation, and calculation of a predicted value for the dependent variable using the sample means for the independent variables. Superior discussion or interpretation of the meaning of the equation.
39.5 pts
Report includes the derived regression equation, and calculation of a predicted value for the dependent variable using the sample means for the independent variables. Minimal discussion or interpretation of the meaning of the equation.
34.5 pts
Report includes the derived regression equation, and calculation of a predicted value for the dependent variable using the sample means for the independent variables. No or cursory discussion or interpretation of the meaning of the equation.
29.5 pts
Report lacks inclusion of the derived regression equation, and calculation of a predicted value for the dependent variable using the sample means for the independent variables. No discussion or interpretation of the meaning of the equation, if provided.
50.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Application - Core Learning Objective 4: Conduct hypothesis tests and confidence intervals on the mean and the difference between two means using the "t" statistic.
50.0 pts
Provides detailed analysis in the report regarding stepdown tests on independent variables. Provides more sophisticated analysis for key points. Uses quantitative methods appropriately. Makes well-grounded recommendations, related to literature review.
44.5 pts
Provides good analysis in the report regarding stepdown tests on independent variables. Provides superior analysis for key points. Uses quantitative methods appropriately. Sufficient number of levels for independent variables.
39.5 pts
Provides basic analysis in the report regarding stepdown tests on independent variables. Provides sufficient analysis for key points. May miss some minor points. Sufficient number of levels for independent variables (e.g., Likert type scale with 5 points).
34.5 pts
Provides limited analysis in the report regarding stepdown tests on independent variables. Provides limited analysis for key points. Insufficient number of levels for independent variables (e.g., high, medium, low).
29.5 pts
Provides poor or no analysis in the report regarding stepdown tests on independent variables. Fewer than two key variables or has insufficient number of levels for independent variables (e.g., high, medium, low).
50.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Recommendations - Core Learning Objective 5: Conduct hypothesis tests and confidence intervals on the binomial statistic and on the difference between two binomial statistics using the "t" statistic. [Depends on the data set utilized. Otherwise, assessed via homework or exams.]
50.0 pts
Provides detailed analysis in the report regarding stepdown tests on independent variables. Provides more sophisticated analysis for key points. Uses quantitative methods appropriately. Makes well-grounded recommendations, related to literature review.
44.5 pts
Provides good analysis in the report regarding stepdown tests on independent variables. Provides superior analysis for key points. Uses quantitative methods appropriately.
39.5 pts
Provides basic analysis in the report regarding stepdown tests on independent variables. Provides sufficient analysis for key points. May miss some minor points.
34.5 pts
Provides limited analysis in the report regarding stepdown tests on independent variables. Provides limited analysis for key points.
29.5 pts
Provides poor or no analysis in the report regarding stepdown tests on independent variables. Fewer than two key variables.
50.0 pts
Total Points: 250.0