How to design an Original Research Model/Framework?

Propose an original research design by strategically introducing additional variables to address explicit gaps within the literature.

Introduction

The tutorial focuses on the transformative journey of original research design, the session is focused on strategically enhancing existing models by introducing additional variables, a method termed as addressing explicit gaps within the literature. Through a meticulous examination of a paper’s Limitations and Future Research Directions, the process identifies the constraints and potential avenues for future research. 

Design Original Research Framework

Learn How to Design a Original Research Framework?

The tutorial is a step by step guide on how to start the research process. Last Lecture: Steps in Identifying the Research Gaps

Do Like and Share the Video

Designing an Original Research Model/
Framework

In the previous session, an exploration into a specific paper was undertaken with the objective of leveraging the existing model to introduce additional variables, thereby crafting a novel research framework. This method of enhancing originality is categorized as addressing explicit gaps that already exist in the literature. The approach involves identifying variables within the established model and either modifying or introducing new elements to augment its structure.

To commence this process, attention is directed towards the final section of the paper—Limitations and Future Research Directions. Within this section, the existing model’s constraints and potential avenues for future exploration are outlined. For instance, in the video the example study initially concentrates on general Human Resource Management (HRM) practices, offering insights into Performance Enhancement Practices (PEP). However, a recommendation is made to focus on specific green management approaches, such as employee hiring criteria, green training, and green leadership.

The first step in crafting an original model involves the addition of new independent variables. In this context, specific HR practices, namely hiring criteria, green training, and green leadership, are incorporated. This adjustment is aligned with the paper’s suggestion to consider more detailed HR practices.

Moving forward, the paper suggests extending the research by incorporating additional personal and organizational factors to elucidate the mediating process. In this context, green mindset and green empowerment are proposed as new variables. Further, the exploration of moderating alternatives is encouraged, encompassing intriguing rewards, supervisor’s personality traits, and a potential shift towards qualitative and mixed-method research.

The primary focus is on enriching the model with new relationships, variables, and methodologies. While considering potential contributions, it is emphasized that moving from one culture to another might not be the primary focus, but rather, the addition of novel elements within the existing cultural context.

The ultimate aim is to create a comprehensive model incorporating independent variables, mediators, and moderators. For instance, intrinsic rewards and personality traits are identified as moderators influencing relationships, while servant leadership is introduced as another potential moderator, working in conjunction with specific HR practices.

However, a pertinent challenge arises—ensuring the uniqueness of the proposed model. Given the possibility that others may have read the same paper and developed a similar model, the risk of a high similarity index looms. The potential solution to this predicament is deferred to the subsequent session.

In summary, this methodical approach transforms an existing research model into a distinct framework, weaving in new variables and relationships to enhance the originality of the research. The intricate process of designing such a model is a multifaceted endeavor that requires careful consideration of existing gaps and future research directions.

Video Tutorial (How to Design a Research Model):

Designing a Robust Research Model from Multiple Sources

In our previous session, we constructed a model that relied solely on a single study, presenting a potential challenge. Building on a single study poses the risk of others replicating and publishing similar studies swiftly, potentially undermining your own study’s publication. To mitigate this issue, a more comprehensive approach is necessary.

To address this concern, it is imperative to broaden the foundation of your study by delving into multiple research papers. The crux lies in identifying gaps across various studies to infuse originality into your model. The key to achieving this lies in discovering new variables, thereby adding layers of complexity and depth to your research framework.

These new variables can encompass a spectrum of influences, such as introducing novel mediators unrelated to the original study or incorporating additional outcome variables and moderators that impact the relationships within the model. The quest for new variables is pivotal for enhancing the robustness and uniqueness of your research.

In the pursuit of enriching our model, consider the scenario where we initially incorporated only two HR practices. To fortify our model further, we can explore the impact of HR practices on other environmentally conscious behaviors. This exploration involves searching for mediators, which, in turn, are influenced by the chosen HR practices. The selection of mediators demands a solid theoretical foundation, ensuring their connection to both independent and dependent variables.

To exemplify the process, let’s take a practical approach by searching for potential variables related to green HR practices. Utilizing platforms like Google Scholar, we can identify studies recommending the impact of green HR practices on various variables. It is crucial to scrutinize these studies for viable additions to our model, considering factors like theoretical support and relevance.

For instance, a study suggests the inclusion of green marketing as an independent variable. This recommendation prompts us to expand our model by incorporating green marketing and comparing its influence with green HR practices on identified mediators. The continuous exploration of studies reveals further suggestions, such as normative and continuous commitment, providing us with additional avenues to enhance our model.

In essence, the process involves evolving from a model grounded in a single paper to constructing an enriched framework based on recommendations from multiple studies. This approach entails delving into published papers, identifying new variables, mediators, and moderators, and subsequently integrating these findings into your model. These additions not only fortify your research but also serve as references to elucidate the rationale behind the chosen variables in your write-up. This meticulous process ensures the development of a robust and nuanced research model. 

Video (Identifying Gaps in Existing Research):

Video (Another Example: How to Propose a New and Original Research from Existing Research):