Q 1 Abdel-Khalik and Ajinkya (1979) provide a precise definition of the nature of an experiment in that the researcher manipulates one or more variables with subjects who are assigned randomly to various groups. These groups receive different combinations of the variables (termed treatments); in some cases a control group may exist which receives no such treatments. The major advantage of experiments lies in the researchers ability to ensure high internal validity, defined in terms of how well they can eliminate rival explanations for their results. Experiments are, thus, particularly suited to research questions that investigate causal relations between variables.

In this context, what guidelines will you suggest for a good experimental research?

Discuss the internal validity threats of experimental research.

Q 2 Performance of employees and performance of departments are important for the success of companies. We collect the opinions of employees in the following survey.

Department Performance Survey

1. How skilled at their jobs are the members of your team?

Extremely skilled

Very skilled

Somewhat skilled

Not so skilled

Not at all skilled

2. How professionally do members of your team behave?

Extremely professionally

Very professionally

Somewhat professionally

Not so professionally

Not at all professionally

3. How honest with each other are the members of your team?

Extremely honest

Very honest

Somewhat honest

Not so honest

Not at all honest

4. How well do members of your team share responsibility for tasks?

Extremely well

Very well.

Somewhat well

Not so well

Not at all well

5. How well does your supervisor work with clients?

Extremely well

Very well

Somewhat well

Not so well

Not at all well

6. How efficiently are team meetings conducted?

Extremely efficiently

Very efficiently

Somewhat efficiently

Not so efficiently

Not at all efficiently

7. How fairly are responsibilities shared among your team members?

Extremely fairly

Very fairly

Not so fairly

Not at all fairly

8. How hardworking is your supervisor?

Extremely hard working

Very hardworking

Somewhat hardworking

Not so hardworking

Not at all hardworking

9. How often does your team meet its deadlines?

Always

Most of the time

About half of the time

Once in a while

Never

10. How politely do members of your team treat each other?

Extremely politely

Very politely

Somewhat politely

Not so well

Not at all well