Defining Issue Test Empirical Article Evaluation

Evaluate one empirical article of your choice that used the original or updated version of the Defining Issue Test instrument. (An empirical article is one in which the author conducted research and collected data. It is not a purely theoretical article or one in which only the research of other people is discussed.) There are many possible articles. Choose one that is interesting to you and, to the best of your knowledge, is not being evaluated by another student in this class.

Address the following points in your two page Word document post:

– Briefly, what were the research questions and conclusions (no more than two paragraphs)?
– What were the strengths and weaknesses of the data collection and analysis?
– How should managers utilize the outcomes of this study, taking into account the study?s limitations?

The research questions might not be clearly stated. If this is the case, assume that the hypotheses are possible answers to the research questions, and work backwards to articulate the questions, kind of like academic Jeopardy. Then briefly state the conclusions relative to the hypotheses in layman’s terms.

When evaluating the strengths and weakness of data collection and analysis, consider whether the sample was appropriate (enough people, representative of the population of interest), the DIT was appropriate for the research questions, other instruments used were appropriate, the statistics used were appropriate, and the conclusions made were adequately supported.

In making your management recommendations, consider the costs and risks of the action you are proposing. Is the evidence sufficiently strong to undertake these costs and risks?