Multiple Regression and Correlation Techniques - Assignment Example

Multiple regression and correlation techniques The aimed at addressing controversies and developing innovations in research. Some of the identified controversies regard linking theory to hypothesis and testing of mediator or moderator variables. Linking theory to hypothesis is controversial because of existence of diversified literature between theory and hypothesis. Existence of diversified literature on subjects offers contradictory information that that may confuse researchers’ development of hypothesis through determination of dependent variables.

An example of the source of the controversy is existence of direct and indirect factors to explanatory variables that may blur significance of theory to a study subject. The controversy is likely to misinform a research basis and compromise research objectives through poor variable selection and validity issues. Researchers can however resolve the controversy by focusing on theory rather than uninformed bias to the divergent literatures. Effort for limiting the number of variables in a study, subject to influence of identified theory is another approach to resolving the controversy (Hot, Imel and Chan, 2008; Aparasu, 2011).

Tests involving mediator and moderator variables generate diversified controversies with inclusion of time factor as the major source of controversy as researchers focus on cross sectional studies in the analyses. Determination of whether a variable is a moderator or a mediator variable is another major source of controversy and may misinform actual relationships among variables into invalid results research implications. A shift from focus on cross sectional studies and an open approach to critical perspectives to developed results are proposed as solution to the mediator and moderator controversy.

Researcher integrity is therefore necessary in incorporating divergent views on a study (Hot, Imel and Chan, 2008; Yin, 2011). ReferencesAparasu, R. (2011). Research methods for pharmaceutical practice and policy. Gurnee, IL: Pharmaceutical Press.Hot, W., Imel, Z. and Chan, F. (2008). Multiple regression and correlation techniques: Recent controversies and best practices. Rehabilitation Psychology 53(3), 321-339.Yin, R. (2011). Qualitative research from start to finish. New York, NY: Guilford Press.