Research methods of micro organizational behavior

Thompson, L., Kern, M., & Loyd, D.L. (2003). Research methods of micro organizational behavior. In C. Sansone, C. Morf, and A. Panter (Eds.)., Handbook of Methods in Social Psychology. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, Ch. 21, 457-470

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to provide the reader with a top-down tour of the key theoretical, empirical, and methodological questions in micro OB research and how they are addressed from a design standpoint. We begin by conceptualizing where micro OB falls within the general field of organizational behavior (OB). We follow with a brief comparison of micro OB to social psychology. Next, we trace the development of a micro OB research project employing an experimental methodology. We then discuss the three most common types of methodologies in micro OB research focusing on two primary considerations: the research site (classroom, field, or laboratory) and the nature of the research design (correlational, experimental, or qualitative). In this section, we also identify some of the most important methodological challenges faced by researchers in the field. Finally, we conclude by attempting to dispel some of the more common myths held about micro OB research.