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. 2020 Dec 8;55(5):1703–1725. doi: 10.1007/s11135-020-01072-9

Table 2.

Operationalization of the working hypotheses: an example

Working hypothesis Method of data collection Evidence/criteria
WH1: Capital Metro provides adequate know-what knowledge in its sexual Harassment training
WH1a: Capital Metro provides training on anti-discrimination laws (Title VII) Interview supervisors and managers (Interview questions) How does the sexual harassment training address anti-discrimination laws? Additional questions as appropriate
Interview participants (Interview questions) What did you learn about anti-discrimination law? Additional questions as appropriate
Document analysis (1) Capital Metro EEO Basic training manual (2) Capital Metro EEO Policy How do these documents address history of discrimination laws? Additional questions as appropriate
WH1b: Capital Metro provides training on sexual harassment definitions Interview supervisors and managers (Interview questions) How does the sexual harassment training address key definitions? Additional questions as appropriate
Interview participants (Interview questions) What definitions about sexual harassment did you learn? Additional questions as appropriate
Document Analysis (1) Capital Metro EEO Basic training manual (2) Capital Metro EEO Policy Which definitions can be found in these documents?
WH1c: and WH1d Data collection methods Further specification of evidence used
WH2: Capital Metro sexual harassment training provides adequate “know how” training
WH2a: Capital Metro provides training on how-to file and report a claim of harassment Interview supervisors and managers (Interview questions) How well does the sexual harassment training prepare participants to file and report a claim? Additional questions as appropriate
Interview with participants (Interview questions) How well did the sexual harassment training prepare you to file and report a claim? Additional questions as appropriate
Document analysis (1) Capital Metro EEO Basic training manual (2) Capital Metro EEO Policy How well do the documents cover how-to file a report of sexual harassment?
WH2b: Capital Metro provides training on how to document sexual harassment situations Interview of supervisors and managers (Interview questions) How does the sexual harassment training address how to document sexual harassment situations? Additional questions as appropriate
Interview participants
(Interview questions) How well did the training cover how to document sexual harassment situations? Additional questions as appropriate
Document analysis (1) Capital Metro EEO Basic training manual (2) Capital Metro EEO Policy How well do these documents address procedures to document sexual harassment situations
Wh2c & d Data collection methods. Etc. Specify further evidence used