Military Downsizing, Essay Example

State the research problem or issue in the study.

The research problem within this article is to effectively create an evaluation equation to statistically quantify the potential for soldiers to choose voluntary separation in times of military downsizing as a result of a financial bonus or additional compensation in lieu of extended service.

State the hypothesis/questions or objectives. Were they stated clearly?

The questions involved in this study were to analyze how a series of demographic variables (gender, financial status, age, years of service, occupation and race) influenced the potential for voluntary separation. Ultimately, the author’s main hypothesis was that individuals in financial strain and/or short period of service were most likely to choose voluntary separation with compensation as opposed to those individuals who had extended service history or higher ranking in the military (above Sergeant rank). These hypotheses were clearly stated in the research article.

What questionnaires/survey instruments were used to answer the problem?

The author’s utilized a series of quantified responses from a survey from soldiers in 1992 who had experienced financially-compensated separation from the Navy. A series of quantified responses on a Lickert scale were required in response to individual motivational factors i.e. financial status, familial status, and threat of involuntary/unpaid layoff.

What was the population used in the study? Was there a sample used? If so, how was the sample selected? How many were in the sample?

Surveys were provided to each individual who had been given the option to voluntarily choose separation in 1992. The population varied in race, age, gender, type of service position and total service years in the Navy. A total of 75,649 individuals were surveyed during the 1992 study.

What were the statistical techniques (Examples: mean, median, mode, ANOVA, MANOVA, regression analysis, etc) used to analyze the data?

The survey results were quantified based on demographic data and motivational factors as well as overall eligibility in the financial compensation program. The researchers used the mean and median rankings of survey responses considering overall standard deviation to determine the potential for individuals to voluntarily separate from the military. As a result of this type of statistical analysis, the researchers were able to develop a mathematical equation to appropriate estimate the response of soldiers who were offered financial compensation in exchange for voluntary separation.

Bibliography

Mehay, S.L. & Hogan P.F. (1998). The effect of separation bonuses on voluntary quits: evidence from military’s downsizing. Southern Economic Journal, 65(1): 127-139.