Key Research Terms and Problem Analysis Tools

This flashcard set covers essential research terminology, the characteristics of research problems, stakeholder identification, user-centered design frameworks, and problem analysis tools like the Problem Tree and Fishbone Diagram.

Research Problem

The central issue or question a study seeks to address, defining the focus and guiding the entire research process.

Scope

The boundaries or extent of the study specifying variables, population, timeframe, and setting to keep the research manageable.

Feasibility

The practicality of conducting a study based on available time, resources, skills, and access to participants or data.

Significance

The importance or value of a study in contributing to knowledge, solving real-world problems, or informing policy and practice.

Originality

The uniqueness of a study, offering new insights, perspectives, or applications not previously explored.

Everyday Problem

A situation, challenge, or condition that disrupts normal routines, prevents reaching goals, or creates discomfort and difficulty.

Unmet Needs

A condition where people lack essentials such as food, clean water, shelter, or access to education.

Obstacles to Goals

Situations that prevent individuals from achieving personal, academic, or professional objectives.

User-Centered Design

A design philosophy that prioritizes the needs, behaviors, and experiences of end-users throughout the development process.

Stakeholders

Individuals or groups who are directly or indirectly affected by a project or decision.

Primary Stakeholders

Individuals or groups who are most directly impacted by a problem or decision.

Secondary Stakeholders

Individuals or groups who support or manage a situation related to a problem.

Tertiary Stakeholders

External individuals or groups who are influential in providing solutions or resources.

Needs Analysis

A systematic process of identifying and prioritizing user requirements, gaps, and expectations.

Empathy Mapping

A visual tool that captures what users say, think, feel, and do to help teams align on user perspectives and avoid assumptions.

Problem Validation

The process of confirming that a problem is real, significant, and worth solving based on evidence from users and stakeholders.

Problem Tree Technique

A visual method that maps a central problem, its causes, and its effects in a tree-like structure.

Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa Diagram)

A cause-and-effect diagram shaped like a fish skeleton used to systematically identify potential categories of causes for a problem.

Trunk (Problem Tree)

The part of the Problem Tree structure representing the core problem.

Roots (Problem Tree)

The part of the Problem Tree structure representing the underlying causes of why a problem exists.

Branches (Problem Tree)

The part of the Problem Tree structure representing the effects or consequences of a problem.

Head (Fishbone Diagram)

The part of the Fishbone Diagram representing the main problem being analyzed.

Bones (Fishbone Diagram)

The categories of causes in a Fishbone Diagram, such as People, Process, Environment, Materials, and Technology.