Research Problem Alignment, Questions, and Hypotheses Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering research problem alignment, formulation of research questions, quantitative hypothesis testing, statistical language, and feasibility/ethics assessments based on Days 7, 9, and 10 learning activity sheets.

Research Alignment

The structural consistency among the research problem, questions, framework, hypotheses, and planned method, ensuring all components address the same central constructs.

Alignment Chain

The sequential consistency model represented as PROBLEM → QUESTION → FRAMEWORK → HYPOTHESIS/METHOD → FEASIBILITY + ETHICS, where each arrow represents a consistency check.

Research Problem

The central issue, gap, or concern that a study seeks to understand or address.

Statement of the Problem

The section of a study that translates the broader research concern into an answerable, clear, neutral, and focused set of research questions.

General Research Question

An overarching question that captures the primary central concern of the research study.

Specific Research Questions

Sub-questions that divide the general research problem into manageable components, each contributing directly to answering the main concern.

Conceptual Framework

The visual or textual representation connecting and defining the key concepts and constructs examined in the study.

Research Hypothesis

A testable, reasoned prediction used in quantitative research when a question calls for inferential statistical testing.

Null Hypothesis ($H_0$)

A statement predicting no statistically significant relationship, difference, or effect in the population being tested.

Alternative Hypothesis ($H_1$ or $H_a$)

A statement predicting that a statistically significant relationship, difference, or effect exists in the population being tested.

Directional Hypothesis

A hypothesis that predicts the specific direction of an outcome, such as predicting that higher $X$ is associated with lower $Y$.

Non-Directional Hypothesis

A hypothesis stating that an association or difference exists between variables without predicting the specific direction of the outcome.

Alpha Level

A pre-established statistical threshold (such as $.05$) used to determine whether evidence is sufficient to reject the null hypothesis.

p-value

The probability of obtaining an observed result (or more extreme) under the assumption that the null hypothesis and statistical model are true.

Effect Size

A measure of the practical magnitude or strength of a relationship or difference, distinct from statistical significance.

Reject $H_0$

The decision made when sample evidence is sufficient under the chosen alpha level to conclude that a statistically significant effect exists.

Fail to Reject $H_0$

The cautious decision made when sample evidence is insufficient to reject the null hypothesis, indicating non-significant or uncertain findings.

Ethical Feasibility

The evaluation of research components to ensure participant rights, privacy, safety, voluntariness, and fairness are protected prior to data collection.

Practical Feasibility

The assessment of whether a research project is manageable regarding time, participant access, resources, and researcher skills.

Rationale

The evidence-based justification explaining why a research study deserves to be conducted.

Quantitative Descriptive Question

A research question form that measures the degree, frequency, or level of a single variable, such as 'What is the level of $X$?'.

Quantitative Comparative Question

A research question form comparing a variable across distinct groups, such as 'Is there a significant difference in $Y$ when grouped by $Z$?'.

Quantitative Correlational Question

A research question form examining the relationship or association between two variables, such as 'Is there a significant relationship between $X$ and $Y$?'.

Qualitative Research Question

A question form that explores human experiences, meanings, processes, or perceptions, typically beginning with 'how' or 'what' without numerical terms.

Peer Review

Constructive feedback provided by classmates or peers to identify unclear wording, misalignment, feasibility issues, and ethical concerns before data collection.