Practical Research: Methodology, Measurement, and Data Collection

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering research foundations, design types, variable classifications, sampling techniques, data gathering tools, validity, reliability, and sample size calculations.

Inquiry

The process of getting information from different sources with different methods.

Research

A systematic, experimental study.

Deductive Reasoning

A source of knowledge that reasons from general principles to specific conclusions.

Inductive Reasoning

A source of knowledge that reasons from specific observations to general conclusions.

Scientific Approach

A source of knowledge that combines deductive reasoning and inductive reasoning for logical conclusions.

Cyclical (Research Characteristic)

A characteristic of good research describing how it continually looks for answers and problems.

IMRaD Format

A standard research paper structure consisting of Introduction, Methods, and Results and Discussion.

Independent Variable

The variable that acts as the cause in a relationship.

Dependent Variable

The variable that acts as the effect in a relationship.

Meddling Variable (Intervening Variable)

A variable that explains how the independent variable affects the dependent variable.

Moderating Variable

A variable that affects the relationship between other variables.

Control Variable

A variable that influences the dependent variable only.

Extraneous and Lurking Variables

Unforeseen factors that may affect a study.

Discrete Variable

A numerical variable that is countable.

Continuous Variable

A numerical variable that is measurable.

Nominal Scale

A level of measurement only used to describe categories.

Ordinal Scale

A level of measurement that ranks data in order.

Interval Scale

A level of measurement that has no true or absolute zero.

Ratio Scale

A level of measurement that has a true or absolute zero.

Statement of The Problem

The section of a study that presents the main problem and divides it into researchable questions.

Scope and Delimitation

The section detailing what is included in the study and what cannot be controlled.

Significance of The Study

The section that explains the importance and possible contributions of the research.

Background of the Study

The section of research that explains the whole topic.

Conceptual Framework

The blueprint of a research study that shows the connection among variables.

Conceptual Definition

A definition that explains the general meaning of a term.

Operational Definition

A definition that explains how a term is specifically used within the study.

Null Hypothesis ($H_0$)

A testable prediction stating that no relationship exists.

Alternative Hypothesis ($H_1$ / $H_a$)

A testable prediction stating that a relationship exists.

Literature Review

The process of finding information related to your research.

Synthesis

Summarizing the sources and connecting them to your research.

Research Gap

An area or issue not fully stated or addressed in an existing study.

True Experimental Design

A quantitative experimental design characterized by random assignment and rigid control.

Quasi-Experimental Design

A quantitative experimental design with no randomization that utilizes intact groups.

Predictive Research

A non-experimental design that forecasts future events without establishing a cause-and-effect relationship.

Explanatory Research

A non-experimental design that explains how and why, identifying the cause that produced the effect.

Cross-Sectional Research

A non-experimental design that collects data at a single time period.

Longitudinal Research

A non-experimental design that collects data at multiple time periods.

Population

The whole group being studied.

Sample

A small part of the population chosen for study.

Simple Random Sampling

A probability sampling method of choosing people randomly, such as using the Fishbowl Method or a Table of Random Numbers.

Stratified Random Sampling

A probability sampling method of dividing people into groups, then randomly choosing from each group.

Systematic Random Sampling

A probability sampling method of choosing every $2^{\text{nd}}$, $5^{\text{th}}$, or $10^{\text{th}}$ person from a list.

Cluster Random Sampling

A probability sampling method of dividing people into groups and randomly choosing entire groups.

Snowball Sampling

A non-probability sampling method where existing participants recommend other people to join the study.

Purposive Sampling

A non-probability sampling method where people are chosen because they fit the purpose of the study.

Standardized Test

A tool developed by experts that can measure different characteristics.

Adaptation (Instrument)

Modifying an existing tool or instrument for a study.

Adapted (Instrument)

Using an existing tool or instrument with no modification.

Observation Schedule

A data gathering tool used in non-experimental research design for observing behaviors or characteristics of individuals by the researcher.

Interview Schedule

A data gathering tool that requires a face-to-face interaction.

Closed-Ended Questions

Questions in a questionnaire that have a certain, predetermined answer.

Open-Ended Questions

Questions in a questionnaire that give respondents the freedom to respond in a way they like or prefer.

Content Validity

A type of validity that measures the important and essential dimensions of the variable.

Criterion Validity

A type of validity that measures the answer of the participants.

Construct Validity

A type of validity examining how questions influence other questions or variables, going from general to specific questions that answer a general question.

Stability (Reliability)

Consistency where the same result is obtained upon readministration of the instrument to the same sample.

Equivalence (Reliability)

Consistency where two sets of scores obtained from two forms of the same test correlate highly.

Homogeneity (Reliability)

Internal consistency demonstrated when different items in the test are measuring the same construct.

Scorer Reliability

The degree of agreement among raters when using the same instrument.

Mean Rating ($MR$)

A quantitative data analysis measure defined by the formula $(MR) = \frac{f(1) + f(2) + f(3) + f(4) + f(5)}{N}$.

Slovin's Formula

A formula used to calculate sample size: $n = \frac{N}{1 + N e^2}$, where $n$ is the sample, $N$ is the population, and $e$ is the margin of error ($0.05$ or $0.06 - 0.08$ when above $1000$).