Quantitative Inquiry and Research

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the fundamental concepts of quantitative research, including statistical tools, research designs, and types of variables based on lecture notes.

Quantitative Research

A systematic investigation of observable phenomena where the researcher gathers quantitative or numerical data and subjects it to statistical methods.

Deductive Reasoning

A logical process associated with quantitative research that moves from the general to the specific.

Inductive Reasoning

A logical process associated with qualitative research that moves from the specific to the general.

Pearson's R

A statistical tool used to measure the relationship between $2$ variables.

T-test

A statistical tool that examines the presence of a statistical difference between $2$ means when comparing $2$ groups.

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)

A statistical tool used to look into the statistical difference among the means of $2$ or more groups.

Multiple Regression

A statistical tool used to test the relationship between several independent variables.

Probability Sampling

A sampling technique where every member of a population has a known, non-zero probability of being selected, giving everyone an equal chance.

Generalizability

The degree to which the results of a study can be applied beyond the specific context, people, and time period in which the research was conducted.

Objectivity

A characteristic of quantitative research where data gathering and analysis are done accurately and are unaffected by the researcher's intuition and personal guess.

High Replicability

The ability of a quantitative method to be repeated to verify findings, which enhances validity and prevents false or immature conclusions.

Descriptive Design

A quantitative design used to describe a phenomenon by observing its nature without manipulation or cause-and-effect analysis.

Correlational Design

A design that identifies connections and relationships between variables without established cause and effect, where data is collected by observation.

Ex Post Facto Design

Meaning "possible causes of an already occurring phenomenon," this design investigates relationships between previous events and present conditions without experimental manipulation.

Quasi-Experimental Design

A design used to establish cause and effect where the independent variable is identified but not manipulated, often characterized by the absence of random selection.

Experimental Design

A design used to establish cause and effect through random assignment of subjects, randomized manipulation, and full control over variables.

Variable

Any element or entity that can be measured for quality or quantity.

Discrete Variables

Quantitative variables that can be counted and are denoted by positive whole numbers rather than images.

Continuous Variables

Quantitative variables categorized into interval variables (measured in ranges) and ratio variables.

Ratio Variables

A type of continuous variable that cannot have a negative value.

Dichotomous Variables

A type of qualitative variable with only $2$ distinct categories, such as Yes/No.

Nominal Variables

Qualitative variables containing more than $2$ categories, such as source of income or citizenship.

Ordinal Variables

Qualitative variables representing values that can be ranked or ordered, such as "seldom" or "sometimes."