Developing a Research Question and the Research Process

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the research question development and process.

Research Question

A specific enquiry that the researcher seeks to provide answers to, indicating the process used to answer it.

Broad Topic

A very general area of focus in research that aids in the literature review.

Narrow Topic

A specific area developed from the broad topic, introducing more specificity into the research.

Focused Topic

A well-defined area of research that reflects major issues and debates.

Data Considerations

Factors influencing the narrowing down of a research topic, including available data.

Demographic Characteristics

Statistical data relating to the population and particular groups within it that is important when narrowing a research topic.

Causal Research Question

A question type that compares two or more phenomena to determine if a relationship exists.

Descriptive Research Question

A question type that describes a phenomenon, often exploring 'how much' or 'how often'.

Comparative Research Question

A question that examines differences between two or more groups concerning variables.

PICO Framework

A framework for formulating research questions that includes Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome.

Research Aims

Goals that guide the direction and focus of a research study.

Characteristics of a Good Research Question

Focused, feasible, complex, and relevant questions that contribute to knowledge.

Qualitative Research

Research used to gather deep information and formulate hypotheses.

Quantitative Research

Research that tests or confirms a hypothesis through statistical analysis.

Research Design

The framework that guides the researcher in conducting the research based on the research question.

Sample Design

The selection process of participants for a study, which can either be random or non-probability.

Data Analysis

A critical examination of collected data that requires special skills to interpret correctly.

Preparing the Report

The final stage in the research process that involves formatting and presenting findings.

Abstract

A concise summary of a research proposal or article's content.

Peer Review

The evaluation of work by one or more experts in the field to ensure quality and validity.

Exploratory Research

Research conducted to investigate a problem that is not clearly defined.

Research Proposal

A formal document outlining the proposed research project, objectives, and methodology.

Ethical Considerations

Factors that address the moral implications of conducting research.

Hypothesis

A formal statement predicting the relationship between two or more variables.

Control Group

A set of subjects that do not receive the experimental treatment, used for comparison.

Variables

Elements or factors in research that can change and affect the outcome of the study.

Research Gaps

Unexplored or under-researched areas in a field of study.

Significance of the Study

The importance of the research in contributing to existing knowledge and practice.