Quantitative Research and Research Design (Notes)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on quantitative research and research design.

Quantitative Research

Uses numbers, statistics, and measurable data; objective and generalizable.

Independent Variable

The factor manipulated or categorized to test its effect (the cause).

Dependent Variable

The outcome measured to assess the effect of the IV (the effect).

Experimental Research

Tests cause-and-effect by manipulating the IV and observing the DV.

Descriptive Design

Summarizes data and describes characteristics of a phenomenon.

Correlational

Finds relationships between variables but does not establish causation.

Control Variable

A variable kept constant to prevent bias in results.

Research Design

The plan for conducting a study, beginning with identifying the research problem.

Gap in Literature

What is missing or unclear in existing studies.

Background of the Study

Literature, past studies, and context that justify the research and locate the problem.

Link to Problem

The connection from literature to the research problem or purpose statement.

Research Question

A measurable, specific question that can be answered with data.

Quantitative Question

A question seeking measurable cause-effect or relationships.

Scope

The boundaries of the study (who, what, where, when).

Delimitation

What is excluded or narrowed in the study (e.g., time period or sample).

Statement of the Problem

A clear statement of the exact issues the study addresses, guiding the project.

Conceptual Framework

A diagram or narrative showing how variables relate, including IV and DV.

Conceptual Definition

Abstract meaning of a concept (e.g., academic performance = achievement in school tasks).

Operational Definition

How a variable is measured or quantified (e.g., average grade per semester).

Hypothesis

A testable statement about a relationship between variables.

Good Title

A title that is specific, clear, and states variables, participants, and location.

Not Quantitative Title

An exploratory or subjective title not suited for quantitative analysis.

IV → DV

A simple representation of how the independent variable affects the dependent variable.

Arrows/Lines

Visual indicators of relationships or direction of influence between variables.

Definition of Terms

Clarifications explaining the meaning of key variables used in the study.

Background Structure

General context → related literature → gap → problem used to frame the SOP.