Introduction and Basic Concepts in Research Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards generated from lecture notes covering foundational research concepts, classifications, qualitative methods, variables, frameworks, and problem components.

Descriptive Research

Research designed primarily to identify and describe what exists or the characteristics of a particular issue.

Predictive Research

Research that forecasts the likelihood of a similar situation occurring elsewhere and provides answers concerning current and future events.

Analytical Research

A continuation of descriptive research where the researcher goes beyond merely describing characteristics by analyzing and explaining why or how something is happening.

Illuminative Research

Research concerned with the interaction of the components of the variable being investigated.

Systematic Research

A characteristic of research indicating that it follows an orderly and sequential procedure with organized steps.

Controlled Research

A characteristic of research where all variables except those being tested are kept constant.

Empirical Research

A characteristic of research where all procedures used and data gathered are perceived in the same manner by observers based on observable evidence.

Exploratory Research

Research conducted when there are few or no earlier studies to reference, focused on gaining insights and familiarity with a subject for later investigation.

Quantitative Research

Research that aims to measure quantity or amount, compare it with past records, and project for future periods using mathematical models, theories, hypotheses, and statistics.

Qualitative Research

Research involving the collection, analysis, and interpretation of open-ended, subjective data such as meanings, definitions, characteristics, symbols, metaphors, and descriptions.

Phenomenology

A form of qualitative research where the researcher attempts to understand how one or more individuals experience a phenomenon through their lived experiences.

Ethnography

Qualitative research focusing on describing the culture of a group, including shared attributes, values, norms, practices, language, and material things.

Case Study

A form of qualitative research focused on providing a detailed account of one or more specific cases.

Grounded Theory

An inductive type of qualitative research based on observations and data from which a theory is developed.

Applied Research

A problem-oriented type of research concerned with applying scientific theory to real-life problems to solve specific issues requiring a decision.

Pure/Basic Research

Academic research conducted primarily to improve understanding of general issues and expand knowledge without emphasis on immediate application.

Discovery Research

A type of basic research where a totally new idea or explanation emerges from empirical research and may revolutionize thinking about a topic.

Invention Research

A type of basic research in which a new technique or method is created.

Reflection Research

A type of basic research where an existing theory, technique, or group of ideas is re-examined, possibly in a different organizational or social context.

Action Research

Research in which the researcher deliberately interferes with or changes what is being researched, participating directly in the change process.

Analytical Approach

An approach where the researcher attempts to identify and isolate the specific individual components or parts of the research situation.

Holistic Approach

An approach where the researcher begins with the total situation, focusing attention on the system as a whole and its internal relationships.

Historical Research

Research that describes what WAS based on past events and primary data sources.

Dependent Variable (DV)

A measurable outcome or effect variable that changes based on the variation or manipulation of the independent variable.

Independent Variable (IV)

The variable controlled, manipulated, or introduced by the researcher to observe its cause or effect on the dependent variable.

Intervening Variable

Abstract processes that are not directly observable but act as a bridge or mediator linking the independent and dependent variables.

Moderator Variable

A measured variable that alters the strength or direction of the relationship between independent and dependent variables by modifying the effect of the intervening variable.

Control Variable

A variable held constant, neutralized, or eliminated to prevent it from having a biasing effect on other variables.

Extraneous Variable

Uncontrolled factors in the research environment that may affect the dependent variable and potentially damage study validity.

Research Problem

A statement about an area of concern, a condition to be improved, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling question in literature, theory, or practice that requires deliberate investigation.

SMART Characteristics

The criteria specifying that a good research problem must be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Reliable, and Time-bound.

Elements of a Research Problem

The five essential components of a research problem: Aim/Purpose, Subject Matter, Place/Locale, Period/Time, and Population/Universe (A-S-P-P-P).

Working Research Title

A preliminary title developed early in research to anchor focus, guide the researcher, and prevent drifting away from the topic.

Theoretical Framework

The structure that holds or supports a research study by introducing and describing the theory that explains WHY the research problem exists.

Conceptual Framework

An analytical model visually explaining key concepts, variables, and relationships (HOW variables interact) to establish study boundaries.

Statement of the Problem

The verbalization of the research questions that sets the overall direction of the study, divided into a main problem and subsidiary problems.

Main Problem

The central focus of the study reflecting the whole variable and represented directly in the research title.

Subsidiary Problems

The breakdown of the main variable into clear, logical, mutually exclusive component sub-questions stated in interrogative form.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction or statement of expectation based on existing theories and knowledge regarding research outcomes.

Null Hypothesis (Ho)

A hypothesis stated in the negative manner asserting that there is no significant difference or relationship between variables.

Operational/Alternative Hypothesis (Ha)

A hypothesis stated in the affirmative manner expressing an equality, difference, or relationship between phenomena.

Scope

The section detailing how in-depth a study explores the research question, defining what specific parameters, variables, population, and timeframe are included.

Delimitations

Boundaries deliberately chosen and set by the researcher defining factors, variables, and populations intentionally excluded from the investigation.

Limitations

Uncontrollable potential weaknesses in the research design or methodology that are outside the researcher's control and may influence validity and reliability.

Significance of the Study

The section explaining the overall importance of the research and detailing how findings will benefit science, society, the field, or specific groups.

Operational Definition

A functional definition explaining a concept according to the exact way it is measured or manipulated in the specific investigation.

Operationalization

The process of strictly defining abstract or fuzzy concepts into measurable factors and exact empirical methods.