Introduction to Research & Analysis

Flashcards covering key concepts from the Introduction to Research & Analysis lecture notes.

Quantitative Research

Uses numbers and statistics to test hypotheses and measure outcomes.

Qualitative Research

Uses words, narratives, and stories to build theory and explore meanings.

Experimental Design

Includes random assignment, manipulation of independent variable (IV), and a control group, best for establishing cause and effect.

Null Hypothesis (H₀)

States there is no relationship or difference, assumed true until proven otherwise.

Type I Error (α)

Rejecting the null hypothesis when it should have been accepted; a false positive.

Type II Error (β)

Accepting the null hypothesis when it should have been rejected; a false negative.

PICO Question

Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome; framework for clinical questions.

Bias

Systematic errors that can affect the validity of study results.

Reliability

The consistency or repeatability of a measurement instrument.

Validity

The accuracy of a measurement instrument; it measures what it claims to measure.

Descriptive Epidemiology

Examines the distribution of disease by person, place, and time.

Incidence

The rate of new cases of a disease in a disease-free population over a period of time.

Prevalence

Existing cases of disease in a population at a specific point in time.

Statistical Significance

Determines whether results are likely due to chance; commonly assessed with p-values.

Standard Deviation (SD)

Measures the variability or spread of a set of data; sensitive to outliers.

Internal Validity

The extent to which a study can demonstrate a causal relationship between the IV and DV.

External Validity

The ability to generalize findings from a study to other populations or settings.

Pilot Study

A small preliminary study conducted before a larger investigation to identify potential problems.

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

Integrates research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values in decision-making.

Systematic Review

A synthesis of primary research that provides the strongest level of evidence.

Correlation Coefficient

A statistical measure that describes the linear relationship between two variables.

ANOVA

Analysis of Variance; a statistical test used to compare means among three or more groups.