EDC 506 - Chapter 5: Counseling Research

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts in counseling research from EDC 506 Chapter 5.

Research Question

A question that explores the relationships among or between constructs.

Hypothesis

A statement that provides direction for experimental inquiry, identifies constructs of interest, and allows development of methods and participants.

Descriptive Research Questions

A category of research questions that explores what phenomena are like, using tools such as surveys, interviews, and inventories.

Difference Research Questions

A category of research questions that examines whether there are differences between or within groups with a specific variable.

Relationship Research Questions

A category of research questions that examines the degree to which constructs or variables are related using correlational statistics or regression analyses.

Operational Definition

A definition that spells out what the researcher must do to measure or manipulate variables so terms and constructs can be tested.

Independent Variable

In quantitative experimental design, the variable that is systematically altered, manipulated, or controlled, which may have multi-levels.

Dependent Variable

In quantitative experimental design, the variable expected to change as a result of manipulating the independent variable and observed to determine that change.

Predictor Variable

A variable in research that is sometimes referred to as an independent variable.

Criterion Variable

A variable in research that is referred to as a dependent variable.

Quantitative Research

Research that focuses on quantification, objectivity, measurable data, outcome research, and a large sample size (large n).

Qualitative Research

Research that focuses on interpretation, subjectivity, process data, context/behavior/situation linked to forming experience, unstructured or semi-structured techniques, and a small sample size (small n).

Grounded Theory

A qualitative research approach involving the accumulation of data over time to gain greater depth and detail.