Introduction to Research Methods Flashcards

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers essential terminology, characteristics of scientific research, classifications of research methods, and types of variables used in inquiry.

Research

A diligent inquiry or critical examination of a phenomenon involving a process of arriving at effective solutions through systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of data.

Scientific Research

A systematic, controlled, empirical, and critical investigation of phenomenon guided by theory and hypothesis about the presumed relation among such phenomena.

Empirical

Based on direct observation, experience, or experimentation rather than theory, belief, or logic.

Population

An entire group of individuals, events, or objects having a common observable characteristic.

Sample

A smaller group obtained from the accessible population, where each member is referred to as a subject.

Sampling

The process of selecting a number of individuals for a study in such a way that the individuals selected represent the population.

Variable

A measurable characteristic that assumes different values among the subjects.

Data

All information a researcher gathers for his or her study, which can be primary or secondary.

Statistics

The science of organizing, describing, and analyzing data, or indices derived from data through statistical procedures.

Descriptive statistics

Indices that describe a given sample.

Inferential statistics

A branch of statistics used to draw inferences about a given phenomenon in the population.

Objective

The specific aspects of the phenomenon under study that the researcher desires to bring out at the end of the study.

Hypothesis

A researcher’s anticipated explanation or opinion regarding the result of the study.

Purposiveness

A characteristic of scientific research where the study is started with a definite aim or purpose.

Rigor

The carefulness and degree of exactitude in research investigations, involving a good theoretical base and careful methodology.

Testability

The ability of scientific research to test logically developed hypotheses to see if data supports them.

Replicability

The quality where results are supported again when the same type of research is repeated in other similar circumstances.

Precision

The closeness of findings to 'reality' based on a sample, reflecting the degree of accuracy relative to the universe.

Confidence

The probability that estimators are correct; commonly acceptable at a $95\%$ level in social science research.

Significance level (p=0.05)

A conventional acceptance in social science research implying a $5\%$ probability that the findings may not be correct.

Objectivity

The quality of conclusions being based on facts derived from actual data rather than subjective or emotional values.

Generalizability

The scope of applicability of research findings in one setting to other settings.

Parsimony

Simplicity in explaining phenomena or problems and generating solutions over complex research frameworks.

Qualitative Research

A research method collecting information on how people live and function, focusing on views, feelings, and descriptions rather than numerical data.

Quantitative Research

A method of inquiry emphasizing measurement and numerical analysis using percentages, correlation coefficients, and other statistical methods.

Basic / Pure / Fundamental Research

Research motivated by intellectual curiosity to generate new knowledge and refine theories without immediate practical application.

Applied Research

Research conducted to test theory and evaluate its usefulness in solving problems or guiding theory revision.

Action Research

Research intended to solve a specific, immediate, and concrete problem in a local setting, with no concern for generalizability.

Evaluation Research

A systematic process of collecting and analyzing data to make decisions and determine if intended results were realized.

Needs Assessment

The study of the discrepancy between an existing set of conditions and a desired set of conditions.

Formative Evaluation

Data collection about a program while it is still being developed.

Summative Evaluation

Evaluation conducted after a program has been fully developed to determine if the final program is worthwhile.

Descriptive Research

The process of collecting data to answer questions concerning the current status of subjects, reporting the way things are.

Causal-comparative Research

Also called ex post facto research, it explores relationships between variables by determining causes after they have exerted their effect.

Correlation Methods

Research describing in quantitative terms the degree to which variables are related, expressed as a correlation coefficient ($r$).

Survey Research

An attempt to collect data from members of a population to determine current status regarding one or more variables using self-report.

Historical Research

The study of problems requiring the collection of information from the past to explain present events and anticipate future ones.

Observational Research

Research where the status of a phenomenon is determined by observing rather than asking, helping to collect objective information.

Non-participant Observation

Observational research where the observer is not directly involved in the situation.

Naturalistic Observation

Observation where behavior is studied and recorded as it normally occurs.

Simulation Observation

Research where the observer creates the situation and directs subjects on which activities to engage in.

Participant Observation

A method where the observer becomes part of or a participant in the situation being studied.

Ethnographic Study

An in-depth description and interpretation of behaviors in a cultural group where the researcher lives among the group.

Experimental Research

Design where participants are randomly assigned to treatment conditions to study the effect of manipulating an independent variable on a dependent variable.

Independent Variable

The variable manipulated by a researcher to determine its effect or influence on another variable.

Dependent Variable

Also known as the criterion variable, it is measured or monitored and expected to be affected by the independent variable.

Extraneous Variables

Unwanted factors that could influence the dependent variable, which the researcher might not control or be aware of.

Intervening Variable

A variable that explains how and why a relationship exists between independent and dependent variables, caused by the former and a determinant of the latter.

Moderating Variable

A variable that affects the strength or direction of the relationship between a dependent and independent variable.

Categorical Variables

Qualitative variables representing types or categories used to group observations without numerical values.

Nominal Variables

Categories without any inherent order or ranking among them, such as blood type or ethnicity.

Ordinal Variables

Categories that imply a ranking or order, such as levels of satisfaction (high, medium, low).

Continuous Variables

Quantitative variables that can take an infinite number of values within a given range, representing precise measurements.

Discrete Variables

Quantitative variables that represent specific values, such as the number of children in a family.

Nominal Level

The lowest scale of measurement where observations are classified under common characteristics with no hierarchy.

Ordinal Level

A measurement scale where items are grouped into categories and ranked into an order.

Interval Level

A scale where numerals are ranked with equal intervals, but the zero point is not meaningful.

Ratio Level

The highest scale of measurement, possessing all properties of other levels with a meaningful zero point that allows for mathematical operations.