PA 2 Vocab - Research Methods

Scientific method

A systematic process involving asking a question, researching, formulating a hypothesis, conducting a study, drawing conclusions, and reporting results.

Literature review

A review of existing similar or related studies.

Theory

An explanation for a phenomenon based on conjecture about the relationship between the phenomenon and causal factors.

Independent variable

The cause of change in an experiment.

Dependent variable

The effect or outcome that is changed in response to the independent variable.

Reliability

The likelihood that research results can be replicated if the study is reproduced.

Accuracy

The closeness of measurement results to the true value.

Validity

The degree to which a study measures what it was designed to measure.

Operational definition

A definition of each variable in terms of the concrete steps taken to measure it.

Interpretive framework

An approach that seeks to understand social worlds from the participants' point of view, focusing on descriptive and narrative elements.

Primary source data collection

Methods such as surveys, case studies, unobtrusive observations, and experiments used to gather original data.

Secondary data analysis

The use of existing resources for research purposes.

Survey

A method of collecting data from subjects through a series of questions about behaviors and opinions.

Population

The group of people who are the focus of a study.

Sample

A manageable number of subjects representing a larger population.

Random sample

A sampling method where every person in a population has an equal chance of being chosen.

Quantitative data

Data that is expressed in numerical form.

Qualitative data

Data that is conveyed through descriptive words.

Interview

A one-on-one conversation between a researcher and a subject.

Field research

The process of gathering primary data from a natural environment.

Participant observation

A research method where researchers join and participate in a group's routine activities to observe them.

Ethnography

The immersion of a researcher in a social community to observe and experience their everyday life and culture.

Case study

An in-depth analysis of a single event, situation, or individual.

Experiment

A method to investigate relationships and test a hypothesis.

Experimental group

The group in an experiment that is exposed to the independent variable.

Control group

The group in an experiment that is not exposed to the independent variable.

Hawthorne effect

A phenomenon where individuals change their behavior because they know they are being observed.

Nonreactive/unobtrusive research

Research that does not involve direct contact with subjects, minimizing influence on behavior.

Value neutrality

The practice of remaining impartial and free from bias during a study and in reporting results.

ASA code of ethics

Guidelines for research that include maintaining objectivity, respecting privacy, protecting subjects from harm, ensuring confidentiality, obtaining informed consent, acknowledging collaboration, and disclosing financial support sources.