Research Methodology Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Research Methodology. Each card provides a term and its concise definition.

anecdotal data

Informal data gathered from unsystematic accounts; lacks scientific rigor.

bias

A systematic error or tendency that skews results in a particular direction, compromising objectivity.

bidirectional ambiguity

Uncertainty about which variable causes changes in the other; direction of causality is unclear.

case study

In-depth, time-based analysis of an individual or small group, often using multiple data sources (e.g., interviews, observations).

causality

The relationship where one event or factor directly produces another.

construct

An abstract concept or variable used to describe or measure aspects of behavior that cannot be directly observed.

correlational study

A study examining relationships between two or more variables without manipulating them or assigning participants randomly.

credibility

The extent to which findings accurately reflect what is being studied and participants' perspectives.

cross sectional research

A study that collects data from participants at a single point in time.

descriptive statistics

Statistics that summarize data with measures such as central tendency and dispersion.

experiment (true vs. quasi)

True experiment: IV manipulated with random assignment to conditions; DV measured. Quasi experiment: IV not manipulated; groups defined by pre-existing characteristics.

experimental controls

Procedures intended to minimize influence of extraneous variables so observed effects are due to IV.

experimental designs (independent vs. repeated measures)

Independent measures: each participant experiences one level of IV. Repeated measures: each participant experiences all levels of IV.

external validity

The extent findings generalize beyond the study to other populations, settings, and times.

extraneous variable

Other variables besides the IV that could influence the DV; if uncontrolled, they become confounds.

focus group

A facilitated discussion with a small group to gather diverse opinions on a topic.

generalizability

Extent to which findings apply to other populations or settings beyond the sample.

internal validity

The degree to which observed effects are due to the manipulation of the IV rather than confounds; improved by good controls.

longitudinal design

A design collecting data from the same individuals over an extended period.

measurement

The process of quantifying an object, behavior, or cognition.

mundane realism

The degree to which a study resembles real-life situations.

observation (naturalistic vs. controlled)

Systematic recording of behavior in natural settings or controlled settings chosen by the researcher.

observation (overt vs. covert)

Overt: participants aware of being observed. Covert: participants unaware.

observation (participant vs. non-participant)

Participant: researchers interact with those observed. Non-participant: researchers do not interact.

operationalization

Defining exactly how a variable will be manipulated or measured.

opportunity sampling

Sampling of accessible individuals in the vicinity (e.g., nearby university students).

participant bias

When participants alter their behavior or responses due to awareness of being observed or study expectations.

perspective

A particular attitude or way of describing something; differences may come from approaches, gender, culture.

positivism

A philosophy emphasizing empirical evidence and scientific methods; contrasts with qualitative approaches.

prospective research

Research that follows individuals over time to investigate outcomes of specific events or conditions.

publication bias

Selective publication of results based on direction or significance, biasing the literature.

qualitative research

Collection and analysis of textual or verbal data to explore meaning; uses interviews/observations; analyzed with thematic analysis.

quantitative research

Collection and analysis of numerical data to examine relationships; uses statistics to test hypotheses and infer conclusions.

random sampling

Probabilistic method where every member of the population has an equal chance of selection.

reflexivity

Researcher's awareness of their own perspectives, biases, and values and how these influence the research process and findings.

epistemological reflexivity

Reflecting on how the research process and methodology may have influenced results or conclusions.

personal reflexivity

Reflecting on the researcher's own biases and values may have influenced results or conclusions.

rich data

Data with depth, nuance, and context.

reliability

Consistency of measurements; a reliable measure yields similar results under similar conditions.

researcher bias

When a researcher's values or expectations influence design, data collection, or interpretation of findings.

responsibility

Duty to participants or animals; researchers also have social responsibility to communicate uncertainty and advocate for evidence-based policies.

retrospective research

Examines past events, data, or records to understand behavior; relies on historical data and memory.

sampling bias

Non-representative sample that limits generalizability of findings.

self-reported data

Data collected directly from individuals via their own accounts (surveys, questionnaires, interviews).

self-selected sampling

Non-probabilistic sampling where participants volunteer themselves by responding to advertisements.

semi-structured interview

An interview with a mix of open-ended and closed-ended questions allowing depth with some structure.

snowball sampling

Non-probabilistic method where existing participants recruit others; often used for hard-to-reach groups.

stratified sampling

Divide population into strata based on shared characteristics; sample within each stratum.

survey / questionnaire

A set of questions used to obtain information about attitudes, behaviors, personality, or values.

transferability

The extent findings can be applied or generalized to other contexts beyond the study.