Research Methodology Lecture Notes Flashcards

These flashcards provide a comprehensive vocabulary review of the Research Methodology lecture, covering sampling methods, data types, ethics, and research tools.

Purpose of Research

The specific goals of conducting research, which include: to advance knowledge, to increase understanding, to educate others, and to inform practice.

PICOT Scaffold

A framework used to identify a specific area of interest: P - Population of interest, I - Issue of interest, C - Comparison between variables, O - Outcome of the comparison, T - Time.

Research Question

A problem question or statement that one proposes to test throughout research, usually a positive statement of what the researcher expects to find out.

Hypothesis

A statement that stipulates or predicts that a relationship among or between at least two variables in a given population exists, putting the research question into a testable form.

Sampling

The process of choosing the people, place, and time to collect primary data.

Sample

A subset of the population selected for measurement, observing, or questioning so as to provide statistical information about the population.

Simple Random Sampling

A method where the researcher is not discriminatory, and everyone in the population has an equal chance of being chosen.

Systematic Sampling

A sampling method involving selecting one number at random and then choosing additional numbers at evenly spaced intervals.

Stratified Random Sampling

A method where the population is divided into strata groups to ensure a more balanced reputation in each group and that they can be compared in similar proportions to the whole population.

Cluster Sampling

A method that involves dividing the population into clusters and making a random selection within those clusters; it can be subject to bias.

Convenience Sampling

A method involving randomly selecting people from the population who are easy to access, which typically results in the lowest credibility.

Purposive Sampling

A non-probability sampling method where individuals are selected because they are expected to be representative of the population or when researchers seek a specific group.

Quota Sampling

A non-probability sampling method where individuals are selected based on specific traits, such as age or marital status.

Snowball Sampling

A sampling technique where a few individuals are selected initially, and they kemudian identify other individuals with the same characteristics to be included.

Expert Sampling

A sampling method where individuals who have expertise or can make informed judgments about the subject are selected.

Primary Data

Information collected firsthand by the researcher directly by observing behaviour or asking people questions through methods like interviews, case studies, or questionnaires.

Secondary Data

Data based on findings of others, found in reports, records, literature reviews, or readily available statistical investigations.

Qualitative Data

Subjective data that collects facts and information regarding people’s beliefs, feelings, attitudes, and opinions to understand the 'why' and 'how'.

Quantitative Data

Objective data relating to, measuring, or measured by the quantity of something rather than its quality; often presented in statistics or percentages.

Reliability

The consistency of measurement; if a research method can be used again under the same conditions with the same subjects and obtain similar results.

Validity

A measurement that accurately reflects what it is intended to measure, ensuring accuracy of data and suitable methodology.

RIPBias

An acronym for the ethical considerations a researcher must make: Respect, Integrity, Privacy, and Bias.

Respect (Ethics)

Ensuring no harm comes to individuals, using non-offensive wording, gaining consent, and treating participants with consideration for their culture, health, and experiences.

Integrity (Ethics)

The requirement for the researcher to remain honest, truthful, and accountable for data without changing or suppressing findings, including the acknowledgement of sources.

Privacy (Ethics)

Protecting participants through confidentiality and anonymity, which involves asking for permission, labeling responses with numbers/letters, and carefully storing data.

Bias (Ethics)

The influence of personal values; researchers must remain objective in methods, implementation, and interpretation of results.

Questionnaires

A form of survey consisting of a series of questions used to gather qualitative or quantitative data regarding a person's knowledge, beliefs, or feelings.

Case Studies

A written summary of a detailed investigation of an issue or topic of inquiry used as a tool for the preliminary, exploratory stage of research.

Observations

A method involving systematically recording behaviours and interactions that occur in a group within a particular context; can be participant or non-participant.

Hawthorne Effect

A phenomenon where the researcher's presence may influence the group dynamics, interactions, or behaviours being observed.

Interviews

A form of survey where the researcher asks one or more people questions to gather in-depth information, conducted one-on-one or in focus groups of $3$ to $8$ people.

Literature Reviews

An examination of existing research that involves summarising the views, opinions, and findings of other researchers to provide background information.