Types of Quantitative Research and Topic Development

Vocabulary flashcards covering major concepts from the lecture notes on quantitative research types and topic development.

Descriptive research

Aims to define the current condition of a variable; answers who/what/when/where/how; does not explain why; observational; often starts after data gathering and cannot prove/disprove a hypothesis.

Correlational research

Investigates the degree of relationship between two or more variables using statistical data; conducted in natural settings; does not involve manipulation.

Survey research

Gathers information on knowledge, opinions, attitudes, and values; mainly quantitative; data collected through methods including personal interviews.

Personal interview

Face-to-face method for gathering survey data; considered the most valuable method for surveys.

Independent variable

The variable that is deliberately manipulated to test its effect on the dependent variable.

Dependent variable

The outcome variable measured to assess the effect of the independent variable.

Natural setting

A real-world environment where variables are observed as they occur, not in a laboratory.

Manipulated variable

An independent variable that researchers actively change or control.

Experimental research

True experimentation using the scientific method to establish cause-and-effect; involves control, manipulation of the independent variable, and often random assignment.

Random assignment

Assigning participants to groups by chance to ensure equivalence between groups.

Quasi-experimental (causal-comparative) research

Investigates cause-effect relationships without random assignment or full manipulation; compares existing groups.

Observational methods

Research methods that involve watching and recording behavior or phenomena as they occur, without intervention.

Topic (research topic)

A subject or topic of interest for research; should sustain interest over the study period.

Area of inquiry

The scope or domain from which a topic is drawn; helps focus the research.

Narrow topic

A topic that is specific and focused enough to be manageable.

Too broad topic

A topic that covers too wide a scope, making the research unfocused.

Brainstorming

A collaborative idea-generation process to generate potential research topics; should align with the researcher’s interests.

Read, Read and Read

Extensive literature review to assess available sources and identify gaps.

Research gaps

Unanswered questions or underexplored areas in prior studies; guide new research and help avoid topic replication.

Working title

A preliminary title guiding the study; helps identify variables and direction; may change as research progresses.

Keywords

Core terms drawn from the topic used to search literature and guide writing.

Draft sentences (with keywords)

Initial sentences that incorporate keywords to form the basis of the research statement.

Research background

An in-depth overview of the topic, prior studies, and relevant information to justify the research questions.

Research problem statement

Concise integrated discussion of the problem, its context, and the research questions; part of the introduction.

Research questions

Specific questions the study aims to investigate; may be descriptive, comparative, evaluative, explanatory, or exploratory.

Descriptive research questions

Questions describing patterns or single, noncomplex variables; may quantify or categorize.

Comparative research questions

Questions that compare groups or variables to identify differences.

Evaluative research questions

Questions that assess a program, process, or phenomenon against a model or theory.

Explanatory research questions

Questions that explain or predict relationships and how one variable affects another.

Explorative research questions

Questions that identify characteristics or details related to observed events or phenomena.

Focused and Direct (title characteristic)

A title should be direct and include the variables and field of inquiry.

Formal (title characteristic)

A title should have a formal tone and avoid abbreviations, jargon, or colloquial terms unless central to the study.

Brief but Substantial (title characteristic)

A title should be concise (around 16 words) yet contain essential information.

Clear (title characteristic)

A title should be understandable even to those unfamiliar with the field.

Proper Grammar and Capitalization (title characteristic)

A title should follow grammar rules and capitalization conventions.