Research_Methods_2_-_Summary__1_

Research Cycle

A systematic process of inquiry that involves identifying a problem, reviewing literature, designing research, collecting data, analyzing data, and disseminating findings.

Paradigm

A set of beliefs that shapes the way you make sense of the world.

Positivism

A scientific paradigm that assumes an external objective reality is understandable through objective findings.

Post-positivism

An extension of positivism acknowledging that understanding of reality is imperfect and approximate.

Critical Theory

A paradigm that focuses on historical structures shaping change and emphasizes social critique.

Constructivism

A paradigm that views reality as constructed by human intellect and constantly evolving.

Qualitative Methodologies

Research approaches that emphasize understanding the meaning and experience of participants, often through interviews and observations.

Quantitative Methodologies

Research approaches that aim to quantify data and typically involve statistical analysis.

Epistemology

The study of knowledge and justified belief; how we come to know what we know.

Ontology

The philosophical study of the nature of being, existence, or reality.

Methodology

The systematic plan detailing the methods used in a research study.

Reliability

The consistency of a research study or measuring test.

Validity

The degree to which a study accurately reflects or assesses the specific concept that it is intended to measure.

Saturation

The point at which no new information is being obtained from data collection.

Thick Description

A detailed narrative that captures the complexities of social phenomena.

Ethnography

Research method involving immersive observation and participation in a community to gain insights into its social dynamics.

Emic Approach

An insider's perspective that emphasizes understanding cultural context from within.

Etic Approach

An outsider's perspective that analyzes a culture using external criteria.

Thematic Analysis

A method for identifying, analyzing, and reporting themes found within qualitative data.

Triangulation

The use of multiple methods or data sources in qualitative research to enhance credibility.

Fieldnotes

Notes taken during or after field observations that record what has been observed.

Informed Consent

An ethical obligation to disclose information to participants regarding the nature and purpose of the research.

Participant Observation

A research method where the researcher immerses themselves in the community being studied.

Linear Regression

A statistical method used to understand the relationship between a dependent variable and one or more independent variables.

Independent Variable

The variable that is manipulated or changed in an experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured in an experiment; it is affected by changes in the independent variable.

Nominal Variables

Categorical variables without a specific order; examples include gender and blood type.

Ordinal Variables

Categorical variables with a defined order; examples include education level and satisfaction ratings.

GIS (Geographic Information System)

A computer system for collecting, analyzing, and visualizing spatial data.

Raster Data Model

A representation of geographic data using a grid of cells, where each cell contains a value representing a specific attribute.

Vector Data Model

A representation of geographic data that uses points, lines, and polygons to denote spatial features.

Zonal Statistics

Calculation of statistics (e.g., mean, sum) for areas defined by a vector or raster dataset.

Participant Observer

A researcher who takes part in the daily life of the people being studied while observing their behavior.