Research Methodology Basics

These flashcards cover key concepts and terms related to research methodology, particularly focusing on qualitative and quantitative approaches.

What is research?

A systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting qualitative or quantitative data to understand a social phenomenon and answer a research question.

Systematic

Research follows a step-by-step, logical process.

Data-driven

Relies on collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data.

Dimensions of Research

Six aspects that frame and focus a study: Why?, How?, Where?, What?, Who?, When?

Goal of Research

To answer the research question based on existing knowledge and observations.

Literature Review

A systematic examination of existing research to motivate the research, provide context, and justify methods.

Inductive Reasoning

An approach that moves from specific observations to broader generalizations and theories.

Deductive Reasoning

Starts with a general theory or hypothesis and tests it with specific data.

Qualitative Research

Focuses on exploring and understanding human experiences and social phenomena.

Quantitative Research

Emphasizes numerical data and statistical analysis to test hypotheses and establish relationships between variables.

Phenomenology

A research design that focuses on understanding the essence of a lived experience or phenomenon.

Ethnography

In-depth study of a culture-sharing group, requiring immersion in the culture.

Case Study

A detailed account of a bounded system or event, often using various data collection methods.

Action Research

A research approach where participants actively engage in the research process to address specific community problems.

Purposive Sampling

Selecting participants who can provide rich, in-depth information about the phenomenon under study.

Snowball Sampling

Recruiting initial participants who refer others that meet the study criteria.

Reliability

The consistency of a measurement across different instances.

Validity

The extent to which a test measures what it is supposed to measure.

Qualitative Data Analysis

A method of examining non-numerical data to discover themes and patterns.