Video Lecture: Research Methodology - Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts from the lecture on scientific inquiry, research methods, epistemology, induction and deduction, and the scientific method.

Scientific method

A process of asking a question and initiating a systematic, step-by-step procedure to obtain valid answers.

Systematic process

A structured sequence of steps established by scholars to ensure accuracy and valid conclusions.

Reliability

Consistency of measurements or findings; reliability and validity are related concepts in research.

Validity

The extent to which a measurement or conclusion accurately reflects the object of study; includes several types (e.g., internal, external, measurement validity).

Conceptual definition

The abstract, theoretical meaning of a concept.

Operational definition

How a concept is measured or manipulated in a study.

Level of measurement

Categories for classifying variables (e.g., nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio) used in analysis.

Random sampling

A method of selecting participants so that each member of the population has an equal chance of inclusion.

Epistemology

The philosophy of how we know things and acquire knowledge.

Tenacity (tenacity knowledge)

Knowledge based on what has always been believed or what has repeatedly been observed to be true.

Intuition

Knowledge based on personal insight or self-evidence; often described as gut feeling or reasoned judgment.

Authority

Knowledge based on trusted sources or authorities (e.g., experts, professors, elders).

Science

Knowledge based on objective analysis and theory, with truth sought through a series of objective analyses and self-correction.

Induction

Reasoning that starts from numerous observations to form a general conclusion or theory.

Deduction

Reasoning that applies a general theory to specific cases to derive conclusions.

Hypothetico-deductive method

A scientific approach that combines induction and deduction, using testable hypotheses and empirical testing to advance knowledge.

Public nature of science

Scientific findings must be openly available and replicable so others can test and validate them; self-correction depends on this openness.