Quantitative Research Midterm

Pearson’s r/correlation coefficient

A measure that describes the strength and direction of the linear relationship between two variables. Ranges from -1 to +1.

Triangulation

A method used in research to validate results by combining multiple data sources, methods, or perspectives, enhancing the credibility of findings.

Objective/quantitative research

Emphasizes measurements, explanation, and generalization of human behavior. It relies on numerical data and statistical analysis to draw conclusions.

Interpretive/qualitative research

Emphasizes individual understanding, the complexity of human behavior, and uniqueness. It focuses on the meanings and interpretations individuals attach to their experiences, often using methods like interviews and observations.

Research

The discovery of answers to questions through the application of scientific and systematic procedures. 

Construct

An operationalized concept.

Operationalization

Defines a concept in a way that makes it observable and measurable. 

Variable

A symbol or concept that can take on more than one value.

Deduction

Theory framework → empirical data. This process moves from general principles to specific conclusions, and this assesses whether a theory is correct. 

Induction

Empirical data → theory. This process moves from specific instances to general principles, and is used to generate new theories. 

Abduction

Empirical data → possible causes. This process involves identifying a surprise/anomaly, then finding the best possible explanation.

Metatheory

A theory about a theory.

Ontology

Study on the nature of reality.

Epistemology

Study on the nature of knowledge.

Confidentiality

Participant information is controlled to the degree that it is not revealed to others.

Anonymity

There is no identifying information attached to data.

Debriefing

A moment where researchers interact with participants immediately following the research activity.

Informed consent

A potential participant agrees to participate in a research project after they have been given some basic information about the study.

Institutional review board

Reviews proposed research to ensure ethical and scientific principles. Also meant to protect human subjects.

Literature review

The framework of the research investigation, which interprets, integrates, and analyzes the relevant published literature. 

Relevant information

Provides insight on your research interest.

Quality information

Is credible, reliable, and written to scholarly standards.

Measurement

A process that includes everything a researcher does to arrive at numerical estimates.

Nominal data

Describe the presence or absence of some characteristic or attribute. Any value imposed is arbitrary. 

Continuous level data

Can be measured on a continuum/scale. Includes ordinal, interval, and ratio data. 

Ordinal data

Elements are ranked from high to low or low to high.

Interval data

Is measured based on specific numerical values.

Likert-type scales

Provide a statement and ask participants to indicate the degree to which they agree or disagree.

Semantic differential scales

Ask participants to locate the meaning they ascribe to a stimulus.

Ratio data

Similar to interval, but includes a true zero point.

Validity

Data has this if it measures what you want it to measure.

Reliability

Data has this if it is stable, dependable, and performs consistently.

Content validity

Items represent the full range of characteristics associated with the construct.

Criterion-related validity

One measurement can be linked to some other external measurement.

Predictive validity

Data has this if participants’ responses to a questionnaire actually predict their behavior.

Construct validity

The degree to which a test or measurement accurately assesses the theoretical concept.

Internal reliability

How consistently the items within a single measurement tool measure the same underlying construct or trait.

Test-retest reliability

Measures the consistency of a test over time by administering it to the same people on numerous occasions. 

Standard deviation

A measure of how data varies from the mean.

Z-score

Measures how many standard deviations a data point is from the mean.