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Scientific Method
A systematic, organized series of steps ensuring maximum objectivity and consistency in researching a problem.
Hypothesis
A speculative statement about the relationship between two or more variables.
Variable
A measurable trait or characteristic that can change.
Independent variable
The variable that is manipulated to test its effects on the dependent variable.
Dependent variable
The variable that is measured or observed to assess the effect of the independent variable.
Correlation
A relationship between two variables; however, correlation does not imply causation.
Causal logic
A process of reasoning that aims to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
Random sample
A sample where each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.
Validity
The extent to which a test measures what it claims to measure.
Reliability
The consistency of results obtained from a study or measurement.
Control variable
A factor that is held constant to test the impact of the independent variable.
Ethnography
The study of an entire social setting through extended systematic fieldwork.
Secondary analysis
Research techniques that use previously collected and publicly accessible information.
Content Analysis
A research method for systematically analyzing the content of communication.
Confidentiality
A principle that ensures personal information is kept private.
Value Neutrality
The obligation of researchers to remain impartial and avoid biases in their work.
Mean
The average of a set of values.
Mode
The most common value in a data set.
Median
The midpoint value when a data set is ordered.
Participant observation
Collecting information by being part of the group being studied.
Unobtrusive observation
Collecting information without intervening or influencing the group being studied.
Experimental group
The group that receives the treatment or condition being tested.
Control group
The group that does not receive the treatment; used for comparison.
