Thinking Like a Researcher: An Engaged Introduction to Communication Research Methods

A collection of vocabulary flashcards to assist with understanding key concepts in communication research methods.

Measurement

The process of turning social behavior into numerical values to analyze data.

Variable

Any characteristic or quality that can vary, such as the amount of time students spend reading a newspaper.

Operational Definition

A specific description of how a variable is measured or defined in a research study.

Conceptual Definition

A verbal description of a concept or variable, often resembling a dictionary definition.

Self-Report Measurement

A method in which respondents provide information about their own behaviors or opinions.

Observational Data

Data collected by observing behaviors or actions in a specific setting.

Existing Data

Information that is already collected and available for use in research, often used for analysis.

Representative Sample

A sample that accurately reflects the characteristics of the larger population from which it is drawn.

Bias in Sampling

Systematic errors that occur when a sample does not represent the target population accurately.

Empirical Question

A question that can be answered through observation or experimentation, often requiring data analysis.

Sampling Error

Random variations that occur when a sample fails to perfectly represent the population.

Descriptive Statistics

Statistical methods that summarize and describe the main features of a dataset.

Correlation

A statistical measure that describes the extent to which two variables are related or change together.

Hypothesis Testing

A method used to determine whether there is enough statistical evidence to support a specific hypothesis.

Qualitative Research

Research that focuses on understanding human behavior through observation, interviews, and analysis of textual data.

Quantitative Research

Research that deals with numbers and statistics, often involving measurement and analysis of variables.