Research and Survey Methodology Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering foundational concepts of conducting surveys and writing academic research papers.

Survey

A research method for collecting information from a group of people, called respondents, by asking them questions via a questionnaire or interview.

Respondents

The group of people from whom information and sample answers are collected in a survey.

Pilot Test

A trial run of a survey conducted with a small group to find and fix confusing questions before full deployment.

Likert Scale

A survey rating format that measures the respondent's level of agreement with a statement, commonly using a 1 to 5 scale from strongly disagree to strongly agree.

Double-Barreled Question

A flawed survey question that improperly combines two different questions or ideas into one.

Leading Question

A biased survey question phrased in a way that pushes or influences the respondent toward a particular answer.

Cross-Sectional Survey

A survey in which data is collected only once, at a single point in time.

Longitudinal Survey

A survey in which the same group of respondents is surveyed repeatedly over a period of time.

Census

A survey that collects data from every single member of a target population.

Sample Survey

A survey that collects data from only a selected portion or subset of the target population.

Random Sampling

A sampling method where every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected, ensuring fairness and better representation.

Convenience Sampling

A sampling method that selects respondents who are easiest to reach or nearby, which may fail to represent the whole group.

Reliability

The quality of a research instrument that consistently yields the same results each time it is administered.

Validity

The extent to which a research tool actually measures the specific concept it was intended to measure.

Data Privacy Act (RA 10173)

The legal regulation governing the protection and confidentiality of personal data gathered from respondents during research.

Research

A careful and organized process of asking a question, gathering information (data), studying it, and reaching an evidence-based conclusion that others can check.

Abstract

A 150-250 word summary of a research paper outlining the problem, methodology, results, and conclusion.

Basic Research

Research conducted primarily to build knowledge and understanding without any immediate practical application.

Applied Research

Research aimed directly at solving a practical, real-life problem.

Quantitative Research

Research that gathers, analyzes, and presents evidence using numbers, counts, and statistical calculations.

Qualitative Research

Research that gathers and interprets non-numerical data such as words, personal experiences, and themes.

Mixed Methods Research

A research design that integrates both quantitative (numerical) and qualitative (textual) data collection and analysis.

Descriptive Research

A research method that observes and accurately describes the current characteristics of a group or situation as it exists.

Correlational Research

A research method that investigates whether a relationship exists between two variables without manipulating them.

Experimental Research

A research method that actively alters or introduces one factor and compares groups to determine cause and effect.

Marie Curie

A pioneering researcher in physics and chemistry who discovered polonium and radium, introduced the term radioactivity, and became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize.

Radioactivity

A scientific term introduced by Marie Curie describing the energetic radiation emitted by unstable minerals such as uranium and pitchblende ore.