Research Methodology and Ethics

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards derived from lecture notes on research methodology and ethics, preparing students for exams.

Theory

A systematic framework for understanding phenomena.

Description

A function of theory that explains a phenomenon.

Exclamation

Clarifies how essential components of a theory work.

Prediction

Expectation of numeric values based on causal relationships.

Control

Practical application of theory to manage phenomena.

Basic Research

Research aimed at creating knowledge, based on theory.

Applied Research

Research designed to solve immediate problems or develop products.

Research Procedure

An objective process for collecting and evaluating data.

Hypothesis

An expectation about events based on assumed relationships between variables.

Induction

Reasoning from specific observations to general conclusions.

Deduction

Applying general theories to specific observations.

Variable

A characteristic that can vary in a study.

Independent Variable

The variable that is manipulated to see its effect on the dependent variable.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured to assess the effect of the independent variable.

Research Ethics

Standards that guide the conduct of research.

Autonomy

The ethical principle of self-determination in research participation.

Informed Consent

Participants' agreement with full awareness of the research's purpose and risks.

Confidentiality

Protection of personal information in research.

Reliability

The consistency of a measure across different occasions.

Validity

The degree to which a test measures what it claims to measure.

Sampling Error

The degree to which a sample differs from the population.

Random Sampling

A method of selecting a sample to ensure every member has an equal chance.

Qualitative Method

Research method focused on understanding meaning and experiences.

Quantitative Method

Research method focused on numerical data and statistical analysis.

Focus Group

An unstructured discussion with a small group to gather insights.

Fieldwork

The study of individuals in their natural environment.

Ethnography

Research method involving prolonged exposure to a group's life.

Central Tendency

Statistical measure representing the center of a data set.

Mean

Arithmetic average of a set of values.

Median

The middle value that separates the higher half from the lower half of a data set.

Mode

The most frequently occurring value in a data set.

Variance

A measure of the dispersion of a set of data points.

Standard Deviation

A measure of the amount of variation or dispersion in a set of values.

Correlation

A statistic that describes a linear relationship between two variables.

Null Hypothesis

A statement asserting no relationship or effect exists.

Research Hypothesis

A statement predicting a relationship or effect will occur.

Directional Hypothesis

A hypothesis predicting the direction of the relationship.

Non-Directional Hypothesis

A hypothesis predicting a relationship exists without specifying the direction.

Longitudinal Studies

Research observing the same subjects over multiple time periods.

Cross-Sectional Studies

Research measuring variables at a single point in time.

Panel Studies

Longitudinal studies using the same sample to observe changes.

Trend Studies

Longitudinal studies examining different samples over time.

Cohort Studies

Longitudinal studies with different samples sharing a common trait.

Pilot Study

A small preliminary study to test feasibility and design.

Artifact

A distortion or error affecting the outcome of a research study.

External Validity

The extent to which findings can be generalized to other contexts.

Internal Validity

The degree to which a study accurately tests the hypothesis without confounding factors.

Measurement Error

The discrepancy between the actual value and the value obtained through measurement.

Construct Validity

The extent to which a test measures the intended theoretical construct.

Face Validity

Subjective assessment of whether a test appears to measure what it claims.

Predictive Validity

The ability of a measure to predict future outcomes.

Concurrent Validity

The degree to which test results correlate with measures known to be valid.

Confounding Variables

Variables that may influence the outcome due to their relationship with both independent and dependent variables.

Statistical Controls

Methods of adjusting for confounding variables in analysis.

Qualitative Data

Non-numeric information collected in research.

Quantitative Data

Numerical information collected in research.

Descriptive Statistics

Summarizes and describes the main features of a dataset.

Inferential Statistics

Methods used to make generalizations and predictions about a population based on sample data.

Sampling Methods

Techniques for selecting individuals from a population for study.

Operational Definition

A clear statement of how a variable is measured.

Meta-analysis

A statistical analysis that combines the results of multiple studies.

Significance Level

The probability threshold at which results are deemed statistically significant.

Research Design

The overall strategy used to integrate the different components of the study.

Theoretical Framework

A structure that can hold or support a theory and connects various concepts.

Ethical Approval

Required permission from an ethics committee to conduct research.

Collaborative Research

Joint research efforts between multiple individuals or institutions.

Data Triangulation

Using multiple methods or data sources to enhance research validity.

Research Limitations

Factors that limit the ability to generalize findings from a study.

Bias

An inclination or prejudice for or against one person or group, often in a way considered to be unfair.

Sample Size Determination

The process of deciding the number of observations or replicates to include in a statistical sample.

Statistical Significance

Indicates the likelihood that a relationship between two or more variables is caused by something other than random chance.

Opt-In Consent

Participants voluntarily agreeing to take part in research.

Harm Principle

Ethical principle stating researchers must avoid causing harm to subjects.

Content Analysis

Systematic examination of communication material.

Reliability Coefficient

A measure of consistency among multiple assessments.

Variable Control

The act of keeping variables constant to isolate effects.

Research Outcomes

The results or findings produced from conducting research.

Methodological Rigor

The strict application of scientific methods to ensure validity and reliability.

Random Assignment

Randomly allocating participants to different groups in a study.

Survey Ethics

Ethical considerations specific to conducting surveys.

High-Quality Questionnaire

A survey instrument that is clear, concise, unbiased, and effective in data collection.

Deception in Research

Withholding information about the study's purpose or procedures.