Research Methodology Terms

This set of flashcards includes vocabulary terms related to research methodology and ethics.

Operationalization

The process of turning abstract concepts into measurable variables or indicators for research.

Variable

A characteristic or attribute that can take on different values and can be measured or categorized in research.

Validity

The extent to which a measurement accurately reflects the concept it is intended to measure.

Reliability

The consistency or repeatability of a measure over time or across observers.

Informed Consent

The process by which participants are fully informed about the purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits of a study and voluntarily agree to participate.

Construct Validity

The degree to which a test or tool actually measures the concept it is intended to measure.

Internal Validity

The extent to which a study shows that a change in the independent variable caused the observed change in the dependent variable, not other factors.

External Validity

The extent to which the results of a study can be generalized to other settings, people, or time periods.

Composite Measure

A measurement tool that combines multiple indicators into a single index to represent a complex concept.

Ethnography

A qualitative research method where the researcher immerses themselves in a community to observe and interpret social interactions.

IRB (Institutional Review Board)

A committee that reviews and approves research involving human subjects to ensure ethical standards are met.

Confidentiality

Protecting participants' private information so that it is not disclosed to others without consent.

Belmont Report

A foundational document outlining ethical principles for research with human subjects: Respect for Persons, Beneficence, and Justice.

Hypothesis

A testable statement predicting the relationship between two or more variables.

Literature Review

A comprehensive survey of existing research and theories related to the topic of study.

Concept

An abstract idea or general notion (like 'poverty' or 'freedom') that researchers aim to study or define.

Anonymity

Means the participant's identity is unknown even to the researcher.

Confidentiality

Means the identity is known but protected.

Debriefing

Informing participants about the true purpose and methods of a study after it concludes, especially if deception was used.

Social Desirability Bias

The tendency of respondents to answer questions in a way that will be viewed favorably by others.

Reflexivity

The practice of researchers critically reflecting on how their own background, values, and presence influence the research process.